2 Corinthians 10:15
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,
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
abundantly
G1519
εἰς
abundantly
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
2 of 24
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 #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλοτρίοις
other men's
G245
ἀλλοτρίοις
other men's
Strong's:
G245
Word #:
7 of 24
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
κόποις
labours
G2873
κόποις
labours
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
8 of 24
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 24
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αὐξανομένης
is increased
G837
αὐξανομένης
is increased
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
12 of 24
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
14 of 24
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
μεγαλυνθῆναι
that we shall be enlarged
G3170
μεγαλυνθῆναι
that we shall be enlarged
Strong's:
G3170
Word #:
18 of 24
to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
19 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κανόνα
rule
G2583
κανόνα
rule
Strong's:
G2583
Word #:
21 of 24
a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)
Cross References
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:2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;2 Corinthians 10:13But 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.Acts 5:13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary strategy prioritized pioneer evangelism in unreached areas (Rom 15:20-24). He hoped established churches would become sending bases for further missions. Corinth's strategic location and relative wealth positioned it to support gospel expansion, but their immaturity (strife, division, tolerating sin) hindered this. Paul longs for their growth to enable wider ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does claiming credit for others' work—in ministry, business, or relationships—reveal pride and undermine genuine kingdom collaboration?
- What 'enlargement' of ministry might God be waiting to grant until you mature in faith and faithfulness?
- How can your church move from consuming resources on internal concerns to becoming a sending base for gospel advance in unreached areas?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours (οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι ἐν ἀλλοτρίοις κόποις)—Allotriois kopois (ἀλλοτρίοις κόποις, "other men's labors") exposes the false teachers' method: invading established churches and claiming credit for others' work. Kopois (κόποις, "labors/toils") emphasizes exhausting work—Paul's pioneering evangelism and church-planting contrasted with his opponents' parasitic exploitation of existing congregations.
But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly (ἐλπίδα δὲ ἔχοντες, αὐξανομένης τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, ἐν ὑμῖν μεγαλυνθῆναι κατὰ τὸν κανόνα ἡμῶν εἰς περισσείαν)—Auxanomenēs (αὐξανομένης, "being increased") envisions spiritual maturity enabling Paul to expand his mission. Megalynthēnai (μεγαλυνθῆναι, "to be enlarged/magnified") suggests the Corinthians becoming a base for further gospel advance. As they mature, they'll support (financially and prayerfully) Paul's pioneering work in unreached regions (v. 16).