2 Corinthians 10:6

KJV

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} having {G2192} in {G1722} a readiness {G2092} to revenge {G1556} all {G3956} disobedience {G3876}, when {G3752} your {G5216} obedience {G5218} is fulfilled {G4137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when you have become completely obedient, then we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience.

Berean Standard Bible

And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.

American Standard Version

and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:6, articulates his apostolic authority and readiness to exercise divine discipline against persistent disobedience within the Corinthian church. This declaration is strategically timed, indicating that Paul would act decisively against those who challenged his God-given mandate only after the majority of the faithful believers had fully demonstrated their loyalty and submission to Christ and his apostolic instruction, thereby distinguishing the truly obedient from the obstinately rebellious.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's robust defense of his apostolic authority and ministry, spanning [2 Corinthians chapters 10-13](/2_corinthians/10-13 "2 Corinthians 10-13 - Paul's Defense of His Apostleship"). In the immediate preceding verses, Paul contrasts the "weapons of our warfare" with worldly armaments, describing them as "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare")). He emphasizes the spiritual nature of his battle, which involves "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Bringing Every Thought Captive")). Verse 6, therefore, serves as the culmination of this spiritual offensive, signaling Paul's intention to administer corrective judgment once the spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the majority has been won, and the lines between genuine obedience and outright defiance are clearly drawn.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by internal divisions, moral laxity, and the influence of false apostles who challenged Paul's authority and integrity. These opponents often criticized Paul for his unimposing physical presence and perceived weakness, contrasting it with the perceived "boldness" of his letters ([2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Appearance vs. Letters")). Paul's assertion of his "readiness to revenge all disobedience" must be understood against this backdrop of direct challenges to his apostolic office. The concept of "revenge" (Greek: _ekdikéō_) in this context is not personal vindictiveness but refers to the exercise of judicial authority, divine retribution, or punitive justice, consistent with the role of an apostle acting on God's behalf to maintain order and purity within the church. This would have been understood within a culture familiar with both Roman judicial processes and the Old Testament concept of divine justice.

* **Key Themes:** Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 10:6](/2_corinthians/10-6 "2 Corinthians 10:6 - Paul's Readiness to Punish Disobedience") contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Discipline**, asserting Paul's God-given right and responsibility to address and correct spiritual insubordination within the church, not for personal gain but for the church's health and God's glory. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Obedience**, particularly the importance of the Corinthian believers' collective and demonstrated submission to Christ and to Paul's legitimate apostolic instruction. The phrase "when your obedience is fulfilled" implies a complete and active demonstration of loyalty. Thirdly, it reveals Paul's **Strategic Timing and Pastoral Patience**. His decision to wait before taking severe action against the persistently rebellious indicates a pastoral heart that desires repentance and restoration, allowing the faithful to fully align themselves and thereby clearly identifying those who remain defiant, as seen in his broader approach to church discipline in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Church Discipline"). This reflects wisdom in discerning the opportune moment for intervention, ensuring that the innocent are not inadvertently harmed and that justice is applied precisely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **revenge (Greek, _ekdikéō_):** From G1556, this word means "to vindicate, retaliate, punish." In this context, it does not imply personal spite or vengeance but rather the righteous exercise of punitive justice or retribution, often with the goal of restoring what is right or upholding divine order. Paul, as an apostle, is acting as an agent of God's justice against spiritual wrongdoing.
* **disobedience (Greek, _parakoḗ_):** From G3876, meaning "inattention, i.e. (by implication) disobedience." This term points to a deliberate refusal to listen or comply with authoritative instruction, specifically Paul's apostolic teachings and the commands of Christ. It signifies a state of rebellion against legitimate spiritual authority.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō_):** From G4137, meaning "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." When applied to "obedience," it implies that the Corinthians' obedience is to be brought to its full measure, completed, or thoroughly demonstrated. This suggests a comprehensive and evident alignment with Paul's instructions and the will of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience,"**: Paul asserts his prepared state and inherent authority to administer corrective judgment. The phrase "in a readiness" (Greek: _en hétoimō_) signifies a state of preparedness and capability. The "revenge" (Greek: _ekdikéō_) here is not personal vendetta but the exercise of divine justice through Paul's apostolic office, aimed at punishing or vindicating against "all disobedience" (Greek: _pâs parakoḗ_), indicating a comprehensive scope of his authority over any and every act of rebellion within the church. This speaks to the seriousness with which Paul viewed challenges to the gospel and his God-given role.
* **"when your obedience is fulfilled."**: This clause specifies the strategic timing for Paul's disciplinary action. The word "when" (Greek: _hótan_) implies a condition that must be met. Paul is not acting impulsively but waiting for the "obedience" (Greek: _hypakoḗ_) of the majority of the Corinthian believers to be "fulfilled" (Greek: _plēróō_). This means waiting until their loyalty and submission to Christ and his legitimate apostolic teaching are fully demonstrated and complete. This allows for a clear distinction between those who are genuinely repentant and obedient and those who remain obstinately defiant, ensuring that disciplinary action is targeted and just, and that the faithful are not swept up in the judgment intended for the rebellious.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 10:6](/2_corinthians/10-6 "2 Corinthians 10:6 - Paul's Readiness to Punish Disobedience") to convey his message with force and clarity. The most prominent is **Military Metaphor**, which permeates the entire chapter. Paul frames his spiritual authority and actions in terms of warfare, using terms like "weapons," "strongholds," "casting down imaginations," and here, "readiness to revenge." This imagery vividly communicates the seriousness of the spiritual conflict and the decisive nature of his intended actions. There is also a clear **Antithesis** between "disobedience" and "obedience," highlighting the stark choice facing the Corinthian believers and the contrasting outcomes. Furthermore, Paul uses **Strategic Delay** as a rhetorical and practical device. By stating that he will act "when your obedience is fulfilled," he creates a suspenseful and conditional declaration, emphasizing patience and providing an opportunity for the church to self-correct before more severe measures are taken. This delay also serves to underscore the **Pastoral Heart** behind his authority, demonstrating a desire for restoration rather than immediate punitive action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the biblical understanding of divine authority, church discipline, and God's justice. Paul's "readiness to revenge" is not an act of personal malice but a reflection of God's own character, who is both longsuffering and righteous in judgment. It underscores that spiritual authority, when genuinely given by God, is meant to uphold truth, correct error, and maintain the purity and order of the church. The emphasis on the "fulfillment of obedience" highlights the corporate responsibility of believers to align themselves with Christ, creating a unified body that can then effectively deal with internal rebellion. This process ensures that disciplinary actions are not arbitrary but are taken with discernment, patience, and a clear distinction between those who are truly submitted to Christ and those who are not. Ultimately, it points to the principle that God will not tolerate persistent disobedience within His covenant community indefinitely.

* [2 Corinthians 13:10](/2_corinthians/13-10 "2 Corinthians 13:10 - Paul's Authority for Edification")
* [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith")
* [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Delivering to Satan for Destruction of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Corinthians 10:6](/2_corinthians/10-6 "2 Corinthians 10:6 - Paul's Readiness to Punish Disobedience") offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual authority and the handling of sin within the church. It reminds us that true spiritual leadership, whether in a pastoral role or as an individual believer exercising influence, is endowed by God to uphold righteousness and address sin, not for personal gain, self-exaltation, or petty grievances. It calls us to a high standard of **obedience to God's Word** and to the legitimate spiritual leadership that faithfully adheres to it. Furthermore, Paul's strategic patience teaches us the crucial value of discernment, longsuffering, and a restorative heart when confronting conflict and disobedience. We are called to allow room for repentance, to solidify the faithful, and to clearly distinguish between those who are genuinely seeking to follow Christ and those who are stubbornly resistant, before taking decisive action. This verse underscores that God, through His appointed means, will ultimately vindicate His truth and deal with all forms of persistent disobedience, urging us to ensure our own hearts are fully obedient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when legitimate spiritual authority (e.g., pastors, elders, biblical teaching) confronts areas of disobedience in my life?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to the "fulfillment of obedience" within my local church community, fostering unity and submission to Christ?**
* **How can I exercise patience and discernment in addressing conflict or sin in others, allowing room for repentance while also being prepared to act decisively when necessary?**
* **Do I truly understand that God's justice, even when it involves "revenge" against disobedience, is ultimately for the good and purity of His church?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "revenge" in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "revenge" (G1556, _ekdikéō_) in this context does not refer to personal spite or vindictiveness. Instead, it signifies the righteous exercise of punitive justice, retribution, or vindication. Paul, as an apostle, was acting with God-given authority to administer discipline and uphold divine justice against those who were stubbornly rebellious and undermining the gospel and the church's health in Corinth. It's about the righteous enforcement of consequences for wrongdoing, aimed at restoring order and truth, not personal retaliation. This concept is similar to how God Himself is described as bringing vengeance or justice in the Old Testament, for example, in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense").

**Why did Paul wait for the Corinthians' "obedience to be fulfilled" before taking action?**

Answer: Paul's decision to wait demonstrates profound pastoral wisdom, strategic discernment, and a desire for restoration rather than immediate punishment. Firstly, it allowed the majority of the Corinthian believers, who were genuinely seeking to follow Christ, an opportunity to fully align themselves with Paul's apostolic authority and the teachings of the Gospel. This process of "fulfillment" meant their obedience would be clearly demonstrated, distinguishing them from the persistent rebels. Secondly, waiting provided space for the disobedient to repent and turn from their ways. Paul's heart was always for reconciliation and restoration. Thirdly, by waiting, Paul ensured that any disciplinary action taken would be clearly understood as a last resort, aimed at the truly defiant, and would be supported by the now-unified, obedient majority of the church. This strategic delay is a testament to Paul's commitment to building up the church, not tearing it down, as he states in [2 Corinthians 13:10](/2_corinthians/13-10 "2 Corinthians 13:10 - Paul's Authority for Edification").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 10:6](/2_corinthians/10-6 "2 Corinthians 10:6 - Paul's Readiness to Punish Disobedience") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both the obedience and the authority described by Paul. Christ is the supreme example of perfect obedience, "becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His entire earthly ministry was a fulfillment of the Father's will, bringing about the "obedience of faith" ([Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith")) for all who believe. Furthermore, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge")). While Paul exercised a delegated apostolic authority to address disobedience, it is Christ who will ultimately "revenge" (vindicate) His righteous cause and judge all forms of rebellion and ungodliness at His glorious return ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Lord Jesus Revealed in Flaming Fire")). Just as Paul waited for the Corinthians' obedience to be fulfilled, so too does Christ, in His divine patience, extend grace and opportunity for repentance before the final judgment, desiring that "none should perish, but that all should reach repentance" ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for Repentance")). Thus, Paul's readiness to discipline serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and perfect administration of justice, ensuring the complete and final triumph of God's righteous rule.

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

2 Corinthians 2:9

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Numbers 16:30

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

2 Corinthians 7:15

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

2 Corinthians 13:10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?