2 Corinthians 10:12-16

Paul’s Mission

10:12 For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. ¹  10:13 But we will not boast beyond certain limits, ²  but will confine our boasting ³  according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, ⁴  that reaches even as far as you. 10:14 For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ. ⁵  10:15 Nor do we boast beyond certain limits ⁶  in the work ⁷  done by others, but we hope ⁸  that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded ⁹  among you according to our limits, ¹⁰  10:16 so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

[10:12]  ¹ tn Or “they are unintelligent.”

[10:13]  ² tn Or “boast excessively.” The phrase εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα (ei" ta ametra) is an idiom; literally it means “into that which is not measured,” that is, a point on a scale that goes beyond what might be expected (L&N 78.27).

[10:13]  ³ tn The words “will confine our boasting” are not in the Greek text, but the reference to boasting must be repeated from the previous clause to clarify for the modern reader what is being limited.

[10:13]  ⁴ tn Grk “according to the measure of the rule which God has apportioned to us as a measure”; for the translation used in the text see L&N 37.100.

[10:14]  ⁵ tn Grk “with the gospel of Christ,” but since Χριστοῦ (Cristou) is clearly an objective genitive here, it is better to translate “with the gospel about Christ.”

[10:15]  ⁶ tn Or “boast excessively.” The phrase εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα (ei" ta ametra) is an idiom; literally it means “into that which is not measured,” that is, a point on a scale that goes beyond what might be expected (L&N 78.27).

[10:15]  ⁷ tn Or “in the labors.”

[10:15]  ⁸ tn Grk “but we have the hope.”

[10:15]  ⁹ tn Or “greatly enlarged.”

[10:15]  ¹⁰ tn That is, Paul’s work might be greatly expanded within the area of activity assigned to him by God.