King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:6 in the King James Version says “And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

2 Corinthians 10:6 · KJV

Context

4

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) through God: or, to God

5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; imaginations: or, reasonings

6

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (καὶ ἐν ἑτοίμῳ ἔχοντες ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν, ὅταν πληρωθῇ ὑμῶν ἡ ὑπακοή)—Ekdikēsai (ἐκδικῆσαι, "to avenge/punish") denotes judicial retribution, not personal revenge. Paul stands ready to exercise apostolic discipline against false teachers, but only after the congregation demonstrates obedience. Parakoen (παρακοήν, "disobedience") is the opposite of hypakoē (v. 5)—willful rebellion against apostolic authority.

This verse reveals Paul's pastoral wisdom: he delays confronting false teachers until the congregation's loyalty is secured. Once the Corinthians submit to apostolic authority, Paul will address the infiltrators. The sequence matters—establish corporate obedience before exercising corrective discipline. Paul's authority is for edification (v. 8), not personal vindication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Apostolic authority included power to discipline (1 Cor 5:3-5, Acts 5:1-11, 13:11). Paul's delay in exercising this authority wasn't weakness but strategic pastoral care—winning the congregation's allegiance before confronting opponents. This reflects Christ's patient forbearance, delaying judgment until repentance is offered (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's readiness to discipline—only after corporate obedience is established—model wise pastoral leadership versus authoritarian control?
  2. When is patience with disobedience pastoral forbearance, and when does it become dereliction of shepherding duty?
  3. What does this verse teach about the relationship between corporate obedience and leadership's responsibility to confront false teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

ἑτοίμῳ3 of 12

“a readiness”

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

ἔχοντες4 of 12

“having”

G2192

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

ἐκδικῆσαι5 of 12

“to revenge”

G1556

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

πᾶσαν6 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

παρακοήν7 of 12

“disobedience”

G3876

inattention, i.e., (by implication) disobedience

ὅταν8 of 12

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

πληρωθῇ9 of 12

“is fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ὑμῶν10 of 12

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἡ11 of 12
G3588

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

ὑπακοή12 of 12

“obedience”

G5218

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2:9Numbers 16:26-302 Corinthians 7:152 Corinthians 13:21 Corinthians 5:3-5Acts 5:3-11

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