2 Corinthians 10:17
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.Isaiah 65:16That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.Psalms 105:3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.Jeremiah 4:2And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.1 Corinthians 1:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Historical Context
Jeremiah 9:23-24 critiqued Israel's tendency to trust human wisdom, military might, or material wealth instead of knowing Yahweh. Paul applies this prophetic critique to the Corinthian infatuation with eloquent teachers, impressive credentials, and worldly status. True wisdom glories in knowing God through Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2), not human achievement.
Questions for Reflection
- What do you habitually boast in—accomplishments, possessions, relationships, intelligence—revealing where you find your deepest security and identity?
- How does boasting 'in the Lord' differ from religious talk that name-drops God while actually glorying in personal spirituality?
- What would change in your self-presentation if you genuinely boasted only in God's grace rather than personal merit?
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Analysis & Commentary
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (ὁ δὲ καυχώμενος ἐν κυρίῳ καυχάσθω)—Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, the same text cited in 1 Corinthians 1:31. Kauchōmenos (καυχώμενος, "boasting/glorying") is inevitable—humans will boast in something. The question is object: self (wisdom, strength, riches) or God (grace, calling, power). En kyriō (ἐν κυρίῳ, "in the Lord") locates legitimate boasting—not in personal achievements but in what God has accomplished through weak, dependent servants.
This verse anchors all of Paul's defensive "boasting" in chapters 10-12. He will extensively catalog his sufferings, revelations, and apostolic labors—but always to demonstrate God's power perfected in weakness (12:9), never self-commendation. Boasting "in the Lord" means glorying in divine grace that uses foolish, weak, despised instruments to accomplish mighty purposes (1 Cor 1:26-29).