King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:12 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:12 in the King James Version says “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. are: or, understand it not”

2 Corinthians 10:12 · KJV

Context

10

For his letters , say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. say they: Gr. saith he

11

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

12

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. are: or, understand it not

13

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. rule: or, line

14

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves (οὐ γὰρ τολμῶμεν ἐγκρῖναι ἢ συγκρῖναι ἑαυτούς τισιν τῶν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστανόντων)—Tolmōmen (τολμῶμεν, "we dare") is ironic: Paul "dares not" engage in the self-commendation his opponents practice. Synistanontōn (συνιστανόντων, "commending themselves") appears throughout 2 Corinthians (3:1, 4:2, 5:12, 6:4)—Paul's opponents brought letters of recommendation and boasted of their credentials. Paul refuses this game.

But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (ἀλλὰ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συγκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς οὐ συνιᾶσιν)—Metrountes (μετροῦντες, "measuring") and synkrinontes (συγκρίνοντες, "comparing") expose the folly: self-referential comparison produces inflated self-assessment. Ou syniasin (οὐ συνιᾶσιν, "they do not understand") is devastating—those who boast their wisdom lack basic understanding. True measurement compares ministry to Christ's standard and God's calling, not peer performance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman honor culture thrived on competition and comparison. Sophists competed for students and fees. Social status was relative—one's honor depended on surpassing rivals. Paul rejects this entirely: ministry isn't a competition but stewardship of divine calling. Success isn't measured by comparison to others but faithfulness to God's assigned sphere (v. 13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing yourself to other Christians—your gifts, success, influence, or maturity—lead to either pride or despair?
  2. What self-referential 'measuring sticks' do you use to evaluate your spiritual life instead of comparing yourself to Christ?
  3. Why is self-commendation inherently foolish, and what does genuine commendation from God look like (v. 18)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
οὐ1 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τολμῶμεν3 of 23

“we dare”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

ἐγκρῖναι4 of 23

“make”

G1469

to judge in, i.e., count among

ἢ5 of 23

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

συγκρίνοντες6 of 23

“among”

G4793

to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by

ἑαυτοῖς7 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

τισιν8 of 23

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτοῖς10 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

συνιστανόντων11 of 23

“that commend”

G4921

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

ἀλλὰ12 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

αὐτοὶ13 of 23

“they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν14 of 23

“by”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς15 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἑαυτοῖς16 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

μετροῦντες17 of 23

“measuring”

G3354

to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)

καὶ18 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συγκρίνοντες19 of 23

“among”

G4793

to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by

ἑαυτοῖς20 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἑαυτοῖς21 of 23

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οὐ22 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συνιοῦσιν23 of 23

“are”

G4920

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 27:2Proverbs 26:122 Corinthians 10:18Luke 18:11Romans 15:182 Corinthians 3:1

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 10 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes