2 Corinthians 10:16

Authorized King James Version

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#2
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ὑπερέκεινα
G5238
the regions beyond
above those parts, i.e., still farther
#4
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#5
εὐαγγελίσασθαι
G2097
To preach the gospel
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
#6
οὐκ
G3756
and not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ἀλλοτρίῳ
G245
another man's
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
#9
κανόνι
G2583
line
a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)
#10
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἕτοιμα
G2092
things made ready to our hand
adjusted, i.e., ready
#13
καυχήσασθαι
G2744
to boast
to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection