2 Corinthians 10 6

2 Corinthians 10:6 kjv

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:6 nkjv

and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:6 niv

And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

2 Corinthians 10:6 esv

being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

2 Corinthians 10:6 nlt

And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 6 Meaning

2 Corinthians 10:6 signifies Paul's resolute readiness, backed by divine authority, to enact judgment or discipline against all forms of defiance within the Corinthian church. This action, however, is contingent upon the majority of the believers coming into full submission and obedience to the gospel and apostolic teaching. Paul's aim was restorative, allowing those wavering to align with truth before strong action was taken against the persistently rebellious.

2 Corinthians 10 6 Context

This verse sits within Paul's sharpest defense of his apostolic authority, primarily against "super-apostles" and factions in Corinth who challenged his legitimacy and motives. Chapters 10-13 shift tone dramatically from the reconciliation and collection discussed in earlier chapters (1-9). Paul asserts that his warfare is spiritual, not worldly (2 Cor 10:3-5), aiming to cast down human reasoning that opposes Christ. Verse 6 directly follows this assertion of spiritual warfare, stating the practical consequence: once the main body of the church—"your obedience"—has come into full alignment, the remaining, persistent "disobedience" will be decisively dealt with. The historical context reveals a divided Corinthian church, some challenging Paul's perceived weakness in person versus his boldness in letters, while others adhered to different teachers. Paul's strategic patience is key; he waits for the faithful to clearly separate from the rebellious before applying severe discipline.

2 Corinthians 10 6 Word analysis

• and being ready (καὶ ἐν ἑτοίμῳ - kai en hetoimō):

  • καὶ (kai): "and," linking this action to the spiritual warfare and demolition of arguments mentioned in previous verses.
  • ἐν ἑτοίμῳ (en hetoimō): A idiomatic phrase meaning "in readiness," "prepared," or "in the ready." It indicates a state of preparedness for action, implying a settled purpose and deliberate intent on Paul's part. This isn't an impulsive threat but a considered posture of apostolic duty. It emphasizes Paul's authority to act.

• to punish (ἐκδικῆσαι - ekdikēsai):

  • From ekdikēo, meaning "to take vengeance," "to execute justice," "to vindicate." It signifies corrective justice and righteous judgment.
  • This is not merely about retribution but about vindication of truth and apostolic authority, restoring order.
  • It can refer to ecclesiastical discipline (e.g., excommunication, shaming, public rebuke) or possibly leaving someone to the consequences of their actions or God's direct judgment, rather than physical punishment. The nature of the "punishment" would align with Paul's spiritual authority.

• every disobedience (πᾶσαν παρακοήν - pasan parakoēn):

  • πᾶσαν (pasan): "every," "all," signifying a comprehensive application – not just a select few or specific instances, but the totality of rebellion.
  • παρακοήν (parakoēn): "disobedience," "failure to hear or obey." It suggests an intentional neglect or refusal to heed instruction, especially from a legitimate authority. This is a deliberate disregard for God's truth as delivered through Paul. It specifically refers to the remaining resistance or rebellion against his apostolic authority and the true gospel among the Corinthians.

• when (ὅταν - hotan):

  • A conjunction indicating a temporal and conditional clause: "whenever," "as soon as," "when." It sets the timing for the intended action.
  • This condition is crucial, demonstrating Paul's strategic patience and pastoral heart. He would not act punitively until the pathway to genuine obedience for the majority was clear.

• your obedience (ἡ ὑμῶν ὑπακοή - hē hymōn hypakoē):

  • ὑμῶν (hymōn): "your" (plural), referring to the Corinthian church body.
  • ὑπακοή (hypakoē): "obedience," from hypo (under) and akouō (to hear), meaning "to hear under," hence "to obey." It denotes a listening that leads to submission and compliance with an authoritative word.
  • This "obedience" is not necessarily personal sinlessness but the corporate acceptance and alignment with Paul's apostolic teaching and authority, resolving the disputes and accepting his leadership.

• is complete (πληρωθῇ - plērōthē):

  • From plēroō, meaning "to make full," "to fulfill," "to complete," "to accomplish."
  • It implies reaching a necessary standard or state of maturity/fullness. In this context, it suggests that the general body of the Corinthian church has fully submitted to the true gospel and apostolic instruction, isolating the few who remained defiant. This state of completion removes the ambiguity and allows Paul to address persistent rebels without sweeping condemnation of the whole body. It shows Paul’s pastoral strategy of separation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "and being ready to punish every disobedience": This phrase underlines Paul's inherent apostolic authority to bring correction and judgment when necessary. It's an expression of judicial readiness, reflecting God's righteous character, and Paul's commitment to protecting the integrity of the church and gospel truth. The term "every disobedience" indicates that no persistent rebellion or rejection of sound doctrine would be tolerated indefinitely.
  • "when your obedience is complete": This crucial clause acts as a qualifying condition for the exercise of punitive authority. It reveals Paul's pastoral heart and strategic wisdom. He intended to separate the genuinely repentant and obedient majority from the hardened, resistant minority. The "completeness" of their obedience implies a unified front of submission to Paul's authority and teaching among the bulk of the church, thus isolating those still creating division or rejecting the gospel.

2 Corinthians 10 6 Bonus section

The concept of Paul's "readiness" to punish signifies not an impulsive act, but a divinely ordained function of his apostleship. This readiness is active even while he delays. He wielded authority for building up, not tearing down (2 Cor 13:10), implying that punishment was a last resort, aimed at ultimately securing "complete obedience" and conformity to Christ's truth. His approach shows that true spiritual authority first seeks repentance and restoration, allowing the community itself to mature in faith, before isolating and dealing decisively with incorrigible dissent. The ultimate aim was to bring the Corinthian church into a unified, healthy state under Christ, by aligning with His appointed messengers.

2 Corinthians 10 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:6 powerfully articulates Paul’s resolve to exercise his apostolic authority, not out of malice, but for the purity and order of the church. The readiness "to punish every disobedience" indicates a severe but necessary judicial action to enforce godly standards and protect the community from corrupting influences. This is framed as spiritual warfare, aimed at pulling down strongholds of human arrogance and bringing every thought captive to Christ. However, the critical phrase "when your obedience is complete" demonstrates Paul's pastoral wisdom and restraint. He desired restoration over punitive action for the general body of believers. He patiently waited for the main bulk of the Corinthian church to align themselves with his teaching and accept his legitimate authority. This strategic delay allowed the majority to demonstrate genuine submission to the truth, thereby isolating the hardened few who remained defiant. Once the loyalties were clearly distinguished, decisive action against persistent rebellion would then be both necessary and justified, preventing further spiritual harm and re-establishing order and truth within the church. It's a delicate balance of stern authority with tender, restorative patience.