King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:14 in the King James Version says “For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you als... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

2 Corinthians 10:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. line: or, rule


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you (οὐ γὰρ ὡς μὴ ἐφικνούμενοι εἰς ὑμᾶς ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς)—Hyperekteinomen (ὑπερεκτείνομεν, "overextend/stretch beyond") refutes the charge of overreaching. Paul didn't invade someone else's mission field—he founded the Corinthian church, so ministering there is entirely legitimate. Ephiknoumenoi (ἐφικνούμενοι, "reaching/arriving") emphasizes actual presence and labor, not merely distant claims.

For we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ (ἄχρι γὰρ καὶ ὑμῶν ἐφθάσαμεν ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Ephthasamen (ἐφθάσαμεν, "we arrived/came") is aorist, emphasizing completed action: Paul personally brought the gospel to Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). En tō euangeliō (ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, "in the gospel") specifies the content and authority of his ministry. Paul's legitimacy rests on being Christ's appointed apostle who personally evangelized Corinth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul spent 18 months in Corinth (Acts 18:11), establishing the church from nothing. His opponents were intruders who "entered into other men's labors" (John 4:38)—claiming authority in a church they didn't plant. Paul's pioneering work gave him unique apostolic rights and responsibilities toward the Corinthian congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's insistence that he personally 'reached' Corinth with the gospel challenge leaders who claim authority without doing the hard work of evangelism and discipleship?
  2. What does it mean to minister 'in the gospel of Christ' rather than in human wisdom, personal charisma, or organizational structures?
  3. When have you witnessed leaders overreaching beyond their legitimate sphere of authority, and what damage resulted?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐ1 of 19

not

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 19

For

G1063

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

ὡς3 of 19

our measure as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μὴ4 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐφικνούμενοι5 of 19

though we reached

G2185

to arrive upon, i.e., extend to

εἰς6 of 19

unto

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς7 of 19

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὑπερεκτείνομεν8 of 19

beyond

G5239

to extend inordinately

ἑαυτούς9 of 19

ourselves

G1438

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

ἄχρι10 of 19

as far as

G891

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

γὰρ11 of 19

For

G1063

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

καὶ12 of 19

also

G2532

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

ὑμῶν13 of 19

to you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐφθάσαμεν14 of 19

we are come

G5348

to be beforehand, i.e., anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at

ἐν15 of 19

in

G1722

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

τῷ16 of 19
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ17 of 19

preaching the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ19 of 19

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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