Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:6
And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to defend his apostolic authority against critics who judge by outward appearance. He addresses this moment of tension by declaring his pending disciplinary action once their compliance is finalized.
The words — ἑτοίμως ἔχοντες (hetoimōs echontes) literally means "having readiness," and ἐκδικῆσαι (ekdikēsai) means "to avenge" or "punish." The text states Paul and his companions will execute judgment on disobedience immediately upon the completion of the Corinthians' obedience.
The thread — This theme of conditional obedience and divine discipline appears in 2 Corinthians 2:9, which tests their obedience in all things, and Numbers 16:26, which commands separation from the tents of the rebellious. Paul also recalls their past obedience in 2 Corinthians 7:15 as a benchmark for current expectations.
Why it lands — The verse demands immediate alignment with Christ's authority rather than delayed compliance. It requires readers to recognize that spiritual readiness precedes disciplinary action and that obedience must be complete before judgment is executed.
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
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 2:9 My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
- Numbers 16:26 And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling.
- 1 Corinthians 5:3 Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
- 2 Corinthians 13:2 I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
- Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?
- Acts 13:10 and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
- 2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
- 1 Timothy 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- 3 John 1:10 So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.