2 Corinthians 10:13
What does 2 Corinthians 10:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:13 means
Paul sets a boundary for boasting: he will glory only within the measure God has assigned, a sphere that indeed reaches to the Corinthians. He recognizes divine appointment over his ministry geography and responsibility. This is not false humility; it is ordered stewardship. By stating that God apportioned him a field including Corinth, he answers the charge that he has overreached. His confidence is not territorial pride but obedience to a commission. Faithfulness means working hard in the area God has given, rather than inflating influence or claiming credit where others have labored.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We will not give glory to ourselves in over-great measure, but after the measure of the rule which God has given us, a measure which comes even to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we in regard to the unmeasured things will not boast ourselves, but after the measure of the line that the God of measure did appoint to us--to reach even unto you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we will not glory beyond our measure: but according to the measure of the rule which God hath measured to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now we will not boast out of measure, but according to the measure of the rule which theGod of measure has apportioned to us, to reach to you also.
Context
Verse 12 rejected comparison games. Verse 13 offers the alternative: acknowledge God’s assigned sphere and stay within it. This reassures the Corinthians that Paul’s authority genuinely includes them, countering opponents who may have challenged his right to speak there. Verses 14–16 will expand this point—Paul did indeed bring the gospel to them and does not boast in others’ work, while also expressing hopes to reach regions beyond. The flow defines rightful boasting and clarifies Paul’s mission strategy.
v.12For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.
v.13This passage
v.14For we stretch not ourselves overmuch, as though we reached not unto you: for we came even as far as unto you in the gospel of Christ:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 25:14
As clouds and wind without rain, So ishe that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
- Romans 12:6
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
- Romans 15:20
yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;
- Matthew 25:15
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.
- Isaiah 28:17
And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place.
- 2 Corinthians 10:14
For we stretch not ourselves overmuch, as though we reached not unto you: for we came even as far as unto you in the gospel of Christ:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 10
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 10.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the cosmic conflict Christians face against evil forces as they live out their faith.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Armor of God
Put on the full armor of God so you can stand strong against the schemes of the devil.
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.