Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:18

What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:18 means

Paul ends by stating the decisive test of approval: not the one who commends himself, but the one whom the Lord commends. Human self-praise and closed-circle endorsements cannot establish true legitimacy. God’s verdict matters. This brings the whole chapter to its point: spiritual warfare, authority for edification, refusal to compare, and mission beyond—all stand or fall before the Lord’s assessment. Paul rests his case there. He seeks the Corinthians’ recognition, but ultimately he serves under God’s eye. This final word summons both Paul’s critics and supporters to humility, accountability, and trust in the Lord’s judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the Lord's approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself, but on the Lord's opinion of him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for not he who is commending himself is approved, but he whom the Lord doth commend.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For not he who commendeth himself is approved: but he, whom God commendeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Context

This closing verse caps the argument. Having turned away from human comparison and confined boasting to the Lord (verse 17), Paul now grounds approval in God’s commendation. It wraps together the chapter’s themes: divine power versus fleshly methods, authority to build up, integrity between word and deed, and mission within God-given limits. With that frame set, the next chapters will continue Paul’s defense and exhortation, but readers are left here with the essential standard by which all ministry must be weighed—God’s own approval.

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

v.18This passage

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 10:12

    For 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.

  • Proverbs 27:2

    Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.

  • Romans 16:10

    Salute Apelles the approved in Christ. Salute them that are of the household of Aristobulus.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:4

    but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

  • John 12:43

    for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.

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