2 Corinthians 10:8
New International Version
So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

New Living Translation
I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

English Standard Version
For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

Berean Standard Bible
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

Berean Literal Bible
For even if I should boast somewhat more abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord has given us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed,

King James Bible
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

New King James Version
For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—

New American Standard Bible
For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,

NASB 1995
For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,

NASB 1977
For even if I should boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame,

Legacy Standard Bible
For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame,

Amplified Bible
For even though I boast rather freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed [of the truth],

Christian Standard Bible
For if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For if I boast some more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I am not ashamed.

American Standard Version
For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

Contemporary English Version
Maybe I brag a little too much about the authority that the Lord gave me to help you and not to hurt you. Yet I am not embarrassed to brag.

English Revised Version
For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So, if I brag a little too much about the authority which the Lord gave us, I'm not ashamed. The Lord gave us this authority to help you, not to hurt you.

Good News Translation
For I am not ashamed, even if I have boasted somewhat too much about the authority that the Lord has given us--authority to build you up, not to tear you down.

International Standard Version
So if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave us to build you up and not to tear you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

Majority Standard Bible
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

NET Bible
For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so.

New Heart English Bible
For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

Webster's Bible Translation
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

Weymouth New Testament
If, however, I were to boast more loudly of our Apostolic authority, which the Lord has given us that we may build you up, not pull you down, I should have no reason to feel ashamed.

World English Bible
For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for even if I will also boast anything more abundantly concerning our authority, that the LORD gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed,

Berean Literal Bible
For even if I should boast somewhat more abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord has given us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed,

Young's Literal Translation
for even if also anything more abundantly I shall boast concerning our authority, that the Lord gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I shall not be ashamed;

Smith's Literal Translation
For if I also boast something more abundantly of our power, which the Lord gave us for the building up, and not for your taking down, I shall not be ashamed:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For if also I should boast somewhat more of our power, which the Lord hath given us unto edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if I were even to glory somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord has given to us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.

New American Bible
And even if I should boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I shall not be put to shame.

New Revised Standard Version
Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For if I should boast somewhat more of the authority which our LORD has given me, I should not be ashamed, for he has given it to us for your edification, and not for your destruction.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For if I boast somewhat more of the authority that our Lord gives to me, I am not ashamed, because he gave it to us for your edification and not for your destruction.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For though I should boast even, somewhat more abundantly of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I would not be ashamed:

Godbey New Testament
For if I shall in any thing the more abundantly boast concerning our power which the Lord gave us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I will not be ashamed:

Haweis New Testament
Yea, and if I should boast somewhat more highly of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed;

Mace New Testament
for though I should more than ever magnify my authority, which the Lord hath given us for your improvement, and not for your ruin, I should have no reason to be ashamed;

Weymouth New Testament
If, however, I were to boast more loudly of our Apostolic authority, which the Lord has given us that we may build you up, not pull you down, I should have no reason to feel ashamed.

Worrell New Testament
For, even if I glory somewhat more abundantly concerning our authority—which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for tearing you down—I shall not be put to shame;

Worsley New Testament
For though I should boast yet more of our authority, (which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction) I should not be ashamed:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Apostolic Authority
7You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. 8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed. 9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5
When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, / hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

1 Corinthians 9:12
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.

1 Thessalonians 5:12
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 5:20
But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

Titus 2:15
Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

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.

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 18:18
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

John 20:23
If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Romans 15:18
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,


Treasury of Scripture

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

though.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 13:2,3,8,10
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: …

Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

I should not.

2 Corinthians 7:14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

2 Corinthians 12:6
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

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Abundantly Apostolic Ashamed Authority Boast Building Casting Cause Destroying Destruction Disappointed Edification Feel Freely Further Glory However Loudly Overthrowing Pull Rather Reason Shame Somewhat
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2 Corinthians 10
1. Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence,
4. he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers;
7. assuring those who at his coming he will be found as mighty in word as he is now in writing;
12. and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass.














For even if I boast somewhat excessively
The phrase "boast somewhat excessively" reflects the Greek word "hyperballō," which means to go beyond or to exceed. In the context of Paul's ministry, this suggests a deliberate emphasis on his apostolic authority. Historically, boasting was often seen negatively, but Paul uses it here to assert his God-given role. His "excessive" boasting is not for self-glorification but to affirm his commitment to the truth and the well-being of the Corinthian church.

about the authority
The term "authority" comes from the Greek "exousia," which denotes power or the right to act. In the early church, apostolic authority was crucial for establishing doctrine and order. Paul emphasizes that his authority is not self-appointed but divinely sanctioned. This authority is meant to guide, protect, and nurture the church, reflecting the responsibility bestowed upon him by Christ.

the Lord gave us
This phrase underscores the divine origin of Paul's authority. The Greek word "didōmi" means to give or grant, indicating that Paul's role is a gift from the Lord. This divine commissioning is central to Paul's identity and mission. It reassures the Corinthians that his leadership is not based on human credentials but on a divine mandate, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God equipping His chosen servants.

for building you up
The concept of "building up" is translated from the Greek "oikodomē," which refers to edification or construction. In a spiritual sense, it implies nurturing and strengthening the faith of believers. Paul's mission is constructive, aiming to develop the church's spiritual maturity and unity. This aligns with the biblical theme of the church as a living temple, where each believer contributes to the whole.

rather than tearing you down
Contrasting "building up," the phrase "tearing you down" comes from the Greek "kathairesis," meaning demolition or destruction. Paul clarifies that his authority is not for harm but for edification. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of true spiritual leadership, which seeks to uplift rather than oppress. It reflects the heart of Christ's ministry, which is rooted in love and restoration.

I will not be ashamed
The declaration "I will not be ashamed" is a powerful affirmation of Paul's confidence in his divine mission. The Greek "aischynō" means to be disgraced or humiliated. Paul is resolute in his purpose, knowing that his actions align with God's will. This confidence is not arrogance but a deep assurance in the righteousness of his cause, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and calling.

(8) For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority.--Literally, somewhat too much--perhaps as quoting a word that had been used of him. In referring to his "authority," it scarcely admits of question that he claims--as in 1Corinthians 5:5; 1Timothy 5:20, and by implication in 2Corinthians 10:6--the power to enforce that authority by a supernatural chastisement, as, e.g., in the case of Elymas. He is anxious, however, having used the word "pulling down," or "destruction," to qualify his threat by the assertion that th1Corinthians 14:12-26; Ephesians 4:12-16; and Notes on 2Corinthians 13:10.) . . . Verses 8-11. - Assertion of his intentions. Verse 8. - Should boast. In this section St. Paul is thoroughly haunted by this word. The fact that a word could thus possess and dominate over his style and imagination shows how deeply he was moved. The Corinthian Church, with its inflated factions and their fuglemen, recked with beasting, and St. Paul is driven, with utter distaste, to adopt in self-defence language which, to the uncandid and indiscriminating, might seem to wear the same aspect. The word, which is unfrequent in other Epistles, occurs eighteen times in these chapters alone. Other haunting words are "tolerate," "bear with" (2 Corinthians 11:l, 4, 19, 20), and "senseless," "fool" (2 Corinthians 11:16, 19; 2 Corinthians 12:6, 11); see note on 2 Corinthians 1:3. Somewhat more; something more abundantly. For edification, and not for your destruction; for building you up, not pulling you down. The word kathairesin is from the same root as the verb in ver. 5. I should not be ashamed; rather, I shall not be ashamed. No shame shall ever accrue to me from my "boast" being proved false.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

even
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

if
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

I boast
καυχήσωμαι (kauchēsōmai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.

somewhat
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

excessively
περισσότερόν (perissoteron)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4053: From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

the
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.

authority
ἐξουσίας (exousias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

gave
ἔδωκεν (edōken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

us
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

building [you] up
οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.

rather than
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

tearing you down,
καθαίρεσιν (kathairesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2506: Taking down, razing, destroying. From kathaireo; demolition; figuratively, extinction.

I will not be ashamed.
αἰσχυνθήσομαι (aischynthēsomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 153: To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 10:7
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