2 Corinthians 10:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} not {G3756} he {G1565} that commendeth {G4921} himself {G1438} is {G2076} approved {G1384}, but {G235} whom {G3739} the Lord {G2962} commendeth {G4921}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because it is not the one who recommends himself who is worthy of approval, but the one whom the Lord recommends.

Berean Standard Bible

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul delivers a profound theological statement contrasting human self-commendation with divine approval. He argues that genuine validation and authority in ministry, and indeed in the Christian life, do not originate from self-promotion, boasting, or the accolades of others, but solely from the Lord's discerning commendation. This verse serves as a climactic summary of Paul's defense against his detractors in Corinth, emphasizing that true spiritual authority is God-given and God-recognized, not self-proclaimed or humanly conferred.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's initial defense of his apostolic authority and ministry methods, which begins in [2 Corinthians 10:1](/2_corinthians/10-1 "2 Corinthians 10:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority"). Throughout this chapter, Paul addresses accusations from certain influential figures in Corinth who criticized his physical presence as weak and his speech as contemptible, while simultaneously boasting of their own impressive credentials and rhetorical prowess. Paul contrasts his "spiritual warfare" (as described in [2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3-5 "Spiritual Warfare in 2 Corinthians"))—which involves tearing down strongholds of human reasoning and bringing every thought captive to Christ—with their carnal boasting. He asserts that his authority, though appearing humble, is divinely given "for edification, and not for your destruction" ([2 Corinthians 10:8](/2_corinthians/10-8 "Authority for Edification")). The preceding verses ([2 Corinthians 10:12-17](/2_corinthians/10-12-17 "Paul's Standard of Boasting")) specifically condemn those who "commend themselves" and "compare themselves among themselves," highlighting their self-referential and ungodly standard of evaluation. Therefore, [2 Corinthians 10:18](/2_corinthians/10-18 "2 Corinthians 10:18 - True Approval") acts as the definitive concluding principle, encapsulating Paul's argument: human self-validation is worthless; only God's commendation truly matters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric, philosophy, and public speaking. In this environment, skilled orators and influential figures (often sophists) would gain status and followers through their eloquence, persuasive arguments, and self-promotion. Paul, by contrast, deliberately chose a different approach, preferring to preach "not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" ([1 Corinthians 1:17](/1_corinthians/1-17 "The Power of the Cross")). His opponents in Corinth, likely Jewish-Christian teachers influenced by Hellenistic rhetorical traditions, sought to undermine Paul by highlighting his perceived lack of eloquence and impressive demeanor, while simultaneously exalting their own perceived strengths. They likely presented letters of recommendation, boasted of their spiritual experiences, and emphasized their connection to prominent apostles or traditions. Paul's statement in [2 Corinthians 10:18](/2_corinthians/10-18 "2 Corinthians 10:18 - True Approval") directly challenges this prevailing cultural value of self-aggrandizement and external validation, asserting a counter-cultural, God-centered standard for true worth and authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Approval vs. Human Validation**. Paul consistently downplays human boasting and elevates God as the sole source of true commendation, contrasting the Corinthians' worldly standards with God's eternal perspective. This is evident throughout [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Defense of His Ministry"), where Paul argues that spiritual warfare and authority come from God, not human strength or rhetorical skill. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Humility in Ministry**. Paul's own ministry was characterized by weakness and suffering, which he paradoxically embraced as a display of God's power ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Grace in Weakness")). This verse champions a humble spirit, recognizing that any genuine success or commendation in service is a gift from God, not a result of self-exaltation. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Authenticity and Integrity**. True ministry and genuine faith are not about outward show or impressive displays, but about a heart and life that are "approved" by God, a concept Paul explores further in [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "True Circumcision and Praise"). This principle asserts that God sees beyond appearances, valuing inner truth and faithfulness over external pomp.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commendeth (Greek, _synistáō'_):** This word (G4921) means "to set together," "to introduce (favorably)," or "to exhibit." It carries the sense of presenting oneself or vouching for one's own character or credentials. In the context of the verse, it refers to the act of self-promotion, self-praise, or attempting to establish one's own authority or worth through personal testimony or external displays. Paul highlights that such self-introduction is ultimately ineffective for true approval.
* **approved (Greek, _dókimos'_):** This term (G1384) signifies "acceptable (current after assayal)," meaning "tested" and found "genuine" or "acceptable." It was often used in the ancient world for metals (like gold or silver) that had been tested for purity and found to be true and unadulterated. Thus, to be "approved" by God means to have passed His divine test, demonstrating genuine character, faithfulness, and spiritual integrity, rather than superficial or counterfeit qualities.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word (G2962) denotes "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." In the New Testament, it is consistently used to refer to God the Father and, preeminently, to Jesus Christ. When Paul states that "the Lord commendeth," he is referring to the ultimate divine authority and judge, whose commendation is the only one that truly matters, as it is based on perfect knowledge and righteous judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For not he that commendeth himself is approved":** This clause directly challenges the self-promotional tactics of Paul's opponents in Corinth and, by extension, any human tendency toward self-exaltation. Paul asserts that the act of "commending oneself"—of boasting about one's achievements, credentials, or spiritual gifts—does not lead to genuine "approval." Such self-validation is inherently flawed and insufficient because it operates on a human, often superficial, standard, rather than God's perfect and discerning judgment. It implies that human self-assessment is biased and unreliable, and that external displays of piety or power are not indicative of true spiritual worth.
* **"but whom the Lord commendeth."**: This contrasting clause presents the sole source of legitimate approval. The conjunction "but" (Greek, _allá'_) introduces a strong antithesis. True commendation, the kind that results in genuine "approval" (being found "tested and genuine"), comes exclusively from "the Lord." This means that God Himself is the ultimate evaluator and certifier of a person's character, ministry, and spiritual standing. His commendation is based on truth, faithfulness, and the alignment of one's life with His will, rather than on outward appearances or human praise. It shifts the focus entirely from human effort to divine grace and sovereignty in recognizing true worth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Most prominently, it utilizes **Contrast**, setting up a clear opposition between "he that commendeth himself" and "whom the Lord commendeth." This stark juxtaposition highlights the fundamental difference between human standards of validation and divine standards. Closely related is **Antithesis**, where two opposing ideas are presented in parallel structure to emphasize their difference and the superiority of one over the other. The structure "not X, but Y" is a classic form of antithesis, making the theological point undeniable. Furthermore, there is an implied **Metaphor** of testing or assaying, particularly with the word "approved" (_dókimos_), which evokes the imagery of a metal being tested for purity. Just as a metal must pass a rigorous test to be deemed genuine, so too must a person's character and work be tested by God to receive true approval. Finally, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the core argument of [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Defense of His Ministry") regarding the source of true authority and validation in ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 10:18](/2_corinthians/10-18 "2 Corinthians 10:18 - True Approval") articulates a foundational theological principle: the ultimate source of all true commendation and approval is God alone. This truth profoundly impacts our understanding of identity, ministry, and success within the Christian life. It challenges the human tendency to seek validation from external sources—whether from self-praise, the opinions of others, or worldly achievements—and redirects our gaze to the divine standard. God's commendation is not based on outward appearances, rhetorical skill, or impressive credentials, but on the genuine state of the heart, faithfulness in service, and obedience to His will. This principle liberates believers from the endless pursuit of human applause and empowers them to live for an audience of One, secure in the knowledge that only God's assessment truly matters for eternity.

* [Proverbs 27:2](/proverbs/27-2 "Proverbs 27:2 - Let another praise you")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Praise from God")
* [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Praise from God at the Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with self-promotion, personal branding, and the relentless pursuit of external validation through social media and public acclaim, [2 Corinthians 10:18](/2_corinthians/10-18 "2 Corinthians 10:18 - True Approval") stands as a powerful, counter-cultural call to reorient our desires and priorities. This verse compels us to ask: Whose approval are we truly seeking? Is it the fleeting applause of people, the fleeting satisfaction of self-congratulation, or the enduring, eternal commendation of the Lord? Living by this principle means cultivating a deep humility, understanding that any gifting, success, or impact we have comes from God, and therefore, all glory belongs to Him. It encourages us to faithfully steward our gifts, serve others with integrity, and pursue righteousness in secret, trusting that God sees and will ultimately reward what is done for His glory, not our own. This perspective fosters spiritual freedom, releasing us from the burden of performance for human approval and anchoring our worth in God's unchanging love and righteous judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most tempted to seek self-commendation or the approval of others?**
* **How might shifting your focus from human validation to God's commendation change your approach to ministry, work, or relationships?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that prioritizes God's approval above all else?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "commend oneself" in this context?**

Answer: To "commend oneself" refers to the act of self-promotion, boasting, or attempting to establish one's own credibility, authority, or spiritual standing through personal claims, impressive displays, or human-centric standards. In Paul's time, this often involved rhetorical skill, letters of recommendation, or claims of special knowledge. Paul argues that such self-validation is ultimately empty and ineffective in God's eyes, as true authority and worth are divinely bestowed. He contrasts this with those who "do not commend themselves," but rather rely on God's assessment, as seen in [2 Corinthians 3:1](/2_corinthians/3-1 "Are We Beginning to Commend Ourselves Again?").

**How can I know if the Lord "commendeth" me?**

Answer: God's commendation is not typically an audible voice or a visible sign, but rather an inner assurance and the fruit of a life lived in faithfulness and obedience to Him. It is reflected in a clear conscience, the genuine transformation of character by the Holy Spirit, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are walking in His will. While God's approval is ultimately revealed at the final judgment ([1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Praise from God at the Judgment")), we can experience a foretaste of it through His empowering presence in our lives, the effectiveness of our Spirit-led service, and the peace that surpasses understanding when we prioritize His glory over our own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 10:18](/2_corinthians/10-18 "2 Corinthians 10:18 - True Approval") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who never "commended himself" yet received the Father's perfect and public commendation. From His baptism, where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")), to the transfiguration, where the same voice affirmed, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")), Jesus consistently lived for the Father's approval, not His own. He did not seek His own glory ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Glory")), but perfectly embodied humility and obedience, always doing what pleased the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that true worth and authority are not self-proclaimed but divinely conferred through perfect faithfulness. As believers, we are "approved" in Christ, not by our own merit or self-commendation, but by being found "in Him" ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), covered by His righteousness, and indwelt by His Spirit. Our ultimate commendation comes from being identified with the One whom the Lord Himself has eternally commended.

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 21:2

¶ Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Luke 16:15

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2 Corinthians 10:12

¶ 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.

John 12:43

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Luke 18:10

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.