2 Corinthians 10:15

Authorized King James Version

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

Not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰς

G1519

abundantly

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

καυχώμενοι

G2744

boasting

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀλλοτρίοις

G245

other men's

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

κόποις

G2873

labours

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

ἐλπίδα

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#10

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#11

ἔχοντες

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#12

αὐξανομένης

G837

is increased

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

#13

τῆς

G3588

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

#14

πίστεως

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#15

ὑμῶν

G5216

when your

of (from or concerning) you

#16

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#17

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#18

μεγαλυνθῆναι

G3170

that we shall be enlarged

to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol

#19

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)

#20

τὸν

G3588

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

#21

κανόνα

G2583

rule

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

#22

ἡμῶν

G2257

to our

of (or from) us

#23

εἰς

G1519

abundantly

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

#24

περισσείαν

G4050

surplusage, i.e., superabundance

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?