2 Corinthians 10:12

Authorized King James Version

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
τολμῶμεν
G5111
we dare
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
#4
ἐγκρῖναι
G1469
make
to judge in, i.e., count among
#5
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#6
συγκρίνοντες
G4793
among
to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by
#7
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#8
τισιν
G5100
some
some or any person or object
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#11
συνιστανόντων
G4921
that commend
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
#12
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#13
αὐτοὶ
G846
they
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
#14
ἐν
G1722
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#16
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#17
μετροῦντες
G3354
measuring
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
συγκρίνοντες
G4793
among
to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by
#20
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#21
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#22
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#23
συνιοῦσιν
G4920
are
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection