King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:13 in the King James Version says “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

2 Corinthians 10:13 · KJV

Context

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:

15

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly , enlarged: or, magnified in you

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us (ἡμεῖς δὲ οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς μέτρου)—Ametra (ἄμετρα, "unmeasured/boundless things") contrasts with metron (μέτρον, "measure") and kanon (κανών, "rule/standard"). Kanōn originally denoted a measuring rod or boundary marker. Paul's "sphere" (the Gentile mission, Gal 2:7-9) was divinely assigned, not self-assumed. He boasts only within God's assigned field of labor.

A measure to reach even unto you (ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν)—Corinth fell within Paul's divinely-appointed sphere. Ephikesthai (ἐφικέσθαι, "to reach/arrive at") proves Paul's legitimate authority over the Corinthian church—he founded it (1 Cor 3:6, 10, 4:15), unlike the false teachers who invaded another's field (v. 15-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman surveying established clear property boundaries using measuring rods (kanōn). Trespassing violated law and honor. Paul applies this: God assigned spheres of ministry, and invading another's field demonstrates covetousness and lack of divine calling. The Jerusalem council confirmed Paul's Gentile mission (Acts 15, Gal 2:7-9), establishing his legitimate authority over Gentile churches like Corinth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern God's specific calling for your life versus attempting ministries outside your gifting or sphere of influence?
  2. What does Paul's respect for divinely-assigned boundaries teach about avoiding comparison, competition, or encroachment on others' ministries?
  3. When have you been tempted to 'boast of things without measure'—taking credit for work you didn't do or authority you don't possess?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἡμεῖς1 of 23

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ2 of 23

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐχι3 of 23

“not”

G3780

not indeed

εἰς4 of 23

“of things without”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ5 of 23
G3588

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

ἄμετρα6 of 23

“our measure”

G280

immoderate

καυχησόμεθα7 of 23

“boast”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἀλλὰ8 of 23

“but”

G235

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

κατὰ9 of 23

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ10 of 23
G3588

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

μέτρου11 of 23

“a measure”

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

τοῦ12 of 23
G3588

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

κανόνος13 of 23

“of the rule”

G2583

a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)

οὗ14 of 23

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐμέρισεν15 of 23

“hath distributed”

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

ἡμῖν16 of 23

“to us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ὁ17 of 23
G3588

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

θεὸς18 of 23

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μέτρου19 of 23

“a measure”

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

ἐφικέσθαι20 of 23

“to reach”

G2185

to arrive upon, i.e., extend to

ἄχρι21 of 23

“unto”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

καὶ22 of 23

“even”

G2532

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

ὑμῶν23 of 23

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 10:13 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 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:6Romans 15:201 Peter 4:102 Corinthians 10:14-15Ephesians 4:7Romans 12:3

Test Your Knowledge

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