King James Version
What Does 2 Corinthians 10:6 Mean?
“And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
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:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience.**—The idiom, *having in a readiness,* is perhaps, somewhat too archaic, and it might be better to render *being ready,* or *holding ourselves ready.* The words that follow imply the thought that those with which the verse opens were somewhat too unqualified. When he spoke of “avenging all disobedience,” he was not thinking of those to whom he writes, and whose repentance and obedience had filled him with so much joy (2Corinthians 7:6-13), but only of the rebellious remnant. He would wait till all had obeyed who were willing to obey. He does not indicate what form of vengeance he thought of taking, but we may think of some such severe discipline as that indicated by “delivering to Satan,” in 1Corinthians 5:5; 1Timothy 5:20, with a view, if it were possible, to their ultimate restoration. (Comp. 2Corinthians 13:3-10.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
2 Corinthians 2:9
→Numbers 16:26-30
→2 Corinthians 7:15
→2 Corinthians 13:2
→1 Corinthians 5:3-5
→Acts 5:3-11
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge