II Corinthians 1:14 · Bible study
2 Corinthians 1:14 Commentary: Mutual Glorying in the Day of the Lord
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Paul and the Corinthians boast in each other, legitimately, because their pride is in God's work, and it will be fully realized at Christ's return.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Mutual confidence between Paul and the Corinthians, grounded in God's grace, will be fully confirmed at Christ's return.
- Key words: καύχημα (boasting/glorying), ἐπέγνωτε (acknowledge/thoroughly know), ἀπὸ μέρους (in part).
- Main debate: Whether 'in part' refers to partial knowledge of Paul or only a portion of the congregation accepting him.
- Theological theme: Eschatological perspective transforms present relationships; legitimate boasting is always boasting in God's work.
- Best use: Preaching on pastoral integrity, church unity, and the hope of the second coming.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
WEB World English Bible 2000
as also you acknowledged us in part—that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
KJV King James Version 1769
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
according as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that your glory we are, even as also ye are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
even as also ye have recognised us in part, that we are your boast, even as ye [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
As also you have known us in part, that we are your glory: as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Como también en parte habéis conocido que somos vuestra gloria, así como también vosotros la nuestra, para el día del Señor Jesús.
Assim como também já em parte tendes nos entendido, que somos vosso orgulho, como também vós sois o nosso orgulho no dia do Senhor Jesus.
comme vous avez déjà reconnu en partie que nous sommes votre gloire, de même que vous serez aussi la nôtre au jour du Seigneur Jésus.
Denn wir sind euer Ruhm, gleichwie auch ihr unser Ruhm seid auf des HERRN Jesu Tag.
Gelijkerwijs gij ook ten dele ons erkend hebt, dat wij uw roem zijn, gelijk gij ook de onze zijt, in den dag van den Heere Jezus.
e spero che sino alla fine riconoscerete, come in parte avete già riconosciuto, che noi siamo il vostro vanto, come anche voi sarete il nostro nel giorno del nostro Signore, Gesù.
Jakoście też nas poznali po części, żeśmy chlubą waszą, jako i wy naszą w dzień Pana Jezusa.
так как вы отчасти и уразумели уже, что мы будем вашею похвалою, равно и вы нашею, в день Господа нашего Иисуса Христа.
正如 你們已經有 幾分 認識 我們， 以我們 誇口，好像 我們 在 我們主 耶穌 的日子 以你們誇口一樣。
Even as you have been ready, in part, to say that we are your glory, in the same way that you are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · II Corinthians 1:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this verse describes a mutual and holy pride between Paul and the Corinthians, rooted in God's grace. The Greek word καύχημα (kauchēma) means 'ground of boasting' or 'glorying', not empty self-praise, but joy in what God has done through another (Barnes; Vincent). Paul's integrity and the Corinthians' genuine conversion give them a shared basis for this boasting, which will reach its full meaning 'in the day of the Lord Jesus', the eschatological coming when all human work is tested (Calvin; Cambridge Bible). The phrase 'in part' (ἀπὸ μέρους) is understood by many, including Grotius and Alford as cited by Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, to refer to a portion of the Corinthian congregation, since some still opposed Paul. Others, like Theophylact and Bengel as noted by JFB, see it as partial knowledge of Paul's character. Either way, the apostle's aim is to ground mutual confidence in the gospel's power and the certainty of Christ's return.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- 'In part' = partial number of believers: Grotius, Alford, and others note that the context of division in Corinth (1 Cor 11:18; 2 Cor 2:5) suggests only a portion of the church fully acknowledged Paul.
- 'In part' = partial degree of knowledge: Theophylact and Bengel read the phrase as referring to incomplete understanding that will become complete at the end (see 1 Cor 13:12).
What is clear: Christians across traditions agree that Paul and the Corinthians share a legitimate ground of mutual glorying in each other's faith and ministry, and this joy finds its ultimate expression at the second coming of Christ.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'in part' (ἀπὸ μέρους) | The phrase indicates that the acknowledgment of Paul is not complete, either in scope or in depth. | Clarke, Grotius, Alford, and Barnes argue that it means 'some of you', only a portion of the church. Theophylact and Bengel read it as 'partial understanding' of Paul's character. Both views find support in cross-references like Romans 11:25 and 1 Corinthians 11:18. |
| Legitimacy of mutual boasting | Paul's boasting in the Corinthians and theirs in him is acceptable because it centers on God's grace and gospel fruit, not human merit. | Some traditions caution against any form of boasting as potentially prideful (echoing 1 Corinthians 3:21). Others, following Calvin and the Reformed tradition, distinguish between self-glorification and glorying in God's benefits displayed in others. |
| Eschatological significance of 'the day of the Lord Jesus' | The phrase points to the future judgment and vindication of believers at Christ's return. | All agree on the essentials. The debate is minor: whether this 'day' is identical with the final judgment (the majority view) or a more immediate occasion of Christ's coming for his church (some dispensational perspectives). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia, probably Philippi, after the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 20:1). The letter responds to tensions in the Corinthian church: some members questioned Paul's apostolic authority, accusing him of being fickle because he changed his travel plans (see vv. 15, 17). In this charged atmosphere, Paul defends his integrity. Verse 14 is part of a larger argument (vv. 12, 14) where he appeals to the testimony of his conscience: his conduct was marked by 'simplicity and godly sincerity' (v. 12). The Corinthians had 'acknowledged him in part', either a faction that accepted him or an incomplete recognition of his character.
The phrase 'in the day of the Lord Jesus' echoes Old Testament 'day of the Lord' (e.g., Joel 2:31) and appears frequently in Paul (1 Corinthians 1:8; 5:5). It refers to the future coming of Christ, when believers' works will be revealed. For Paul, this eschatological horizon transforms present boasting. In a culture where public honor was fiercely contested, Paul redefines glory as mutual joy in the gospel's fruit. His confidence is not in human wisdom but in God's faithfulness (v. 12). He treats the Corinthians as partners in ministry, not pawns: their spiritual growth confirms his calling, and his faithful labor is their pride.
This mutual perspective is pastoral. Paul wants the Corinthians to see that their interests and his are bound together in Christ, even if some remain unconvinced. By anchoring their shared joy in the last day, he lifts their relationship above petty disputes and toward eternal significance.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for 2 Corinthians 1:14. The Greek text is stable across major manuscripts, with only spelling differences (e.g., Ἰησοῦ vs. Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ in some late witnesses) that do not affect the meaning.
Reception History
Early church fathers like John Chrysostom admired Paul's humility in placing himself on equal footing with his converts (as noted by the Cambridge Bible). The verse has been used throughout church history to illustrate biblical practices of commending and encouraging one another. Reformation-era commentators such as Calvin emphasized that this glorying is not evanescent like worldly fame, but abiding because it rests in God's faithfulness. In pastoral theology, 2 Corinthians 1:14 is often cited as a model for healthy minister-congregation relationships, transparent, grateful, and oriented toward Christ's return. It also figures in discussions of the 'apostolic consciousness', Paul's sense that his labors will be publicly vindicated at the last day.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Partial acknowledgment now, full recognition then. The Corinthians knew Paul in part, but the day of the Lord will bring complete understanding. We walk by faith, not full sight.
- Mutual boasting in God's work. Paul's boast is the Corinthians' faith; their boast is his faithful ministry. Healthy Christian community celebrates how God uses others.
- Eschatological perspective redefines relationships. The day of Jesus gives lasting weight to our shared life in the gospel. What matters now will matter then.
Five-point outline
- Ground of boasting: Paul's integrity in conscience (v. 12)
- Partial knowledge: some in Corinth had not yet fully embraced Paul (v. 14a)
- Mutual joy: both parties have reason to glory in each other (v. 14b)
- Present recognition: a baseline exists, but incomplete (v. 14c)
- Future consummation: the day of the Lord Jesus perfects this joy (v. 14d)
Illustration hooks
- A coach and a team both take pride when a player who struggled early makes the game-winning shot, shared effort, shared triumph.
- Parents see a child graduate, knowing their support and the child's hard work both contributed; they don't compete for credit.
- Two colleagues who collaborated on a difficult project feel mutual satisfaction when the project succeeds; each one's contribution makes the other look good.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Is it okay to boast about another Christian? Doesn't the Bible warn against pride?
- What if I feel my pastor isn't worthy of that kind of confidence?
- How does looking forward to Christ's return change how I see my church family today?
Leading a Discussion
This verse invites us to reflect on the kind of pride that builds up the body of Christ. Paul isn't boasting in himself, he is glorying in what God has done through the Corinthians, and they in turn glory in God's work through him. As you discuss, consider how mutual affirmation rooted in the gospel can strengthen your church.
Discussion questions
- Why does Paul link the Corinthians' acknowledgment of him 'in part' to mutual boasting? What does that reveal about the situation in Corinth?
- The word 'boasting' (καύχημα) can sound negative. In what sense is Paul's boasting legitimate and healthy?
- Barnes notes that Paul calls this mutual rejoicing 'our glorying.' How is this different from the pride that the Bible condemns (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:6)?
- What does it mean that this mutual boasting will be fully realized 'in the day of the Lord Jesus'? How does that future perspective shape present relationships?
- In your small group or church, who are people you can honestly 'boast' about in a godly way? Who might genuinely boast in you?
- How can we encourage mutual confidence among believers without becoming exclusive or cliquish?
- Paul seems to assume that genuine gospel work produces visible fruit that others can celebrate. What fruit has God produced in your life that others might rejoice over?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Romans 11:25 | For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, |
| I Corinthians 1:8 | who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| I Corinthians 3:21 | Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, |
| I Corinthians 3:23 | and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. |
| I Corinthians 11:18 | For first of all, when you come together in the assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it. |
| I Corinthians 15:31 | I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. |
| II Corinthians 2:5 | But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all. |
| II Corinthians 5:12 | For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke interprets "in part" as referring not to partial acknowledgment but to a specific group within the Corinthian church. Because of the division and opposition there, only some of them truly received his apostolic instruction. The mutual boasting is reciprocal: they boast of him as their minister, and he boasts of them as genuine converts.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that Paul's phrase "in part" hints at a faction in Corinth that would not acknowledge his integrity, even as others did. He emphasizes the mutual boasting between Paul and the believers: they claim him as their apostle, and he will claim them as his joy on judgment day.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees the mutual boasting between Paul and the Corinthians as a form of godly glorying that does not compete with glorying in God alone. He warns that rejecting Paul would cost them a lasting honor, because this shared confidence will be confirmed and not fade on the day of Christ.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge commentary notes that Paul delicately hints not all the Corinthian church acknowledged him, while still calling himself their ground of rejoicing. Before vindicating himself or rebuking them, he reminds them of their shared interests. Chrysostom observes Paul's humility in placing himself on level with his converts.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes that believers' mutual joy and approval of each other is only partial in this life. The full and perfect acknowledgment of one another's faithfulness will come only on the day when Christ returns. Until then, Paul and the Corinthians share a foretaste of that final rejoicing.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill reads the phrase "in part" two ways: either the Corinthians did not fully know the apostles' integrity yet knew enough to clear them, or a portion of the church, though not all, had acknowledged them. He emphasizes mutual boasting—the apostles rejoicing in their converts and the converts rejoicing in their ministers—that will reach its full expression when Christ returns.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB interprets "in part" to mean that some in Corinth remained resistant to Paul's instructions, not that his testimony was unfinished. This explains why the letter shifts in tone between commendation and rebuke. The "rejoicing" he mentions is their present mutual pride in one another, which will reach its full expression when Christ returns.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry emphasizes that Paul's rejoicing comes from his conscience testifying to his sincerity. He treats conscience as God's deputy in the soul, a witness that brings joy even under reproach. Henry notes that the testimony concerns the steady, consistent course of their life lived in simplicity and godly sincerity, not fleshly wisdom.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent notes that "in part" refers to the Corinthians' incomplete understanding of Paul's motives. He reads "before" as "first of all," describing Paul's original plan to visit them twice. The "second benefit" is not just a pleasant visit but a divine gift of grace, following that earlier plan.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley sees the apostle and the congregation as sharing an incomplete but real mutual joy: they delight in knowing him, and he delights in their faith. This joy, he adds, is only partial now but will be fully shared and celebrated on the day of the Lord Jesus.