2 Corinthians 10:17

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

But {G1161} he that glorieth {G2744}, let him glory {G2744} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

So, let anyone who wants to boast, boast about Adonai;

Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:17 serves as a foundational principle for Christian conduct and ministry, redirecting the focus of all praise and exaltation from human achievements to God Himself. In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphatically declares, "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." This statement is a powerful call to humility and a recognition of divine sovereignty.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians (chapters 10-13) where he is defending his apostolic authority and ministry against false apostles and critics in Corinth. These opponents were likely boasting in their own human credentials, eloquence, and worldly wisdom, perhaps even questioning Paul's humble demeanor and lack of impressive outward appearance. Paul contrasts their worldly boasting with the true source of spiritual authority and power.

  • Prior to this verse, Paul discusses the spiritual weapons of their warfare, which are "not carnal, but mighty through God" (2 Corinthians 10:4).
  • He also addresses the issue of comparing oneself with others in 2 Corinthians 10:12, setting the stage for the proper object of glory. His own boasting is "according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed" to him (2 Corinthians 10:13), emphasizing divine appointment, not self-promotion.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Divine Source: The verse underscores that all genuine strength, wisdom, and success in life and ministry come from God. It calls believers to a posture of humility, acknowledging that any good accomplished is ultimately His work.
  • Redirected Boasting: Paul redefines where true "glorying" or "boasting" should lie. Instead of exalting oneself, one's abilities, wealth, or status (as worldly people often do), the believer is to find their ultimate boast and confidence in the Lord. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on boasting only in the cross of Christ.
  • Authentic Christian Life: This principle serves as a hallmark of authentic Christian life and ministry. It distinguishes those who seek their own praise from those who genuinely seek to honor God and give Him the credit for all things.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word for "glorieth" or "boasteth" is kauchaomai (καυχάομαι). It means to boast, glory, exult, or vaunt oneself. While it can have a negative connotation (boasting in oneself), here it is given a positive direction by specifying the object of the boasting: "in the Lord" (en Kyriō - ἐν Κυρίῳ).

This verse is a direct quotation or strong allusion to Jeremiah 9:24, which states: "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." By quoting Jeremiah, Paul grounds his argument in Old Testament wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom and glory come from knowing God and His character.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 10:17 provides a vital corrective and guide:

  • Examine Your Motives: It prompts us to consider the source of our confidence and the object of our praise. Are we seeking recognition for ourselves, or are we giving God the credit for our talents, achievements, and opportunities?
  • Cultivate Humility: In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal success, this verse calls us to Christ-like humility. Any good we do, any spiritual growth we experience, or any impact we have, is by God's grace and power, not our own.
  • Trust in God's Strength: When faced with challenges or feelings of inadequacy, we are reminded to glory in the Lord, recognizing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our confidence should be in Him, not in our own abilities or resources.
  • Glorify God in All Things: This verse serves as a reminder to direct all praise, honor, and glory back to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all blessings and the one who accomplishes His purposes through us.

Ultimately, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" is a timeless principle that defines the core of Christian identity: to live a life that consistently points back to God's greatness, not our own.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 9:23 (17 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Jeremiah 9:24 (17 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • James 1:9 (6 votes)

    Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

  • James 1:10 (6 votes)

    But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

  • Isaiah 65:16 (5 votes)

    That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

  • Jeremiah 4:2 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.