“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 10:17
What does 2 Corinthians 10:17 mean?
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2 Corinthians 10:17
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This verse isn't just saying to boast about the Lord, but to boast in Him, meaning that our boasting finds its ultimate source and validation only in Him. True boasting isn't about our own achievements or qualities, but about recognizing that anything good in us or that we accomplish is a gift from God's gracious work. Therefore, our pride finds its rightful place not in ourselves, but in the very One who makes us who we are.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is fiercely defending his apostolic authority against critics who were questioning him and boasting about their own credentials. He's just declared that true boasting isn't about human accomplishments but about what God has done. Therefore, anyone who wants to boast should focus on God's power and work, not their own achievements.
In a world that celebrates individual achievement, it's easy to fall into the trap of boasting about ourselves. But the Bible gives a stern warning about this.
Paul addresses the Corinthian church, a place filled with people prone to boasting – about their spiritual gifts, their eloquence, and even their connection to the apostles. This boasting often stemmed from pride and a desire for status, rather than genuine humility.
Why is self-boasting dangerous?
If we aren't meant to boast in ourselves, where should we direct our praise and confidence? The answer is profound and liberating.
Paul's instruction is clear: 'boast in the Lord.' This isn't about suppressing our joy or achievements, but about re-centering our source of pride and confidence.
What does it mean to boast in the Lord?
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Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe. In this context, it emphasizes God’s authority and the appropriate object of human praise.
This passage echoes the same idea, urging wisdom and strength not to be found in human achievements but in understanding and knowing God, who shows steadfast love and justice.
1 Corinthians 1:31Paul directly quotes Jeremiah here, reinforcing the message that anyone who boasts should do so in the Lord, highlighting God's power as the ultimate source of all things.
Galatians 6:14Paul declares that he will not boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, connecting the act of boasting in the Lord to the sacrificial work of Jesus.
Psalm 34:2This psalm calls believers to boast in the Lord, promising that the humble will hear and be glad, showing that true boasting leads to joyful humility and reliance on God.
This verse isn't just saying to boast about the Lord, but to boast in Him, meaning that our boasting finds its ultimate source and validation only in Him. True boasting isn't about our own achievements or qualities, but about recognizing that anything good in us or that we accomplish is a gift from God's gracious work. Therefore, our pride finds its rightful place not in ourselves, but in the very One who makes us who we are.
Paul is fiercely defending his apostolic authority against critics who were questioning him and boasting about their own credentials. He's just declared that true boasting isn't about human accomplishments but about what God has done. Therefore, anyone who wants to boast should focus on God's power and work, not their own achievements.
Paul is fiercely defending his apostolic authority against critics who were questioning him and boasting about their own credentials. He's just declared that true boasting isn't about human accomplishments but about what God has done. Therefore, anyone who wants to boast should focus on God's power and work, not their own achievements.
"“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”" — This verse isn't just saying to boast about the Lord, but to boast in Him, meaning that our boasting finds its ultimate source and validation only in Him. True boasting isn't about our own achiev…
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Last reviewed October 2026