Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:16

What does 2 Corinthians 10:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:16 means

Paul’s goal is to preach the gospel in regions beyond Corinth, rather than to boast in work already completed by others. He is driven by pioneer mission, not by collecting accolades. This explains his restraint in boasting and his focus on the Corinthians’ growth: their stability would release him to extend the gospel further. He resists the temptation to claim credit where labor is “ready to hand.” His ambition is holy, aiming at new fronts for Christ’s name, not the consolidation of status. True apostolic zeal looks outward to places yet unreached.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

so as to preach the gospel even unto the parts beyond you, and not to glory in another’s province in regard of things ready to our hand.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

so as to preach the gospel even unto the parts beyond you, and not to glory in another’s province in regard of things ready to our hand.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that we may be able to go on and take the good news to countries still farther away than you are, and not take credit for another man's work in making things ready to our hand.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in the <FI>places<Fi> beyond you to proclaim good news, not in another's line in regard to the things made ready, to boast;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Yea, unto those places that are beyond you to preach the gospel: not to glory in another man's rule, in those things that are made ready to our hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to announce the glad tidings to that [which is] beyond you, not to be boasting in another's rule of things made ready to hand.

Context

Building on verses 13–15, verse 16 states the forward thrust of Paul’s ministry—reach beyond, not feed on others’ accomplishments. This sets the stage for the chapter’s closing maxims in verses 17–18 about proper boasting and approval. The flow moves from boundaries and history to mission purpose and then to the principle that all boasting must be in the Lord, with final approval coming from God, not self-commendation or human comparison.

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,

v.16This passage

v.17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 15:24

    whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—

  • Acts 19:21

    Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

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