2 Corinthians 10 8

2 Corinthians 10:8 kjv

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

2 Corinthians 10:8 nkjv

For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed?

2 Corinthians 10:8 niv

So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

2 Corinthians 10:8 esv

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

2 Corinthians 10:8 nlt

I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 8 Meaning

The Apostle Paul asserts that his authority to build up the church is divinely granted by the Lord, not solely for destruction. This authority is foundational to his ministry and is specifically intended for the edification of believers.

2 Corinthians 10 8 Context

This verse appears in the tenth chapter of Second Corinthians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. Paul is addressing challenges to his apostolic authority from certain individuals within the Corinthian church. These opponents seem to have been undermining Paul's ministry, possibly through subtle criticism and misrepresentation of his character and message. Chapter 10 particularly contrasts Paul's spiritual warfare with the worldly tactics of his critics. He defends his authoritative stance not as an act of arrogant self-promotion, but as a divine enablement given for the spiritual welfare and growth of the believers.

2 Corinthians 10 8 Word Analysis

• "But" (ἀλλὰ - alla): A conjunction expressing contrast. It signals a shift from the potential boasting mentioned previously or an implied boasting by opponents to Paul's actual basis for authority.
• "we" (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Pronoun referring to Paul and likely his companions.
• "will boast" (καυχήσομαι - kauchesomai): Future indicative of καυχάομαι (kauchaomai), meaning "to boast, glory in." This is a key term Paul uses carefully, distinguishing his legitimate boasting in the Lord from empty worldly boasting.
• "somewhat more" (τι - ti, πλέον - pleon): Together they indicate a degree or extent, suggesting that his boasting might seem excessive to some, but he is justifying it.
• "freely" (ἐλευθέρως - eleutherōs): Adverb meaning "freely, without restraint." This conveys his readiness to speak openly about his authority.
• "concerning" (ὑπὲρ - huper): Preposition that can mean "concerning, about, beyond, for." Here, it indicates the subject matter of his boasting, which is in behalf of or concerning his authority.
• "our authority" (τῆς ἐξουσίας - tēs exousias): Article and noun. ἐξουσία (exousia) means "authority, power, right, permission." This refers to the divinely delegated authority Paul exercised in his apostolic ministry.
• "which" (ἥν - hēn): Relative pronoun connecting the authority to its purpose.
• "the Lord" (κύριος - kurios): Title for God, especially in the Greek Old Testament and for Jesus in the New Testament.
• "gave" (ἔδωκεν - edōken): Perfect tense of δίδωμι (didōmi), "to give." Emphasizes a past giving with a continuous effect.
• "us" (ἡμῖν - hēmin): Dative pronoun, the recipients of the gift of authority.
• "for" (εἰς - eis): Preposition often indicating purpose or direction, "unto, for, to."
• "building" (οἰκοδομήν - oikodomēn): Noun meaning "building, structure, edification, upbuilding." This is a crucial concept in Pauline theology, referring to spiritual growth and strengthening.
• "you" (ὑμῶν - hymin): Pronoun referring to the Corinthian believers.

Phrase/Passage Analysis:

• "our authority, which the Lord gave us": This phrase clearly attributes the source of Paul's authority to God, not to himself or human appointment. It is a divinely sanctioned power. This directly contrasts with the apparent claims of his opponents, who might have derived their standing from other sources or perceived themselves as having inherent authority. The giving of authority for "building you" is paramount.
• "for building you": This specifies the purpose of the authority. It is not for domination or destruction, but for positive spiritual construction and growth. This is a central theme in 1 Corinthians as well, particularly regarding spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:26).

2 Corinthians 10 8 Bonus Section

The concept of "building up" (oikodomē) is a recurring motif in Paul’s epistles. It speaks to the construction of the spiritual body of Christ, the church. Just as physical buildings are strengthened and beautified by skilled builders, believers are spiritually built up through the Word, prayer, fellowship, and the exercise of spiritual gifts according to their God-given purpose. Paul’s assertion here is a defense against any accusation that his authoritative actions were meant to diminish or break down the Corinthian church. Instead, they were precisely calibrated by divine wisdom for their positive spiritual development, reflecting the constructive nature of God's kingdom. The Greek term for "authority" (exousia) carries connotations of permission and intrinsic right, further underscoring that Paul's actions were not simply forceful impositions but divinely authorized actions within his spiritual jurisdiction.

2 Corinthians 10 8 Commentary

Paul clarifies that his assertions of authority are grounded in a commission from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. This authority is not arbitrary or self-appointed; it is a divine endowment with a specific purpose: the spiritual edification of the Corinthian believers. While he admits his boasting might seem extensive, he emphasizes its legitimate basis in God’s grant of power for building them up in their faith, rather than for their destruction or shame. This points to a ministry focused on strengthening, not on tearing down, aligning with Christ’s own mission.

Practical Usage Examples:

• Church Leaders: A pastor or elder exercises their God-given authority to guide, teach, and discipline members, with the ultimate aim of spiritual growth and maturity for the congregation.
• Mentorship: A seasoned Christian can use their spiritual maturity and knowledge to mentor a younger believer, building them up in understanding and practice of faith.
• Speaking into Lives: Christians are encouraged to use their words constructively, to encourage and strengthen others, aligning with the principle of edification.