2 Corinthians 10:15
What does 2 Corinthians 10:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:15 means
Paul refuses to boast in work done by others. His hope is that as the Corinthians’ faith grows, his ministry will be enlarged among them. Their maturity would free him to press into new fields, and their esteem for him would be fitting recognition of his rightful role. He ties personal influence to the church’s spiritual health, not to self-promotion. As they deepen in faith, the scope of his service increases “according to our province,” that is, within the limits God has assigned. Growth in the congregation and growth in mission belong together in his vision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not taking credit to ourselves for what is not our business, that is, for the work of others; but having hope that, with the growth of your faith, we may get the credit for an increase which is the effect of our work,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not boasting of the things not measured, in other men's labours, and having hope--your faith increasing--in you to be enlarged, according to our line--into abundance,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not glorying beyond measure in other men's labours: but having hope of your increasing faith, to be magnified in you according to our rule abundantly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not boasting out of measure in other people's labours, but having hope, your faith increasing, to be enlarged amongst you, according to our rule, yet more abundantly
Context
Verse 14 affirmed Paul’s foundational work at Corinth. Verse 15 adds a principle: no boasting in others’ labors, coupled with a hope that their faith’s expansion will magnify his ministry appropriately. This flows into verse 16, where the ultimate aim emerges—to preach the gospel beyond Corinth, not to trade on ready-made successes. The sequence shows Paul’s balance: faithfulness at home, maturity in the church, and then advance to unreached areas, all without illegitimate claims.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 5:13
But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them;
- 2 Corinthians 10:13
But 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.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
- 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;
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