2 Corinthians 10 18

2 Corinthians 10:18 kjv

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

2 Corinthians 10:18 nkjv

For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18 niv

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18 esv

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18 nlt

When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 18 Meaning

This verse emphasizes that the true commendation for a believer does not come from self-praise or the approval of others, but rather from the Lord. It highlights that God is the ultimate judge and source of true validation, and it is His approval that ultimately matters.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 10 addresses Paul's ministry and authority, which had been challenged by some within the Corinthian church. These opponents likely employed worldly standards of power and rhetoric, contrasting with Paul's emphasis on spiritual strength found in weakness and reliance on God. In this particular verse, Paul concludes his argument by re-centering the source of genuine commendation and approval, shifting the focus from human validation to divine acceptance. The chapter before, chapter 9, discusses the offering for the saints, demonstrating practical love and stewardship. Chapter 11 continues with Paul defending his apostolic credentials further.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Word Analysis

• "not the one who commends" (Gk: "ouk estin ho synistasēn"):

  • ouk (οὐκ): A strong negation, meaning "not" or "no."
  • estin (ἐστιν): Third person singular present indicative of eimi (εἰμί), meaning "is."
  • ho (ὁ): The definite article "the."
  • synistasēn (συνιστῶν): Present participle, middle or passive voice, of synistēmi (συνίστημι). The verb synistēmi can mean to commend, to introduce, to bring together, or to form. Here, in the context of self-commendation or commendation from others, it signifies endorsement, approval, or a testimony to someone's worth or legitimacy. Paul asserts that he is not the one whose approval is the decisive factor.

• "who commends himself" (Gk: "heauton synistōn"):

  • heauton (ἑαυτόν): Reflexive pronoun, meaning "himself" or "herself." Paul rejects self-recommendation, aligning with a principle seen elsewhere in his letters (e.g., 1 Cor 4:3). This points to the unreliability and arrogance of self-praise.

• "but the one whom the Lord commends." (Gk: "all' on Kyrios synistēsin"):

  • all' (ἀλλ’): Contraction of alla (ἀλλά), a conjunction meaning "but," introducing a strong contrast.
  • on (ὃν): Relative pronoun, accusative masculine singular of hos (ὅς), meaning "whom."
  • Kyrios (Κύριος): The Lord, referring to God or Jesus Christ, the ultimate authority and judge.
  • synistēsin (συνίστησιν): Third person singular present indicative, active voice, of synistēmi. Here, it signifies the Lord's act of endorsing, approving, or bearing testimony to someone. This is the true and ultimate source of validation.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • The contrast is sharp: "not the one who commends himself, but the one whom the Lord commends." This places the ultimate source of true worth and approval firmly in the hands of God. It dismisses human boasting and self-sufficiency in favor of divine recognition. It reflects the teaching that true greatness is recognized by God, not necessarily by the world or even by oneself.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "whom the Lord commends" is a powerful counterpoint to the vainglorious self-promotion that was present in Hellenistic culture and likely in the Corinthian church as well. It echoes the teaching of Jesus that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matt 20:16) – a principle where divine valuation often overturns human hierarchy and perception. This verse encourages humility and perseverance, reminding believers that their work and service are seen by God, regardless of human recognition or lack thereof. It also subtly criticizes those who rely on their own qualifications or external markers of status, asserting that true spiritual standing is conferred by the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Commentary

Paul’s concluding statement in this section redirects the focus from human disputes and arguments to divine assessment. He argues that any commendation is ultimately meaningless unless it originates from God. This reflects a consistent theme in his theology: reliance on God's strength and God's approval over human effort or validation. In the context of the Corinthian church, where Paul's apostolic authority was questioned, he turns the tables, suggesting that true validation is not about who can boast the loudest or present the most compelling arguments according to worldly standards, but about who is recognized and affirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ. This applies to leaders and believers alike, encouraging a perspective that values God's approval above all else, and understanding that genuine ministry and service will ultimately be affirmed by Him.

• Practical usage: When feeling undervalued or facing criticism, remember that God is the ultimate judge and His approval is what matters most. Focus on serving Him faithfully rather than seeking praise from others or from oneself.