2 Corinthians 10:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Self-recommendation counts for nothing; the only approval that matters is the Lord's.
What Does 2 Corinthians 10:18 Mean?
Paul closes the chapter with a clear contrast. The one who commends himself is not the one who is approved. Approval that endures comes only from the Lord, who commends whom He will. Human self-praise is set against divine verdict.
This is the quiet answer to every rival who paraded his own credentials. In the end, it is not our estimate of ourselves that stands, but God's. The thought is both humbling and freeing: we cannot certify our own worth, yet we are seen and weighed by One who judges truly. To live for the Lord's 'well done' is to be released from the need for applause, and to rest in the only commendation that will last.
2 Corinthians 10:18 in the Original Language
dokimos (δόκιμος), 'approved' -- tested and found genuine, as metal proven true by fire.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 10:18
What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?
Self-recommendation counts for nothing; the only approval that matters is the Lord's.