King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:15 in the King James Version says “Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increas...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

2 Corinthians 10:15 · KJV

HopeFaith

Context

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

17

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours (οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι ἐν ἀλλοτρίοις κόποις)—Allotriois kopois (ἀλλοτρίοις κόποις, "other men's labors") exposes the false teachers' method: invading established churches and claiming credit for others' work. Kopois (κόποις, "labors/toils") emphasizes exhausting work—Paul's pioneering evangelism and church-planting contrasted with his opponents' parasitic exploitation of existing congregations.

But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly (ἐλπίδα δὲ ἔχοντες, αὐξανομένης τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, ἐν ὑμῖν μεγαλυνθῆναι κατὰ τὸν κανόνα ἡμῶν εἰς περισσείαν)—Auxanomenēs (αὐξανομένης, "being increased") envisions spiritual maturity enabling Paul to expand his mission. Megalynthēnai (μεγαλυνθῆναι, "to be enlarged/magnified") suggests the Corinthians becoming a base for further gospel advance. As they mature, they'll support (financially and prayerfully) Paul's pioneering work in unreached regions (v. 16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's missionary strategy prioritized pioneer evangelism in unreached areas (Rom 15:20-24). He hoped established churches would become sending bases for further missions. Corinth's strategic location and relative wealth positioned it to support gospel expansion, but their immaturity (strife, division, tolerating sin) hindered this. Paul longs for their growth to enable wider ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does claiming credit for others' work—in ministry, business, or relationships—reveal pride and undermine genuine kingdom collaboration?
  2. What 'enlargement' of ministry might God be waiting to grant until you mature in faith and faithfulness?
  3. How can your church move from consuming resources on internal concerns to becoming a sending base for gospel advance in unreached areas?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οὐκ1 of 24

“Not”

G3756

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

εἰς2 of 24

“abundantly”

G1519

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

τὰ3 of 24
G3588

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

ἄμετρα4 of 24

“our measure”

G280

immoderate

καυχώμενοι5 of 24

“boasting”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν6 of 24

“by”

G1722

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

ἀλλοτρίοις7 of 24

“other men's”

G245

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

κόποις8 of 24

“labours”

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

ἐλπίδα9 of 24

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

δὲ10 of 24

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔχοντες11 of 24

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

αὐξανομένης12 of 24

“is increased”

G837

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

τῆς13 of 24
G3588

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

πίστεως14 of 24

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν15 of 24

“when your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν16 of 24

“by”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν17 of 24

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

μεγαλυνθῆναι18 of 24

“that we shall be enlarged”

G3170

to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol

κατὰ19 of 24

“according”

G2596

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

τὸν20 of 24
G3588

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

κανόνα21 of 24

“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)

ἡμῶν22 of 24

“to our”

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς23 of 24

“abundantly”

G1519

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

περισσείαν24 of 24
G4050

surplusage, i.e., superabundance

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 10:15 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 10:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:202 Thessalonians 1:32 Corinthians 10:13Acts 5:13

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