2 Corinthians 10:12

Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
For G1063 we dare G5111 not G3756 make G1469 ourselves of the number G1469, or G2228 compare G4793 ourselves G1438 with G4793 some G5100 that commend G4921 themselves G1438: but G235 they G846 measuring G3354 themselves G1438 by G1722 themselves G1438, and G2532 comparing G4793 themselves G1438 among G4793 themselves G1438, are G4920 not G3756 wise G4920.
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Complete Jewish Bible
We don’t dare class or compare ourselves with some of the people who advertise themselves. In measuring themselves against each other and comparing themselves with each other, they are simply stupid.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
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.
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World English Bible Messianic
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.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For wee dare not make our selues of the nomber, or to compare our selues to them, which praise themselues: but they vnderstand not that they measure themselues with themselues, and compare themselues with themselues.
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Young's Literal Translation
For we do not make bold to rank or to compare ourselves with certain of those commending themselves, but they, among themselves measuring themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not wise,
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See also
Proverbs 27:2Proverbs 26:12Luke 18:112 Corinthians 10:18Romans 15:18Proverbs 25:272 Corinthians 3:1
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In the KJVVerse 28,984 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul sharply critiques the self-exalting methods of his opponents in Corinth, declaring his refusal to engage in their practice of self-commendation and comparison. He exposes the profound folly of those who measure and compare themselves solely by their own subjective standards, asserting that such a self-referential system demonstrates a fundamental lack of true wisdom and spiritual discernment, contrasting it with the divine standard of evaluation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's most intense defense of his apostolic ministry, often referred to as his "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 10-13). Having previously addressed issues of reconciliation and generosity, Paul now confronts the "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These opponents challenged his authority, questioned his personal presence (calling him "weak in bodily presence, and contemptible in speech"), and boasted of their own credentials and spiritual prowess. Verse 12 serves as a foundational statement, setting the stage for Paul's argument by highlighting the stark contrast between his humble, Christ-centered approach to ministry and their self-aggrandizing, worldly methods. It underscores that Paul's authority is derived from God, not from human commendation or worldly wisdom, a theme he develops throughout this section.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a major Roman port city, known for its diverse population, wealth, and a culture that highly valued rhetoric, eloquence, and public acclaim. In this environment, skilled orators and philosophers often engaged in self-promotion to gain followers and influence. Paul's opponents likely adopted these prevailing cultural norms, boasting of their spiritual experiences, Jewish heritage, or eloquent speech to impress the Corinthians and undermine Paul, who often presented himself simply and without rhetorical flourish. This cultural backdrop helps explain why self-commendation and external appearances were significant issues in the Corinthian church, making Paul's critique of "measuring themselves by themselves" particularly poignant and counter-cultural.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Apostolic Authority, emphasizing that true authority is derived from God and demonstrated through humility and suffering, not self-promotion or worldly power. Secondly, it underscores the contrast between True Wisdom and Worldly Folly. Paul implies that genuine spiritual insight comes from God, not from human boasting or a flawed system of self-assessment. Those who rely on self-commendation demonstrate a profound lack of spiritual discernment and true understanding of God's ways, aligning with the biblical principle that our sufficiency is from God, not from ourselves. Finally, it touches upon the theme of Humility vs. Pride, as Paul explicitly states his refusal to engage in the self-praise and boasting characteristic of the false teachers, echoing the sentiment that he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Dare (Greek, tolmáō, G5111): Meaning "to venture (objectively or in act); by implication, to be courageous." Paul's declaration "we dare not" (οὐ τολμῶμεν) signifies not a lack of courage, but a principled and deliberate refusal. He is not afraid to speak truth or confront error, but he courageously chooses not to participate in the self-exalting, worldly practices of his opponents, understanding that such behavior is antithetical to the gospel and true apostolic ministry.
  • Compare (Greek, synkrínō, G4793): Meaning "to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e. combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by way of contrast or resemblance)." This word highlights the act of setting oneself alongside others for evaluation. The false teachers were constantly contrasting themselves favorably with Paul, and Paul refuses to engage in this "comparison game" because it is based on flawed criteria.
  • Wise (Greek, syníēmi, G4920): Meaning "to put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously." The phrase "are not wise" (οὐ συνιοῦσιν) is a strong indictment. It means they lack understanding, are senseless, or unintelligent in a spiritual sense. Their self-referential system of evaluation is not merely arrogant but fundamentally misguided and spiritually blind, incapable of grasping God's true standards.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For we dare not make ourselves of the number,": Paul begins by stating his firm and principled refusal to align himself with or be counted among those who engage in self-commendation. This is a deliberate choice rooted in his understanding of true spiritual authority and humility, contrasting sharply with the methods of his adversaries.
  • "or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:": This clause clarifies the nature of the self-promotion Paul rejects. The "some" refers to the false teachers who were actively praising themselves and seeking human validation. Paul refuses to participate in this contest of self-exaltation, recognizing its inherent spiritual danger and folly.
  • "but they measuring themselves by themselves,": Paul shifts his focus to critique his opponents. Their method of evaluation is entirely internal and subjective. They establish their own standards of success, spirituality, or authority, rather than submitting to an external, objective, divine standard. This creates a closed, self-validating loop.
  • "and comparing themselves among themselves,": This phrase reinforces the previous one, emphasizing the insular and circular nature of their assessment. They are not looking to God or His Word for validation, but to their own achievements and to each other within their self-defined group, creating an echo chamber of mutual admiration and distorted reality.
  • "are not wise.": This is Paul's damning verdict. The entire system of self-referential measurement and comparison is declared to be utterly lacking in true wisdom or spiritual understanding. It is foolish because it ignores God's objective standards, leads to pride and self-deception, and ultimately fails to discern what truly matters in God's kingdom.

Literary Devices

Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his message. The most prominent is Contrast, as he sets his own humble, principled refusal to self-commend against the arrogant, self-referential practices of his opponents. This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference in their approaches to ministry and authority. Furthermore, Paul uses Repetition and Parallelism with the phrase "measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves." This deliberate repetition emphasizes the circular, insular, and ultimately futile nature of the false teachers' self-evaluation, underscoring its absurdity. Finally, there is a strong element of Irony: those who are so intent on commending themselves and appearing "wise" in human terms are, in God's eyes and Paul's assessment, profoundly "not wise." Their perceived strength is their actual weakness, and their self-proclaimed wisdom is true folly.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly articulates a core theological principle: true spiritual authority and wisdom do not originate from human self-promotion or comparison, but from God alone. Paul's refusal to engage in self-commendation underscores the biblical emphasis on humility as a prerequisite for divine favor and effective ministry. The folly of "measuring themselves by themselves" reveals a dangerous self-sufficiency that bypasses God's objective standards, leading to a distorted view of oneself and others. This self-referential system is inherently flawed because it lacks an external, divine benchmark, resulting in pride, envy, and a fundamental misunderstanding of true spiritual worth and purpose. Ultimately, Paul champions a God-centered approach where commendation comes from the Lord, not from human accolades or self-congratulation.

  • Proverbs 27:2: "Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
  • Romans 12:3: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
  • Galatians 6:4: "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In an age saturated with social media and constant self-presentation, 2 Corinthians 10:12 offers a timeless and piercing challenge. The temptation to "measure ourselves by ourselves, and comparing ourselves among ourselves" is more pervasive than ever, leading to a relentless cycle of comparison that often breeds envy, insecurity, pride, or despair. This verse calls believers to a radical counter-cultural posture: to resist the urge for self-promotion and to find our worth and identity not in human applause or perceived achievements, but solely in Christ. True spiritual health flourishes when we fix our gaze on God's commendation rather than seeking validation from others or our own inflated egos. It reminds us that genuine Christian leadership and influence flow from a deep dependence on God and a humble recognition that all abilities and accomplishments are His gifts. We are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, understanding that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This passage also provides a crucial lens for discerning true spiritual authority, reminding us that those who constantly promote themselves or rely on worldly metrics for success often lack the genuine wisdom and authority that comes from God.

Questions for Reflection

  • How might I be tempted to "measure myself by myself" or "compare myself among myself" in my daily life, my work, or my ministry?
  • What are the dangers of seeking human commendation or self-validation over God's approval in my pursuit of purpose or significance?
  • In what practical ways can I cultivate genuine humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on self-promotion or external validation?
  • How does understanding this verse shape my discernment of leadership and influence within the church and in broader society?

FAQ

Why does Paul say "we dare not"? Is he afraid to compare himself?

Answer: Paul's phrase "we dare not" (οὐ τολμῶμεν) does not imply fear or timidity, but rather a principled and courageous refusal. The Greek word tolmáō (G5111) suggests venturing or being bold. Paul is boldly stating that he chooses not to venture into the self-exalting, self-commending practices of his opponents. It's a statement of moral conviction and apostolic integrity, indicating that such behavior would be inconsistent with the gospel he preaches and the example of Christ. He is bold in his mission and message, but not in self-promotion.

What does "measuring themselves by themselves" mean practically?

Answer: This phrase describes a self-referential and subjective system of evaluation. Practically, it means setting one's own standards, using one's own achievements, perceived strengths, or personal opinions as the sole benchmark for success, spiritual value, or worth, rather than God's objective truth or external, divine standards. It's a closed loop where individuals or groups validate themselves based on their own internal criteria, which inevitably leads to a distorted view of reality, pride, or despair, as it lacks any true, objective standard for spiritual effectiveness or genuine worth. It's the opposite of seeking God's approval or living by His Word, as seen in passages like Romans 2:29.

Who were "some that commend themselves" that Paul refers to?

Answer: These were likely the "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church and were actively challenging Paul's authority and ministry. They were characterized by their self-promotion, boasting of their own eloquence, spiritual experiences, Jewish heritage, or worldly credentials. They used these human-centric metrics to elevate themselves in the eyes of the Corinthians, often at Paul's expense, who presented himself with humility and without reliance on worldly rhetorical skills or self-commendation. Paul critiques their methods as fundamentally "not wise" because they relied on human praise rather than divine approval, a theme he explores further in 2 Corinthians 3:1.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

2 Corinthians 10:12, though a critique of human folly, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Himself. Christ perfectly embodies the antithesis of self-commendation and self-comparison. He did not come to commend Himself or seek human glory, declaring, "I do not accept glory from people." Instead, He consistently pointed to the Father as the source of His authority and validation, stating, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me." The ultimate demonstration of this principle is found in His profound humility, where He "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." He did not measure Himself by human standards or compare Himself with others, but perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, becoming the standard by which all true wisdom and righteousness are measured. For believers, this means our worth, identity, and ultimate commendation come not from our own efforts or comparisons, but from being "in Christ," who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). We are called to imitate Christ's humble example (1 Peter 2:21), knowing that the only judgment and commendation that truly matter will come from Him, before whose judgment seat "we shall all stand."

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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10 verses 12–18

In these verses observe,

I. The apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false apostles did, Co2 10:12. He plainly intimates that they took a wrong method to commend themselves, in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, which was not wise. They were pleased, and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in power and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note, If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and thankful for what we have of gifts or graces, but never pride ourselves therein, as if there were none to be compared with us or that did excel us. The apostle would not be of the number of such vain men: let us resolve that we will not make ourselves of that number.

II. He fixes a better rule for his conduct, namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him, Co2 10:13. His meaning is, either that he would not boast of more gifts or graces, or power and authority, than God had really bestowed on him; or, rather, that he would not act beyond his commission as to persons or things, nor go beyond the line prescribed to him, which he plainly intimates the false apostles did, while they boasted of other men's labors. The apostle's resolution was to keep within his own province, and that compass of ground which God had marked out for him. His commission as an apostle was to preach the gospel every where, especially among the Gentiles, and he was not confined to one place; yet he observed the directions of Providence, and the Holy Spirit, as to the particular places whither he went or where he did abide.

III. He acted according to this rule: We stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, Co2 10:14. And, particularly, he acted according to this rule in preaching at Corinth, and in the exercise of his apostolical authority there; for he came thither by divine direction, and there he converted many to Christianity; and, therefore, in boasting of them as his charge, he acted not contrary to his rule, he boasted not of other men's labours, Co2 10:15.

IV. He declares his success in observing this rule. His hope was that their faith was increased, and that others beyond them, even in the remoter parts of Achaia, would embrace the gospel also; and in all this he exceeded not his commission, nor acted in another man's line.

V. He seems to check himself in this matter, as if he had spoken too much in his own praise. The unjust accusations and reflections of his enemies had made it needful he should justify himself; and the wrong methods they took gave him good occasion to mention the better rule he had observed: yet he is afraid of boasting, or taking any praise to himself, and therefore he mentions two things which ought to be regarded: - 1. He that glorieth should glory in the Lord, Co2 10:17. If we are able to fix good rules for our conduct, or act by them, or have any good success in so doing, the praise and glory of all are owing unto God. Ministers in particular must be careful not to glory in their performances, but must give God the glory of their work, and the success thereof. 2. Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth, Co2 10:18. Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and self-applause is seldom any better than self-flattery and self-deceit. At the best, self-commendation is no praise, and it is oftentimes as foolish and vain as it is proud; therefore, instead of praising or commending ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God, and his approbation will be our best commendation.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
People who commend themselves are those who wish to dominate, claiming authority for their own name. A person who is sent on a mission lays claim to power, not on his own behalf but on behalf of the one who sent him. Here Paul is saying that he has been chosen as a steward of the Lord. By not presuming to anything beyond what has been granted to him, he is not associating himself with those who preach without a commission. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 22 on 2 Corinthians
"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.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
City of God 12.17
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.
Fulgentius of RuspeAD 533
TO PROBA
As often as you think of the perfection of the virtues, do not consider what others have less than you have but what you have less than you ought to have. You should not think that you are perfect in virtue if you see other women given over to sins; nor consequently should you credit yourself with any greater speed if you see some women either backsliding or walking feebly. Nor, therefore, must one with watery eyes be proclaimed to have healthy eyes because a blind man seems thoroughly closed off from the light, nor must someone be declared healthy who lies half-dead with a serious wound, if another is found dead because of a more serious wound. Nor must anyone lay claim to glory as a victor who, although not killed by the enemy, still is being held captive by the enemy. Therefore, do not compare yourself to others but to yourself. Hear the apostle doing this and salutarily warning us to do the same. For, writing to the Corinthians, he says, “Not that we dare to class or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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