King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:16 in the King James Version says “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....” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

2 Corinthians 10:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you (εἰς τὰ ὑπερέκεινα ὑμῶν εὐαγγελίσασθαι)—Hyperekeina (ὑπερέκεινα, "beyond") reflects Paul's pioneering missionary vision. He consistently sought unreached regions (Rom 15:20, 23), driven by the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). Corinth, properly matured, could launch Paul's mission to Spain (Rom 15:24, 28) and other western regions. Euangelisasthai (εὐαγγελίσασθαι, "to preach the gospel") defines apostolic purpose—proclamation to those who've never heard.

And not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand (οὐκ ἐν ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι εἰς τὰ ἕτοιμα καυχήσασθαι)—Allotrίō kanoni (ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι, "another's sphere/field") reiterates the boundary principle. Hetoima (ἕτοιμα, "things prepared/ready-made") critiques those who harvest where others planted. Paul's opponents built on his foundation (1 Cor 3:10), claiming credit for his labor. Paul rejects this parasitic model—true apostolic ministry pioneers new ground, not exploits existing work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The false teachers likely arrived with impressive credentials, claiming superior apostleship. They built their influence in an established church (Corinth), avoiding the hardship of pioneer evangelism. This contrasts Paul's pattern: enduring shipwreck, beatings, deprivation to reach unreached peoples (11:23-28). Their comfort-seeking exposes false calling; genuine apostleship embraces suffering to advance the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's commitment to pioneer evangelism 'beyond' existing work challenge comfortable Christianity that harvests where others planted?
  2. What unreached peoples or regions has God positioned you to reach with the gospel through your unique gifts, resources, or relationships?
  3. How can you avoid the temptation to build your reputation on 'ready-made' work (established ministries, existing disciples) rather than pioneering new gospel work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
εἰς1 of 13

“in”

G1519

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

τὰ2 of 13
G3588

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

ὑπερέκεινα3 of 13

“the regions beyond”

G5238

above those parts, i.e., still farther

ὑμῶν4 of 13

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εὐαγγελίσασθαι5 of 13

“To preach the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

οὐκ6 of 13

“and not”

G3756

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

ἐν7 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

ἀλλοτρίῳ8 of 13

“another man's”

G245

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

κανόνι9 of 13

“line”

G2583

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

εἰς10 of 13

“in”

G1519

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

τὰ11 of 13
G3588

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

ἕτοιμα12 of 13

“things made ready to our hand”

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

καυχήσασθαι13 of 13

“to boast”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

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 10:16 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 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:24-28Acts 19:21

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