2 Corinthians 10:8
What does 2 Corinthians 10:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:8 means
Paul allows that he could boast more about his authority, but he underlines its source and aim: the Lord gave it, and it exists to build up, not tear down. He says he will not be put to shame for affirming this, because the fruit of his ministry supports it. This reframes authority as stewardship. In Corinth, some wielded influence for self-promotion; Paul’s authority serves the church’s edification. He is not apologizing for leadership but defining it rightly. Bold language is justified when it protects and strengthens the flock under God’s commission, not when it exalts the leader’s image.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For though I might take pride in our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for your destruction), it will not be a cause of shame to me:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for even if also anything more abundantly I shall boast concerning our authority, that the Lord gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I shall not be ashamed;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For if also I should boast somewhat more of our power, which the Lord hath given us unto edification and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For and if I should boast even somewhat more abundantly of our authority, which the Lord has given [to us] for building up and not for your overthrowing, I shall not be put to shame;
Context
After insisting on his belonging to Christ (verse 7), Paul clarifies the nature of his authority in verse 8. This sets a gracious boundary: any “boasting” he does is about God-given stewardship for their good. Verse 9 will ensure they do not misunderstand his strong letters as an attempt to intimidate. Verses 10–11 will cite and answer the criticism about his presence and speech. The flow affirms authority, then softens any misreading of tone, then addresses the specific charge directly.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 13:8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
- 2 Timothy 1:12
For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
- 2 Corinthians 12:6
For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.
- Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.
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