2 Corinthians 10:7
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
Original Language Analysis
Τὰ
G3588
Τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
things after
G2596
κατὰ
things after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρόσωπον
the outward appearance
G4383
πρόσωπον
the outward appearance
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
3 of 23
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
πέποιθεν
trust
G3982
πέποιθεν
trust
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
7 of 23
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λογιζέσθω
let him
G3049
λογιζέσθω
let him
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
12 of 23
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
13 of 23
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀφ'
of
G575
ἀφ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.2 Corinthians 5:12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.2 Corinthians 11:23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.1 John 4:6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.1 Corinthians 9:1Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?1 Corinthians 3:23And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.1 Corinthians 1:12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.2 Corinthians 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:Galatians 3:29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Historical Context
Ancient Corinth valued external appearance, social status, and rhetorical impressiveness. Letters of recommendation, family pedigree, and association with influential teachers established credibility. Paul rejected these markers, insisting divine calling and Spirit-empowered fruit validate ministry, not worldly credentials. His opponents likely boasted impressive human qualifications Paul deliberately lacked.
Questions for Reflection
- What external qualifications—education, eloquence, personality, success—do you use to evaluate spiritual leaders instead of examining their Christ-conformity and spiritual fruit?
- How does judging ministry by 'outward appearance' perpetuate worldly values in the church?
- When have you mistaken someone's polished presentation for spiritual authority, or dismissed someone's genuine calling due to unimpressive credentials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? (τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε)—Paul challenges superficial evaluation of ministry. Kata prosōpon (κατὰ πρόσωπον, "according to face/appearance") critiques judging by external credentials, rhetorical polish, or physical presence rather than spiritual fruit and divine appointment. The Corinthians valued what impresses the eye; God examines the heart (1 Sam 16:7).
If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's—Paul doesn't deny his opponents belong to Christ but asserts equal (actually superior) apostolic credentials. Pepoithen (πέποιθεν, "trust/confidence") appears repeatedly in chapters 10-13, contrasting self-confidence with God-dependence. Paul's logic: if belonging to Christ validates ministry, then Paul—whose conversion and apostolic commission are unquestionable—has equal or greater legitimacy.