2 Corinthians 1:24
New International Version
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

New Living Translation
But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.

English Standard Version
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

Berean Standard Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Berean Literal Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are fellow workers with you of joy; for in the faith you stand firm.

King James Bible
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

New King James Version
Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

New American Standard Bible
Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

NASB 1995
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

NASB 1977
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

Legacy Standard Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

Amplified Bible
not that we rule [like dictators] over your faith, but rather we work with you for [the increase of] your joy; for in your faith you stand firm [in your strong conviction that Jesus of Nazareth—the Messiah—is the Son of God, through whom we obtain eternal salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
I do not mean that we lord it over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in your faith.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I do not mean that we have control of your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand by faith.

American Standard Version
Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.

Contemporary English Version
We are not bosses who tell you what to believe. We are working with you to make you glad, because your faith is strong.

English Revised Version
Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It isn't that we want to have control over your Christian faith. Rather, we want to work with you so that you will be happy. Certainly, you are firmly established in the Christian faith.

Good News Translation
We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

International Standard Version
It is not that we are trying to rule over your faith, but rather to work with you for your joy, because you have been standing firm in the faith.

Majority Standard Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

NET Bible
I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm.

New Heart English Bible
Not that we rule over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

Webster's Bible Translation
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Weymouth New Testament
Not that we want to lord it over you in respect of your faith--we do, however, desire to help your joy--for in the matter of your faith you are standing firm.

World English Bible
We don’t control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
not that we are lords over your faith, but we are workers together with your joy, for by faith you stand.

Berean Literal Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are fellow workers with you of joy; for in the faith you stand firm.

Young's Literal Translation
not that we are lords over your faith, but we are workers together with your joy, for by the faith ye stand.

Smith's Literal Translation
Not that we are masters of your faith, but we are aiders of your joy: for ye have stood in the faith.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
not because we exercise dominion over your faith: but we are helpers of your joy: for in faith you stand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
not because we have dominion over your faith, but because we are assistants of your joy. For by faith you stand.

New American Bible
Not that we lord it over your faith; rather, we work together for your joy, for you stand firm in the faith.

New Revised Standard Version
I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Not that we are the masters of your faith, but we are helpers of your joy; for by faith you stand.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Not because we are lords of your faith, but we are helpers of your joy, for it is by faith that you stand.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
not that we are lords over your faith, but fellow-workers for your joy: for by faith you stand.

Godbey New Testament
not that we domineer over your faith, but we are fellow-workers of your joy: for by faith you stand.

Haweis New Testament
not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow-helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand.

Mace New Testament
not that I would arbitrarily prescribe what you should believe, but rather encourage you to go on: for 'tis by faith you have stood.

Weymouth New Testament
Not that we want to lord it over you in respect of your faith--we do, however, desire to help your joy--for in the matter of your faith you are standing firm.

Worrell New Testament
Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye have been standing.

Worsley New Testament
not that we are lords over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Change of Plans
23I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Cross References
Philippians 1:25
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

1 Peter 5:3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

1 Corinthians 15:1
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.

1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ...

1 John 1:4
We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Ephesians 6:13-14
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. / Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,

Colossians 2:5
For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

1 Timothy 4:6
By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.


Treasury of Scripture

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand.

that.

Matthew 23:8-10
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren…

Matthew 24:49
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

1 Corinthians 3:5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

are.

2 Corinthians 2:1-3
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness…

Romans 1:12
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Philippians 1:25,26
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; …

for.

2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 11:20
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

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Authority Desire Dominion Faith Fast Fellow Fellow-Workmen Firm Help Helpers However Joy Lordship Matter Respect Rule Stand Standing Support Together Want Work Workers
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Authority Desire Dominion Faith Fast Fellow Fellow-Workmen Firm Help Helpers However Joy Lordship Matter Respect Rule Stand Standing Support Together Want Work Workers
2 Corinthians 1
1. Paul salutes the Corinthians;
3. he encourages them against troubles,
5. by the comforts and deliverances which God had given him,
8. so particularly in his late danger in Asia.
12. And calling both his own conscience and theirs,
15. he excuses his not coming to them, as proceeding not of lightness,
23. but of his care for them.














Not that we lord it over your faith
The phrase "Not that we lord it over" comes from the Greek word "katakurieuo," which means to exercise dominion or control over someone. In the historical context of the early church, there was a clear distinction between spiritual authority and authoritarianism. Paul emphasizes that his role as an apostle is not to dominate or control the believers' faith. This reflects the servant leadership model that Jesus taught, where leaders are called to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:25-28). The phrase underscores the importance of humility and respect in spiritual leadership, recognizing that faith is a personal relationship with God that should not be coerced or manipulated.

but we work with you for your joy
The word "work" is translated from the Greek "synergeo," which means to collaborate or cooperate. Paul is expressing a partnership in the spiritual journey of the Corinthians. This collaboration is aimed "for your joy," highlighting that the ultimate goal of spiritual guidance is the joy found in a relationship with Christ. Joy, in the biblical sense, is a deep-seated sense of well-being and contentment that comes from knowing and trusting God. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul's approach is to encourage and support the believers, fostering an environment where their faith can flourish and bring about true joy.

because by faith you stand firm
The phrase "by faith you stand firm" is rooted in the Greek word "pistei," meaning faith or belief, and "steko," meaning to stand firm or be steadfast. This conveys the idea that it is through faith that believers are able to remain steadfast in their convictions and withstand challenges. In the historical context, the Corinthian church faced various trials and false teachings, making the exhortation to stand firm particularly relevant. Faith is portrayed as the foundation upon which believers build their lives, enabling them to remain unshaken by external pressures. This steadfastness is not achieved through human effort alone but through reliance on God's strength and promises. The verse encourages believers to cultivate a robust faith that anchors them in the truth of the Gospel, empowering them to live victoriously in Christ.

(24) Not for that we have dominion over your faith.--Better, are lording it over. He has scarcely written, or uttered, the words which imply authority, when the thought comes to him that he may seem to claim too much. He shrinks from "lording it over God's heritage" (1Peter 5:3), and half apologises for so strong a word as "sparing." He puts forward, therefore, the other side of his work. He was really seeking, not to domineer, or cause pain, but to be a fellow-worker with their "joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13). He knows that they have a standing-ground, independently of him, in their faith in Christ, and he seeks to confirm that faith.

Verse 24. - Not for that we have dominion over your faith. The expression, "to spare you," might have been resented as involving a claim "to lord it over their faith." He had, indeed, authority (1 Colossians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Corinthians 13:2, 10), but it was a purely spiritual authority; it was valid only over those who recognized in him an apostolic commission. St. Peter, no less than St. Paul, discourages the spirit of ecclesiastical tyranny (1 Peter 5:3). But are helpers of your joy. We are fellow-helpers of your Christian joy, and therefore I would not come to cause your grief. That was how I desired to spare you. The object of my visits is always "for your furtherance and joy of faith" (Philippians 1:25). For by faith ye stand. The expression is not a mere general principle, but explains his disclaimer of any desire "to lord it over their faith." As far as their "faith" was concerned, they were not to blame; that remained unshaken, and was independent of any visit or authority of St. Paul. But while "in respect of faith ye stand" (Ephesians 6:13), there are other points in which you are being shaken, and in dealing with these I should have been obliged to take severe measures, which, if I postponed my visit, would (I hoped) become unnecessary.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Not
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

we lord it over
κυριεύομεν (kyrieuomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2961: To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

faith,
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

we are
ἐσμεν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

fellow workers
συνεργοί (synergoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4904: A fellow worker, associate, helper. From a presumed compound of sun and the base of ergon; a co-laborer, i.e. Coadjutor.

with you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

for
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[your] joy,
χαρᾶς (charas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

because [it is]
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

by
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith [that]
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

you stand firm.
ἑστήκατε (hestēkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we have lordship over your (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 1:23
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