1 Corinthians 9:2
What does 1 Corinthians 9:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 9:2 means
Even if some elsewhere refuse to acknowledge him as an apostle, the Corinthians cannot reasonably do so. They are the “seal” of his apostleship—like an official stamp that verifies a document’s authenticity. Their faith, gifts, and church order did not spring up by chance; God used Paul to plant and water among them. This is not manipulation; it is simple evidence. By pointing to their transformation, Paul shows that God has validated his ministry among them. The fruit of grace in their lives is a visible confirmation that he truly serves as Christ’s apostle, with real spiritual authority and responsibility toward them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If to others I am not an Apostle, at least I am one to you: for the fact that you are Christians is the sign that I am an Apostle.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if to others I am not an apostle--yet doubtless to you I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if unto others I be not an apostle, but yet to you I am. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If I am not an apostle to others, yet at any rate I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in [the] Lord.
Context
Following his opening questions, Paul narrows the focus to his relationship with the Corinthians. If others question his status, they should not, because they themselves are proof of his work. This strengthens the personal dimension of his defense before he states it plainly in verse 3. With their shared history in view, he is ready to discuss specific rights he possesses and why he has chosen to waive them for the gospel’s progress.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 3:1
Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you?
- 2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.
- John 6:27
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.
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