2 Corinthians 10:7 kjv
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
2 Corinthians 10:7 nkjv
Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.
2 Corinthians 10:7 niv
You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
2 Corinthians 10:7 esv
Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.
2 Corinthians 10:7 nlt
Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.
2 Corinthians 10 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:8 | For even if I boast a little… I shall not be put to shame. | Continuation of argument |
| 1 Cor 1:31 | “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” | Boasting in God |
| Gal 6:4 | But let each one test his own work, and then he will have reason to boast… | Self-examination |
| Phil 3:3 | For we are the true circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God… | True worship in the Spirit |
| Phil 3:4 | though I myself have reasons for confidence in the flesh also. | Contrast fleshly confidence |
| Rom 2:28-29 | For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly… but a Jew is one inwardly… | True circumcision inward |
| Matt 23:5-7 | They do all their deeds to be seen by others… They love the place of honor… | Hypocrisy, love of prominence |
| Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled… | Humility rewarded |
| John 5:41 | I do not accept praise from men. | Jesus' humility, not seeking human praise |
| John 5:44 | How can you believe when you accept praise from one another and seek no praise… | Seeking human approval |
| 1 Thess 2:4 | But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel… | Approved by God |
| 1 Pet 5:6 | Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up… | God's exalting of the humble |
| Prov 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. | Wise counsel against self-praise |
| Titus 3:8 | The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that… | Faithfulness to the gospel |
| 1 Cor 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am… | Grace enabling all |
| 2 Cor 3:5 | Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to even think a good thing as from… | Sufficiency from God |
| 2 Cor 12:9-10 | My grace is sufficient for you… For when I am weak, then I am strong. | Strength in weakness, God's power |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom… | Proclaiming Christ |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you… | Power from the Holy Spirit |
| Matt 7:15-16 | Beware of false prophets… You will recognize them by their fruits. | Discernment by fruit, not outward show |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets… for the equipping of the saints… | God-given roles in the church |
| Acts 4:12 | And there is no salvation in no one else… | Exclusivity of Christ |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 7 Meaning
Verse 7 highlights a critical principle for believers: true spiritual authority originates from God, not from outward appearances or self-proclaimed greatness. It warns against boasting in oneself and emphasizes that genuine faith is recognized by God, not merely by human perception. This verse encourages humility and reliance on God's validation for spiritual leadership and actions.
2 Corinthians 10 7 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 10 continues Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry, directly confronting individuals who were challenging his authority and undermining his teachings in Corinth. These opponents, often termed "super-apostles" or false apostles, were using a different standard of judgment, likely based on outward appearances, eloquence, and perhaps even personal charisma or credentials. They were contrasting themselves with Paul, perhaps implying his inferiority due to his less impressive physical presence or oratorical style. Paul, in this chapter, switches from a gentle approach to a more assertive stance, using "weapons of warfare" that are "not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (v. 4). He exposes the inadequacy of humanly devised standards for evaluating spiritual leadership and work.
2 Corinthians 10 7 Word Analysis
- εἰ (ei): If. This introduces a conditional clause.
- δέ (de): But, and. A conjunction that connects clauses, often showing contrast or addition.
- τις (tis): Anyone, some. An indefinite pronoun, referring to any person.
- τολμᾷ (tolmai): dares, presumes. From the verb τολμάω (tolmaō), indicating courage or boldness, here used ironically for those who presume to have reason to boast in themselves.
- εἰς (eis): unto, in, into. A preposition indicating direction or the object of an action.
- ἑαυτὸν (heauton): himself, herself, itself. A reflexive pronoun.
- ὅτι (hoti): because, that. A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, often stating the reason for something.
- πρῶτος (prōtos): first, before others. An adjective indicating preeminence or primary status.
- I *(This seems like an error or incomplete word from input, assuming it refers to the pronoun implied by context)
Word Group Analysis
- εἰ δέ τις τολμᾷ (ei de tis tolmā): "If anyone dares." This phrase sets up a hypothetical situation, acknowledging that some may presume to have a basis for boasting.
- εἰς ἑαυτὸν ὅτι (eis heauton hoti): "in himself that." This structure emphasizes boasting in oneself, rather than in God or his accomplishments through divine enablement.
- πρῶτος, (Implied: he is not to be judged): The implied continuation suggests that if someone boasts in themselves and claims priority or superiority based on that, they lack a proper basis for such claims because their true worth is hidden and judged by God.
2 Corinthians 10 7 Bonus Section
The concept of boasting in the Old Testament, often found in Psalms, frequently refers to praising God or exulting in His works. This contrasts sharply with the negative connotation of boasting in oneself, which is a common theme of wisdom literature, like Proverbs, condemning pride and arrogance. The "flesh" mentioned in contrast to divine power relates to human capabilities, limitations, and prideful nature. The reference to "first" points to the self-imposed hierarchies and claims of superiority that were plaguing the Corinthian church, likely associated with specific teachings or perceived spiritual gifts possessed by certain individuals who contrasted themselves with Paul. This verse is a foundational statement on spiritual humility and the proper source of true authority and recognition.
2 Corinthians 10 7 Commentary
This verse is a sharp rebuke against self-reliance and pride in one's perceived spiritual or personal standing. Paul addresses those in Corinth who were elevating themselves by their own standards, seeking recognition and superiority from people rather than God. He implies that if anyone believes they have a reason to boast in their personal attributes or accomplishments as being "first" or superior, this very act reveals their flawed perspective. Their boast is not founded on God's approval, but on their own assessment, which is ultimately unreliable and misleading. True worth and leadership are validated by God, not by self-proclamation or human consensus. This emphasizes that one’s identity and value are established by divine acknowledgment, not by personal pride or the acclaim of others.