2 Corinthians 10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
παρακοήν
disobedience
G3876
παρακοήν
disobedience
Strong's:
G3876
Word #:
7 of 12
inattention, i.e., (by implication) disobedience
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
8 of 12
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
πληρωθῇ
is fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
is fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
9 of 12
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.2 Corinthians 7:15And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.2 Corinthians 13:2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Historical Context
Apostolic authority included power to discipline (1 Cor 5:3-5, Acts 5:1-11, 13:11). Paul's delay in exercising this authority wasn't weakness but strategic pastoral care—winning the congregation's allegiance before confronting opponents. This reflects Christ's patient forbearance, delaying judgment until repentance is offered (2 Peter 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's readiness to discipline—only after corporate obedience is established—model wise pastoral leadership versus authoritarian control?
- When is patience with disobedience pastoral forbearance, and when does it become dereliction of shepherding duty?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between corporate obedience and leadership's responsibility to confront false teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (καὶ ἐν ἑτοίμῳ ἔχοντες ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν, ὅταν πληρωθῇ ὑμῶν ἡ ὑπακοή)—Ekdikēsai (ἐκδικῆσαι, "to avenge/punish") denotes judicial retribution, not personal revenge. Paul stands ready to exercise apostolic discipline against false teachers, but only after the congregation demonstrates obedience. Parakoen (παρακοήν, "disobedience") is the opposite of hypakoē (v. 5)—willful rebellion against apostolic authority.
This verse reveals Paul's pastoral wisdom: he delays confronting false teachers until the congregation's loyalty is secured. Once the Corinthians submit to apostolic authority, Paul will address the infiltrators. The sequence matters—establish corporate obedience before exercising corrective discipline. Paul's authority is for edification (v. 8), not personal vindication.