Intertextuality Pair

2 Corinthians 10:17 → Jeremiah 9:24

Quotation

Earlier text

Jeremiah 9:24BSB

But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
+ 1 more earlier text

Earlier text

Jeremiah 9:23BSB

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.

Significance

Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24 (also used in 1 Corinthians 1:31), making this a foundational principle across his Corinthian correspondence. Jeremiah's judgment context warns against boasting in wisdom, might, or riches - true boasting is knowing the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. Paul applies this against "super-apostles" boasting in eloquence, credentials, and visions. Instead, Paul boasts in weaknesses (11:30; 12:5, 9), sufferings (11:23-29), and divine commission (10:13-16), radically subverting worldly standards. The quotation establishes that authentic ministry flows from knowing God, not self-promotion. Christ's power is perfected in apostolic weakness (12:9-10), demonstrating that only God's commendation matters (10:18).

Found via
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type
Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s)
Analogy

Hermeneutical Notes

NT Use Pattern: Proverbial — Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. Paul cites the same wisdom maxim a second time — its proverbial weight is the warrant.

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