2 Corinthians 10:6
What does 2 Corinthians 10:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:6 means
Paul is ready to act decisively against persistent disobedience, but he will do so when the church’s overall obedience is complete. He distinguishes between the faithful majority and the resistant few. Discipline must be measured, not rash. By waiting for the broader body to align with truth, he ensures that any judgment will be clear, just, and restorative. His readiness to “avenge” disobedience reflects apostolic authority, yet the timing shows pastoral wisdom. The goal is not to crush but to purify, dealing with opposition in a way that strengthens the church’s unity and witness once the repentant have taken their stand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Being ready to give punishment to whatever is against his authority, after you have made it clear that you are completely under his control.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and being in readiness to avenge every disobedience, whenever your obedience may be fulfilled.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be fulfilled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and having in readiness to avenge all disobedience when your obedience shall have been fulfilled.
Context
Verses 3–5 have outlined spiritual warfare and the submission of thoughts to Christ. Verse 6 concludes that section by showing how inner obedience translates into corporate order. With that foundation, Paul will turn in verses 7–11 to challenge superficial judgments and to assert consistency between his letters and his actions. The reader should see that his firmness in discipline flows from the same spiritual priorities he has just described, not from personal pique or worldly ambition.
v.5casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
v.6This passage
v.7Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 13:2
I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;
- 2 Corinthians 7:15
And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
- 2 Corinthians 13:10
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
- Numbers 16:26
And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
- Acts 13:10
and said, O full of all guile and all villany, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
- 1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 10
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 10.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the cosmic conflict Christians face against evil forces as they live out their faith.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Armor of God
Put on the full armor of God so you can stand strong against the schemes of the devil.
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.