2 Corinthians 10:13

We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to counter rivals who self-measure, declaring his own ministry operates strictly within God’s assigned sphere that includes them.

The words — The text states Paul will not boast into ἄμετρα (ametra), "unmeasured things," but only within his designated field. The verb καυχησόμεθα (kauchēsometha), "we will boast," is negated by οὐκ (ouk), "not," establishing a boundary rather than a comparison.

The thread — This boundary of ministry aligns with Romans 12:6, 1 Peter 4:10, and Romans 12:3, which direct believers to operate within grace-given proportions rather than self-evaluation.

Why it lands — The verse requires readers to evaluate their work and ambition solely by God’s assignment, rejecting self-promotion and comparative metrics.

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

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

Cross-references

Romans 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
1 Peter 4:10 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 15:20 In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
2 Corinthians 10:14 We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
Psalms 19:4 their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
Proverbs 25:14 Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Isaiah 28:17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.