2 Corinthians 10:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

οὐχι

G3780

not

not indeed

εἰς

G1519

of things without

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄμετρα

G280

our measure

immoderate

καυχησόμεθα

G2744

boast

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

κατὰ

G2596

according

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#10

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

μέτρου

G3358

a measure

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

#12

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

κανόνος

G2583

of the rule

a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)

#14

οὗ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

ἐμέρισεν

G3307

hath distributed

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

#16

ἡμῖν

G2254

to us

to (or for, with, by) us

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#19

μέτρου

G3358

a measure

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

#20

ἐφικέσθαι

G2185

to reach

to arrive upon, i.e., extend to

#21

ἄχρι

G891

unto

(of time) until or (of place) up to

#22

καὶ

G2532

even

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?