Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to explain his delayed visit, framing his restraint as a deliberate choice to avoid causing them grief.
The words — κυριεύομεν (kurieuomen) literally means "we lord it over," and συνεργοί (sunergoi) translates to "fellow workers."
The thread — The prohibition against spiritual domination appears in 1 Peter 5:3, while the theme of standing firm connects to the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1 and to pastoral conduct in 2 Timothy 2:24.
Why it lands — The text states that leaders do not control believers' faith but work alongside them for their joy, because the believers' own faith sustains their stability. This requires readers to reject coercive authority and recognize that spiritual maturity operates through personal trust rather than external force.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.
- 2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
- Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
- Philippians 1:25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
- Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- Matthew 24:49 And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.
- Romans 1:12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
- Romans 11:20 That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.