Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:17

What does 2 Corinthians 10:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:17 means

Paul concludes with a guiding principle: if anyone is going to boast, let it be in the Lord. Any true achievement in ministry is God’s gift and work. This trims pride and redirects praise to its proper source. It also frees servants from insecurity, since worth is anchored in God’s favor, not in human rankings. By invoking this standard, Paul places all claims—his and his opponents’—under the same light. The only safe glorying is gratitude and confidence in what the Lord has done and is doing. Self-centered boasting has no place in Christ’s service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But whoever has a desire for glory, let his glory be in the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who is boasting--in the Lord let him boast;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he that boasts, let him boast in the Lord.

Context

After explaining his God-assigned sphere and mission to regions beyond (verses 13–16), Paul anchors evaluation of ministry in a timeless rule in verse 17. This prepares the final statement in verse 18 about true approval. The movement is intentional: right boundaries, right aims, and then right boasting. The Corinthians are to recalibrate their judgments by this principle so that they honor God’s work rather than human image-making.

v.16so 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.

v.17This passage

v.18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 41:16

    Thou shalt winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in Jehovah, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    that no flesh should glory before God.

  • Psalms 106:5

    That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, That I may glory with thine inheritance.

  • James 1:9

    But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:

  • Romans 5:11

    and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

  • Psalms 105:3

    Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.

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