Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:17
Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his apostolic ministry against rivals who measure success by territorial expansion and self-promotion. He issues this command to redirect the standard of spiritual pride from human accomplishment to divine approval.
The words — καυχάσθω (kauchasthō) means “he should boast,” and ἐν κυρίῳ (en kuriō) means “in the Lord.” The Greek syntax places the command to boast directly within the sphere of the Lord’s authority rather than personal merit.
The thread — This exact phrasing appears in 1 Corinthians 1:31 as a direct quotation, and it echoes the prohibition against human boasting in Jeremiah 9:23. The motif contrasts self-praise with divine commendation, as clarified in the immediate context of 2 Corinthians 10:18.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to abandon pride in human achievement and anchor their confidence exclusively in God. It requires a shift from measuring ministry by visible success to measuring it by alignment with divine approval.
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 he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 9:23 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- James 1:9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
- Psalms 105:3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
- Isaiah 65:16 Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight.
- Jeremiah 4:2 and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:29 so that no one may boast in His presence.
- Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
- Romans 5:11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
- Galatians 6:13 For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.