Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 10:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:7 mean?

2 Corinthians 10:7 challenges people who judge by outward appearances, reminding them that if anyone is confident they belong to Christ, they should also recognize that Paul and his companions belong to Christ just as much. The verse calls for fair judgment and mutual respect among believers, not favoritism based on surface-level impressions.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, responding to critics who question his authority and compare him unfavorably to others. Some in Corinth were judging Paul by how he looked or acted rather than by his true relationship with Christ. Paul urges them to think carefully and recognize that outward appearance does not determine who truly belongs to Jesus.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 10:7

  • "appearance" (πρόσωπον, prosōpon): This word means "face" or "outward appearance." Paul is pointing out that judging by what is seen on the surface can be misleading, especially in spiritual matters.
  • "trust" (πεποίθηκεν, pepoithēken): This word carries the idea of being confident or convinced. Paul addresses those who are sure of their own standing with Christ, challenging them to apply the same standard to him.
  • "Christ's" (Χριστοῦ, Christou): This word means "belonging to Christ." Paul is emphasizing that true belonging to Jesus is not shown by external things but by genuine faith and relationship.

Why 2 Corinthians 10:7 matters

  • This verse corrects the tendency to judge spiritual leaders or fellow believers by their looks, style, or personality rather than their true connection to Christ.
  • Paul’s words remind the church that spiritual authority and belonging are not about outward status but about being in Christ, which is something only God truly sees.
  • The verse fits into Paul’s larger defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians, where he urges the Corinthians to look deeper and not be swayed by superficial judgments or comparisons.

Where else these words appear

“him” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

“trust” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

“man” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

“appearance” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.