King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:7 in the King James Version says “Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself t... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 10:7 · KJV


Context

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:

9

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? (τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε)—Paul challenges superficial evaluation of ministry. Kata prosōpon (κατὰ πρόσωπον, "according to face/appearance") critiques judging by external credentials, rhetorical polish, or physical presence rather than spiritual fruit and divine appointment. The Corinthians valued what impresses the eye; God examines the heart (1 Sam 16:7).

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—Paul doesn't deny his opponents belong to Christ but asserts equal (actually superior) apostolic credentials. Pepoithen (πέποιθεν, "trust/confidence") appears repeatedly in chapters 10-13, contrasting self-confidence with God-dependence. Paul's logic: if belonging to Christ validates ministry, then Paul—whose conversion and apostolic commission are unquestionable—has equal or greater legitimacy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Corinth valued external appearance, social status, and rhetorical impressiveness. Letters of recommendation, family pedigree, and association with influential teachers established credibility. Paul rejected these markers, insisting divine calling and Spirit-empowered fruit validate ministry, not worldly credentials. His opponents likely boasted impressive human qualifications Paul deliberately lacked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What external qualifications—education, eloquence, personality, success—do you use to evaluate spiritual leaders instead of examining their Christ-conformity and spiritual fruit?
  2. How does judging ministry by 'outward appearance' perpetuate worldly values in the church?
  3. When have you mistaken someone's polished presentation for spiritual authority, or dismissed someone's genuine calling due to unimpressive credentials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Τὰ1 of 23
G3588

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

κατὰ2 of 23

things after

G2596

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

πρόσωπον3 of 23

the outward appearance

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

βλέπετε4 of 23

Do ye look on

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

εἴ5 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις6 of 23
G5100

some or any person or object

πέποιθεν7 of 23

trust

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ἑαυτοῦ8 of 23

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Χριστοῦ9 of 23

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἶναι10 of 23

that he is

G1511

to exist

τοῦτο11 of 23

this

G5124

that thing

λογιζέσθω12 of 23

let him

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

πάλιν13 of 23

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἀφ'14 of 23

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτοῦ15 of 23

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὅτι16 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καθὼς17 of 23

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

αὐτὸς18 of 23

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Χριστοῦ19 of 23

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

οὕτως20 of 23

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ21 of 23

even

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς22 of 23

are we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

Χριστοῦ23 of 23

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study