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2 Corinthians 10:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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:
2 Corinthians 10:8 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
6and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.
7Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ`s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ`s, so also are we.
8For 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:
9that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.
10For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
11Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [are we] also in deed when we are present.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, etc..] Than as yet he had done, or used to do; or rather the sense is, should he boast of a greater authority than the false apostles, or even than the true ministers of the Gospel in common had, he should not exceed the bounds of truth and modesty; for as an apostle he not only had an authority from Christ to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances, but also had an extraordinary power of punishing offenders, as before observed: which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for destruction; a power which no mere man, no creature, though ever so exalted, could have given; none but Christ, who is Lord of heaven and earth,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"For even if I were to boast somewhat more exceedingly (than I do, Co2 10:3-6) of our (apostolic) authority (Co2 10:6; Co2 13:10) . . . I should not be put to shame (by the fact; as I should be if my authority proved to be without foundation: my threats of punishment not being carried into effect)." for edification . . . not for . . . destruction--Greek, "for building up . . . not for . . . CASTING DOWN" (the same Greek as in Co2 10:5): the image of a building as in Co2 10:4-5. Though we "cast down reasonings," this is not in order to destroy, but really to build up ("edify"), by removing those things which are hindrances to edification, and testing what is unsound, and putting together all…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For though I should boast ... - If I should make even higher claims than I have done to a divine commission. I could urge higher evidence than I have done that I am sent by the Lord Jesus. Of our authority - Of my authority as an apostle, my power to administer discipline, and to direct the affairs of the church. Which the Lord hath given us for edification - A power primarily conferred to build up his people and save them and not to destroy. I should not be ashamed - It would be founded on good evidence and sustained by the nature of my commission. I should also have no occasion to be ashamed of the manner in which it has been exercised - a power that has in fact been employed in extending…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I should not be ashamed - As having said more than I could make good. 2 Corinthians 10:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“though: Co2 1:24, Co2 13:2, Co2 13:3, Co2 13:8, Co2 13:10; Gal 1:1 I should not: Co2 7:14, Co2 12:6; Ti2 1:12 2 Corinthians 10:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification