Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:24

What does 2 Corinthians 1:24 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 1:24 means

Paul clarifies his role: he is not a lord over their faith but a helper of their joy. Authority in the church serves, it does not enslave. He aims to assist their progress in glad, steadfast trust. They stand by faith; he cannot manufacture that, only encourage it. This statement guards against both heavy-handed leadership and suspicious rejection of pastoral care. The apostle’s purpose is to come alongside, not to sit above. By ending here, Paul shows that all his changes, explanations, and appeals were driven by the desire that the Corinthians stand firm and rejoice in God, not by the need to assert control.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not that we have authority over your faith, but we are helpers of your joy: for it is faith which is your support.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

not that we are lords over your faith, but we are workers together with your joy, for by the faith ye stand.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Not that we rule over your faith, but are fellow-workmen of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Context

This closing line sums up Paul’s pastoral philosophy, directly following his oath that he delayed his visit to spare them. It reframes authority as service to joy and faith, tying back to God’s comfort and faithfulness. The next chapter will continue explaining the painful dynamics of prior interactions and the aim of restoration, but this verse ensures readers interpret everything through a lens of supportive, Christlike leadership that seeks their stability and joy in believing.

v.23But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.

v.24This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 5:2

    through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • Matthew 24:49

    and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him.

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Philippians 1:25

    And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

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