2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
Original Language Analysis
ἐάν
though
G1437
ἐάν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περισσότερόν
G4053
περισσότερόν
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
5 of 25
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίας
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίας
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
10 of 25
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἡς
which
G3739
ἡς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
hath given
G1325
ἔδωκεν
hath given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 25
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἰκοδομὴν
edification
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
edification
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
18 of 25
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
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.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.2 Corinthians 12:6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.2 Corinthians 13:8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman patronage systems centered on honor and shame. Patrons boasted of benefactions; clients praised their benefactors. Paul subverts this—his authority serves, not dominates. His "boasting" isn't self-promotion but defense of gospel ministry against false teachers who wielded authority destructively, burdening consciences and enslaving believers (11:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christian leaders distinguish between godly confidence in their Spirit-given authority and ungodly pride in personal achievements?
- What does it reveal when church authority is exercised for leaders' benefit (control, honor, comfort) rather than believers' edification?
- How should Paul's model of authority-for-building-up shape church discipline, teaching, and leadership structures today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction (ἐάν τε γὰρ περισσότερόν τι καυχήσωμαι περὶ τῆς ἐξουσίας ἡμῶν, ἧς ἔδωκεν ὁ κύριος εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν)—Exousia (ἐξουσία, "authority") denotes delegated power from Christ. Paul's authority is not self-assumed but edōken ho kyrios (ἔδωκεν ὁ κύριος, "given by the Lord"). Critically, its purpose is oikodomēn (οἰκοδομήν, "building up/edification"), not kathairesin (καθαίρεσιν, "tearing down/destruction")—though the same authority that builds can also demolish when necessary (13:10).
I should not be ashamed—Paul's boasting in divinely-given authority brings no shame because it's exercised for the congregation's benefit, not self-promotion. Legitimate boasting glories in the Lord's work (v. 17), not personal achievement. Paul will extensively "boast" in chapters 11-12, but always to expose the folly of self-commendation and demonstrate Christ's power perfected in weakness.