Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well,
Parallel translations
- WEB not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,
- KJV Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
- NKJV not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,
- NASB not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other people’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our domain, enlarged even more by you,
- NLT Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul does not boast in others' labors but hopes that, as the Corinthians' faith grows, his ministry among them will be greatly enlarged. He builds on his own foundation.
Overview
Unlike the intruding teachers who claimed credit for work they never did, Paul looks forward to expanded ministry as the Corinthians mature. Their growth would open the way for further gospel advance. Paul's ambition is the spread of Christ's gospel, not the harvesting of another's labor.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Rom 15:20In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
- 2 Th 1:3We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.
- 2 Cor 10:13We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.
- Acts 5:13Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them.
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 10:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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