King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:17 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:17 in the King James Version says “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 10:17 · KJV

Context

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
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (ὁ δὲ καυχώμενος ἐν κυρίῳ καυχάσθω)—Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, the same text cited in 1 Corinthians 1:31. Kauchōmenos (καυχώμενος, "boasting/glorying") is inevitable—humans will boast in something. The question is object: self (wisdom, strength, riches) or God (grace, calling, power). En kyriō (ἐν κυρίῳ, "in the Lord") locates legitimate boasting—not in personal achievements but in what God has accomplished through weak, dependent servants.

This verse anchors all of Paul's defensive "boasting" in chapters 10-12. He will extensively catalog his sufferings, revelations, and apostolic labors—but always to demonstrate God's power perfected in weakness (12:9), never self-commendation. Boasting "in the Lord" means glorying in divine grace that uses foolish, weak, despised instruments to accomplish mighty purposes (1 Cor 1:26-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 9:23-24 critiqued Israel's tendency to trust human wisdom, military might, or material wealth instead of knowing Yahweh. Paul applies this prophetic critique to the Corinthian infatuation with eloquent teachers, impressive credentials, and worldly status. True wisdom glories in knowing God through Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2), not human achievement.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you habitually boast in—accomplishments, possessions, relationships, intelligence—revealing where you find your deepest security and identity?
  2. How does boasting 'in the Lord' differ from religious talk that name-drops God while actually glorying in personal spirituality?
  3. What would change in your self-presentation if you genuinely boasted only in God's grace rather than personal merit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
Ὁ1 of 6
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 6

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

καυχάσθω·3 of 6

“he that glorieth”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν4 of 6

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ5 of 6

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καυχάσθω·6 of 6

“he that glorieth”

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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:23-241 Corinthians 1:31James 1:9-10Isaiah 65:16Psalms 105:31 Corinthians 1:29

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