2 Corinthians 10:12

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God"). 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](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dare (Greek, _tolmáō_):** From 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_):** From 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_):** From 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](/proverbs/27-2 "Proverbs 27:2 - Let Another Praise You"): "Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
* [Romans 12:3](/romans/12-3 "Romans 12:3 - Think Soberly of Yourself"): "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](/galatians/6-4 "Galatians 6:4 - Examine Your Own Work"): "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](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God 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](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Praise from God").

**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](/2_corinthians/3-1 "2 Corinthians 3:1 - Do We Need Letters of Commendation?").

### 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](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Does Not Accept Glory from Men")." 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](/john/8-54 "John 8:54 - Jesus Glorified by the Father")." 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](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")." 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](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). We are called to imitate Christ's humble example ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")), knowing that the only judgment and commendation that truly matter will come from Him, before whose judgment seat "[we shall all stand](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:2

¶ Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Proverbs 26:12

¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

2 Corinthians 10:18

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Proverbs 25:27

¶ [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.

2 Corinthians 3:1

¶ Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some [others], epistles of commendation to you, or [letters] of commendation from you?