Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:14

What does 2 Corinthians 10:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:14 means

Paul explains he is not overextending himself by claiming influence in Corinth. He and his team actually reached them with the gospel of Christ. This historical fact validates his ongoing pastoral concern. Unlike latecomers who build on established work and then claim superiority, Paul’s initial mission to Corinth proves that they fall within his God-given field. He is not intruding but tending a church he planted. This reminds the Corinthians that his authority is both divine in origin and confirmed by the gospel’s first arrival among them through his ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we have no need to make ourselves seem more than we are, as if our authority did not come as far as to you: for we came even as far as you with the good news of Christ:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for not as not reaching to you do we stretch ourselves overmuch, for even unto you did we come in the good news of the Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as if we reached not unto you. For we are come as far as to you in the Gospel of Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we do not, as not reaching to you, overstretch ourselves, (for we have come to you also in the glad tidings of the Christ;)

Context

Continuing from verse 13’s limit of boasting, verse 14 grounds Paul’s claim in history: he did bring the gospel to Corinth. This supports his right to speak strongly into their situation. Verse 15 will underscore that he avoids boasting in others’ labors, while expressing a desire for their faith to grow so that his influence might expand appropriately. The argument is cumulative: rightful field, initial planting, careful boasting, and then forward-looking mission.

v.13But 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.

v.14This passage

v.15not glorying beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors; but having hope that, as your faith groweth, we shall be magnified in you according to our province unto further abundance,

Cross references

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

  • Romans 16:25

    Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

  • 1 Corinthians 9:1

    Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

  • Romans 15:18

    For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

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