What does 2 Corinthians 10:17 mean?

Explanation

"But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" is a verse found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible within Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians.

The term 'glorieth' is derived from the Greek word "καυχάομαι" (kauchaomai), which can be translated as 'boast', 'glory', or 'rejoice'.

In this context, it indicates the pride a person might express concerning their achievements or status.

Paul admonishes the believers in Corinth that if one is to boast at all, it should not be in personal achievements or human measures of success, but rather in what the Lord has done.

The deeper meaning points towards the idea of attributing all good things, achievements, and successes to God's work in one’s life, recognizing that any ability to accomplish or succeed comes from Him.

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, the early Christian Church was establishing its identity amidst diverse religious and philosophical ideas.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city, and the church there faced various challenges, including false apostles who boasted about their credentials and swayed the congregation away from Paul’s teachings.

The context of 2 Corinthians 10:17 was Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and his ministry. He aimed to contrast Godly boasting with the worldly boasting practiced by these false apostles and to show the believers the correct source of pride.

Theological Insights

This verse has been interpreted from various theological perspectives.

From a Protestant perspective, it is often seen as emphasizing the grace of God and the importance of faith over works.

In Catholic theology, while good works are seen as important, the glory is still given to God from whom all good works emanate.

Both agree that human boasting should not be focused on one's own abilities but rather on what God has done through an individual.

This reflects a common Christian belief in divine providence and humility before God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be practically applied in several ways.

Individuals can adopt a posture of humility, giving credit to God for their accomplishments instead of seeking personal glory.

Whenever someone receives praise or succeeds in any endeavor, this verse encourages redirecting that praise towards God.

This can lead to a less competitive and more cooperative atmosphere in communities, as people recognize their successes as blessings and not just personal triumphs.

It also provides a counter-cultural narrative to boastfulness and arrogance present in many aspects of modern life.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 9:24: "But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
• 1 Corinthians 1:31: "That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
• Psalms 34:2: "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."
• Galatians 6:14: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text of 2 Corinthians 10:17 is "καυχάομαι" (kauchaomai), which means to boast or rejoice, often in a proud or exultant way.

The phrase "in the Lord" translates to "ἐν κυρίῳ" (en kyriō), with "ἐν" meaning "in," and "κυρίῳ" being the dative case of "κύριος" (kyrios) which means "Lord" or "master." The use of "καυχάομαι" in the context of this verse implies that the boasting is not in oneself, but rather in the relationship with or the actions of the Lord.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various cultures had the concept of boasting in deities or attributing successes to them.

For instance, in Greek mythology, heroes might attribute their victories to the favor of gods like Athena or Zeus.

In the Hebrew tradition, the concept of glory was often linked to Yahweh, and victories or successes of the Israelite people were often ascribed to God's intervention.

In this way, 2 Corinthians 10:17 reflects a broader religious understanding that one’s achievements are connected to divine favor or workings.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, scientists and theists alike can interpret the verse through the lens of humility and recognition of something greater than oneself.

In science, this might translate to acknowledging the vast complexity of the universe and the limits of human understanding.

It can be a call for scientists and individuals to remain humble, attributing their intellectual capabilities and achievements not solely to personal effort but perhaps to a greater order or design.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different insights into 2 Corinthians 10:17:

• John Calvin interprets this verse as a rebuke of vainglory and a reminder that only things that pertain to God are worthy of true boasting.
• Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that it is wise for Christians to take occasion from their own research, or success in the ministry, to give glory to God.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary explains that Paul seeks to redefine the believers' understanding of what is worth boasting about, shifting the focus from human achievements to God's work in Christ.