2 Corinthians 10:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
of things without
G1519
εἰς
of things without
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέτρου
a measure
G3358
μέτρου
a measure
Strong's:
G3358
Word #:
11 of 23
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κανόνος
of the rule
G2583
κανόνος
of the rule
Strong's:
G2583
Word #:
13 of 23
a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)
οὗ
which
G3739
οὗ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐμέρισεν
hath distributed
G3307
ἐμέρισεν
hath distributed
Strong's:
G3307
Word #:
15 of 23
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μέτρου
a measure
G3358
μέτρου
a measure
Strong's:
G3358
Word #:
19 of 23
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
Cross References
Romans 12:6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Romans 15:20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:Ephesians 4:7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.1 Corinthians 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Historical Context
Roman surveying established clear property boundaries using measuring rods (kanōn). Trespassing violated law and honor. Paul applies this: God assigned spheres of ministry, and invading another's field demonstrates covetousness and lack of divine calling. The Jerusalem council confirmed Paul's Gentile mission (Acts 15, Gal 2:7-9), establishing his legitimate authority over Gentile churches like Corinth.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern God's specific calling for your life versus attempting ministries outside your gifting or sphere of influence?
- What does Paul's respect for divinely-assigned boundaries teach about avoiding comparison, competition, or encroachment on others' ministries?
- When have you been tempted to 'boast of things without measure'—taking credit for work you didn't do or authority you don't possess?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us (ἡμεῖς δὲ οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς μέτρου)—Ametra (ἄμετρα, "unmeasured/boundless things") contrasts with metron (μέτρον, "measure") and kanon (κανών, "rule/standard"). Kanōn originally denoted a measuring rod or boundary marker. Paul's "sphere" (the Gentile mission, Gal 2:7-9) was divinely assigned, not self-assumed. He boasts only within God's assigned field of labor.
A measure to reach even unto you (ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν)—Corinth fell within Paul's divinely-appointed sphere. Ephikesthai (ἐφικέσθαι, "to reach/arrive at") proves Paul's legitimate authority over the Corinthian church—he founded it (1 Cor 3:6, 10, 4:15), unlike the false teachers who invaded another's field (v. 15-16).