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

2 CORINTHIANS 10:18KJV
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2 Corinthians 10:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

2 Corinthians 10:18 says that being truly recognized or approved is not about praising or promoting oneself, but about being commended by the Lord. The verse points out that God's approval is what really counts, not self-approval or human praise.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of authority and boasting among some in the community. Some people were trying to prove their worth by their own claims or achievements. Paul reminds them that true approval comes from God, not from self-promotion or the opinions of others.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 10:18

  • "commendeth" (συνίστημι, synistēmi): This word often means to present, recommend, or show something as worthy. Here, it highlights the difference between someone putting themselves forward versus being truly recognized by God.
  • "approved" (δόκιμος, dokimos): This term means tested and found genuine or acceptable. Paul uses it to stress that only those whom God finds genuine are truly approved.
  • "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios): This is the title for God or Jesus, emphasizing that it is God's judgment, not human judgment, that matters most.

Why 2 Corinthians 10:18 matters

  • 2 Corinthians 10:18 clarifies that self-praise or self-promotion does not equal real worth or approval in God's eyes, correcting a common misunderstanding about spiritual status.
  • The verse draws attention to the importance of God's perspective over human recognition, which is a key theme in Paul's letters to the Corinthians.
  • This statement ties into the wider passage where Paul is challenging those who boast in themselves, reminding the church to seek God's approval above all.

Where else these words appear

“approved” Greek G1384 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

“commendeth” Greek G4921 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
  • 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?
  • 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.