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 conveys the foundational truth that true spiritual and ministerial validation comes not from human self-promotion or self-praise, but solely from the commendation of the Lord Jesus Christ. It debunks the idea that outward appearances, rhetorical skill, or personal boasting can certify one's worth in God's sight, emphasizing that divine approval is the only genuine measure of authenticity.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Context

The tenth chapter of 2 Corinthians marks a significant shift in Paul's letter. He begins to address his opponents in Corinth more directly and assertively, defending his apostolic authority and ministry. These opponents, often referred to as "super-apostles" or "false apostles," were likely itinerate preachers who boasted in their worldly credentials, oratorical skills, and outward displays, perhaps even possessing commendation letters from other groups. They disparaged Paul's unimpressive physical presence, plain speaking, and apparent lack of these conventional markers of authority, claiming he was bold only in his letters, not in person. Paul, in this section, meticulously distinguishes between genuine apostolic authority rooted in God's power and human-centric claims. Verse 18 serves as a summary and conclusion to his argument against judging based on human standards and a powerful affirmation of the only valid source of commendation: God Himself. It sets the stage for his subsequent "foolish" boasting, where he boasts only in his weaknesses and in what the Lord has done.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A causal conjunction, indicating that this verse provides the reason or explanation for Paul's preceding statements about measuring and commending oneself. It connects back to the criticism of judging based on appearances (2 Cor 10:7) and setting oneself up as a standard (2 Cor 10:12).
• it is not the one who commends himself: Paul here addresses the very issue he has been battling—the self-appointed validation of his adversaries.
  • commends (ἐπαινῶν - epainōn): Literally means "praising," but in this context, it carries the weight of "to present as worthy," "to approve," or "to recommend." When applied to oneself, it denotes self-admiration or self-promotion, which Paul deems invalid.
  • himself (ἑαυτὸν - heauton): Emphasizes the ego-driven, self-initiated nature of the commendation, devoid of external, particularly divine, endorsement. It's a closed-loop system of self-validation.
• who is approved (δόκιμος - dokimos): This is a crucial term. It signifies "tested and found genuine," "proven authentic," "accepted," or "of recognized worth." It comes from the metallurgical process of testing metals for purity (e.g., gold or silver by fire) to discern whether they are counterfeit or true. Thus, a person who dokimos is someone whose character, ministry, or faith has passed divine scrutiny and proven to be authentic, not merely an outward show. This contrasts sharply with adokimos, which means "disapproved" or "rejected."
• but the one whom the Lord commends: This clause provides the antithesis and the definitive standard for true approval.
  • the Lord (ὁ κύριος - ho Kyrios): Here refers specifically to Jesus Christ, embodying divine authority and ultimate judgment. It shifts the source of validation from human perception or self-assertion to divine, omniscient judgment.
  • commends (συνίστησιν - synistēsin): This word means "to stand together with," "to present," "to recommend," or "to demonstrate the worth of." Unlike epainōn, synistēsin carries the idea of an external agent establishing the authenticity or worth of another. When the Lord synistēsin, it signifies a divine endorsement that is unimpeachable and ultimate, revealing true character and service.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "not the one who commends himself... but the one whom the Lord commends": This direct contrast highlights the central theological point: human judgment, particularly self-judgment or self-boasting, is flawed and irrelevant in God's kingdom. Divine judgment, however, is infallible and final. Paul is challenging the worldly metrics of success and validity preferred by his opponents and redirecting focus to God's ultimate evaluation. The implication is that seeking human praise or validating oneself ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness, while seeking and receiving the Lord's commendation leads to true and lasting worth.

2 Corinthians 10 18 Bonus section

The principle in 2 Corinthians 10:18 is vital for spiritual discernment in judging teachers and leaders today. Many can articulate impressive visions, project strong personalities, or command large followings, but Paul reminds us that the true test lies in divine approval, not human charisma or the ability to "commend oneself." This also serves as a warning against measuring personal success in ministry by human metrics like numbers, fame, or material wealth. God’s standard is often hidden and involves the faithfulness and humility He values in the heart, rather than outward show. It challenges individuals to examine their own motivations: are they serving for human praise or divine commendation?

2 Corinthians 10 18 Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:18 succinctly captures a core principle of genuine Christian ministry and discipleship: worth is not determined by human applause or self-declaration, but by the infallible judgment of the Lord. Paul rejects the superficial standards of his opponents—their boasts, self-commendation, and letters of recommendation—as ultimately meaningless. True validation (being dokimos) comes only after God's scrutiny. He implies that while outward appearances might impress men, God sees the heart and truly knows who is authentic and genuinely serving Him. Therefore, spiritual maturity and effective service are characterized not by self-promotion or seeking worldly recognition, but by a humble dependence on God's approval and an unwavering focus on His commendation. This serves as a vital guard against spiritual pride, hypocrisy, and ministries built on human charisma rather than divine enablement. It reminds believers to consistently seek to live and serve in a way that will be "approved by God," valuing His "well done" above all else.