2 Corinthians 10:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τολμῶμεν
we dare
G5111
τολμῶμεν
we dare
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
3 of 23
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
συγκρίνοντες
among
G4793
συγκρίνοντες
among
Strong's:
G4793
Word #:
6 of 23
to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
10 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
συνιστανόντων
that commend
G4921
συνιστανόντων
that commend
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
11 of 23
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
αὐτοὶ
they
G846
αὐτοὶ
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
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
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
16 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
μετροῦντες
measuring
G3354
μετροῦντες
measuring
Strong's:
G3354
Word #:
17 of 23
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συγκρίνοντες
among
G4793
συγκρίνοντες
among
Strong's:
G4793
Word #:
19 of 23
to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
20 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
21 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
Proverbs 27:2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.Romans 15:18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,Proverbs 25:27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.2 Corinthians 3:1Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?2 Corinthians 5:12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.Job 12:2No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman honor culture thrived on competition and comparison. Sophists competed for students and fees. Social status was relative—one's honor depended on surpassing rivals. Paul rejects this entirely: ministry isn't a competition but stewardship of divine calling. Success isn't measured by comparison to others but faithfulness to God's assigned sphere (v. 13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does comparing yourself to other Christians—your gifts, success, influence, or maturity—lead to either pride or despair?
- What self-referential 'measuring sticks' do you use to evaluate your spiritual life instead of comparing yourself to Christ?
- Why is self-commendation inherently foolish, and what does genuine commendation from God look like (v. 18)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves (οὐ γὰρ τολμῶμεν ἐγκρῖναι ἢ συγκρῖναι ἑαυτούς τισιν τῶν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστανόντων)—Tolmōmen (τολμῶμεν, "we dare") is ironic: Paul "dares not" engage in the self-commendation his opponents practice. Synistanontōn (συνιστανόντων, "commending themselves") appears throughout 2 Corinthians (3:1, 4:2, 5:12, 6:4)—Paul's opponents brought letters of recommendation and boasted of their credentials. Paul refuses this game.
But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (ἀλλὰ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συγκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς οὐ συνιᾶσιν)—Metrountes (μετροῦντες, "measuring") and synkrinontes (συγκρίνοντες, "comparing") expose the folly: self-referential comparison produces inflated self-assessment. Ou syniasin (οὐ συνιᾶσιν, "they do not understand") is devastating—those who boast their wisdom lack basic understanding. True measurement compares ministry to Christ's standard and God's calling, not peer performance.