Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:10

What does 2 Corinthians 6:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:10 means

Paul describes the Christian paradox at full stretch. He often feels sorrow, yet joy persists because it is anchored in God, not circumstances. He is materially poor, yet through the gospel he “makes many rich” by imparting spiritual treasures—knowing God, forgiveness, hope. He possesses little outwardly, yet in union with Christ he “possesses all things,” since God’s promises and presence are his inheritance. These pairs summarize a life that is simultaneously afflicted and abundant. The world sees lack; faith sees fullness. Such testimony commends the gospel by displaying a joy and wealth the world cannot produce or take away.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

As full of sorrow, but ever glad; as poor, but giving wealth to others; as having nothing, but still having all things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

as sorrowful, and always rejoicing; as poor, and making many rich; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as grieved, but always rejoicing; as poor, but enriching many; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

Context

This verse concludes the catalogue of paradoxes (vv. 8–10), capping Paul’s defense of his ministry’s authenticity. It shifts the reader’s gaze from outward conditions to inward realities grounded in God. With his integrity established, Paul moves in verses 11–13 to a tender relational appeal for the Corinthians to open their hearts to him. That appeal then becomes the launch point for the call to separation from entangling partnerships in verses 14–18, so that their affections may be undivided for God.

v.9as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

v.10This passage

v.11Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 5:41

    They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

  • Hebrews 10:34

    For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

  • Romans 11:12

    Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

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