2 Corinthians 10:12 · Clearspring

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WEBBE

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

BSB

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.

KJV

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

ASV

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

BBE

For we will not make comparison of ourselves with some of those who say good things about themselves: but these, measuring themselves by themselves, and making comparison of themselves with themselves, are not wise.

Original Greek

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Οὐ Ou Not G3756 γὰρ gar for G1063 τολμῶμεν tolmōmen dare we G5111 ἐγκρῖναι egkrinai to classify G1469 ἢ ē or G2228 συγκρῖναι sugkrinai to compare G4793 ἑαυτούς he'autous ourselves [with] G1438 τισιν tisin some G5100 τῶν tōn (the) G3588 ἑαυτοὺς he'autous themselves G1438 συνιστανόντων sunistanontōn commending G4921 ἀλλ all᾽ but G235 αὐτοὶ autoi these G846 ἐν en by G1722 ἑαυτοῖς he'autois themselves G1438 ἑαυτοὺς he'autous themselves G1438 μετροῦντες metrountes measuring G3354 καὶ kai and G2532 συγκρίνοντες sugkrinontes comparing G4793 ἑαυτοὺς he'autous themselves G1438 ἑαυτοῖς he'autois with themselves G1438 οὐ ou not G3756 συνιᾶσιν suniasin understand G4920

The early church

"For we are not bold to number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves." Here he both shows that those false Apostles are boasters and say great things of themselves: and ridicules them as commending themselves. 'But we do no such thing: but even if we shall do any thing great, we refer all unto God, and compare ourselves with one another.' Wherefore also he added, "But they themselves measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are without understanding." Now what he says is this: 'we do not compare ourselves with them, but with one another.' For further on he says, "in nothing am I behind the very chiefest Apostles;" (Chap. xii. 11) and in the former Epistle, "I labored more abundantly than they all;" (1 Corinthians chapter 15, verse 10) and again, "Truly the signs of an Apostle were wrought among you in all patience." (Chap. xii. 12.) 'So that we compare ourselves with ourselves, not with those that have nothing: for such arrogance cometh of folly.' Either then he says this with reference to himself, or with reference to them, that 'we dare not compare ourselves with those who contend with one another and boast great things and do not understand:' that is, do not perceive how ridiculous they are in being thus arrogant, and in exalting themselves amongst one another.

John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 2 Corinthians

The fundamental fallacy of these men, who prefer to walk in roundabout error than keep to the straight path of truth, is that they have nothing but their own tiny, changing, human minds to measure the divine mind, infinitely capacious and utterly immutable, a mind that can count uncountable things without passing from one to the next. Such men, to use the words of the apostle, "comparing themselves with themselves," end by understanding nothing. Of course, every time such philosophers decide to do something, they have to form a new mental resolution because their minds are mutable, and they imagine it is the same with God. Without having a notion of God, they mistake themselves for him, and instead of measuring God by God, they compare themselves to themselves.

Augustine of Hippo · d. 430City of God

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 12–18

If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle fixes a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common is it for persons to judge of their own religious character, by the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how different is the rule of God's word! And of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In a word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of men, let us desire that honour which cometh from God only.

Read Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 10 →

Cross-references

9

Topics

Pride Boasting