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2 Corinthians 13

BSB·14 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1This is the third time I am comingἔρχομαιerchomai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. “Everyπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → matterῥῆμαrhēma — A spoken word or utterance; a declarationG4487 — Full Word Study → must be establishedσταθήσεταιstathēsetai — to stand, establish, or cause to standG2476 — Full Word Study → byἘπὶEpi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → the testimony of twoδύοdyo — the number two; a pairG1417 — Full Word Study → orκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → threeτριῶνtriōn — The number threeG5140 — Full Word Study → witnessesμαρτύρωνmartyrōn — One who testifies or bears witness; martyrG3144 — Full Word Study →.” 2I already warned you theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → second timeδεύτερονdeuteron — second in order or time; secondlyG1208 — Full Word Study → I was with you. So nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → in my absenceἀπὼνapōn — to be absent or awayG548 — Full Word Study → I warnπρολέγωprolegō — to announce beforehand, foretell, predict in advanceG4302 — Full Word Study → those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sinned earlierπροημαρτηκόσινproēmartēkosin — to sin beforehand; to have already sinnedG4258 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → everyoneπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → elseλοιποῖςloipois — The remaining ones; those left overG3062 — Full Word Study →: Ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I returnἔλθωelthō — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study →, I will not spare anyone, 3sinceἐπεὶepei — since, because, inasmuch asG1893 — Full Word Study → you are demandingζητεῖτεzēteite — to seek, search for, desire, requireG2212 — Full Word Study → proofδοκιμὴνdokimēn — proof or evidence through testingG1382 — Full Word Study → thatτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → is speakingλαλοῦντοςlalountos — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → throughἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → meἐμοὶemoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. He is not weakἀσθενεῖasthenei — to be weak, to lack strength, to be sickG770 — Full Word Study → in dealing withεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → is powerfulδυνατεῖdynatei — to be powerful, to be able, to have strengthG1414 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 4Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → He was indeed crucifiedἐσταυρώθηestaurōthē — to crucify; to execute by crucifixionG4717 — Full Word Study → inἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → weaknessἀσθενείαςastheneias — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study →, yetἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → He livesζῇzē — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → powerδυνάμεωςdynameōs — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →. And though we areἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → weakἀσθενοῦμενasthenoumen — to be weak, to lack strength, to be sickG770 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, yetἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → powerδυνάμεωςdynameōs — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → we will liveζήσομενzēsomen — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → to serve youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 5Examineπειράζετεpeirazete — to test, tempt, or tryG3985 — Full Word Study → yourselves to see whetherεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → you areἐστὲeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →; testδοκιμάζετεdokimazete — To test, examine, or approve after scrutinyG1381 — Full Word Study → yourselvesἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →. Can’t you see for yourselves thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → is in youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →unlessεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → youἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → actually fail the testἀδόκιμοίadokimoi — Rejected; failing the test; disqualifiedG96 — Full Word Study →? 6Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I hopeἐλπίζωelpizō — To hope for, expect, or trust inG1679 — Full Word Study → you will realizeγνώσεσθεgnōsesthe — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → haveἐσμὲνesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → failed the testἀδόκιμοιadokimoi — Rejected; failing the test; disqualifiedG96 — Full Word Study →. 7Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → we prayΕὐχόμεθαEuchometha — to pray or wish for earnestlyG2172 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → that you will not doποιῆσαιpoiēsai — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → anything wrongκακὸνkakon — evil, wicked, bad, morally corruptG2556 — Full Word Study →notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → will appearφανῶμενphanōmen — To appear, shine, or become visibleG5316 — Full Word Study → to have stood the testδόκιμοιdokimoi — approved, tested, genuineG1384 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → will doποιῆτεpoiēte — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → what is rightκαλὸνkalon — good, beneficial, morally excellentG2570 — Full Word Study →, even ifδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → appearὦμενōmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → toὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → have failedἀδόκιμοιadokimoi — Rejected; failing the test; disqualifiedG96 — Full Word Study →. 8Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → we cannot doδυνάμεθάdynametha — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → anythingτιti — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → againstκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → truthἀληθείαςalētheias — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study →, but onlyἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → truthἀληθείαςalētheias — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study →. 9In factγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, we rejoiceχαίρομενchairomen — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → are weakἀσθενῶμενasthenōmen — to be weak, to lack strength, to be sickG770 — Full Word Study → butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → areἦτεēte — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → strongδυνατοὶdynatoi — Able, capable, powerful, mightyG1415 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → our prayer is forεὐχόμεθαeuchometha — to pray or wish for earnestlyG2172 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → perfectionκατάρτισινkatartisin — completion, perfection, restoration to wholenessG2676 — Full Word Study →. 10This is whyτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → I writeγράφωgraphō — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → these thingsταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → while absentἀπὼνapōn — to be absent or awayG548 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → when I am presentπαρὼνparōn — To be present, to be here, to arriveG3918 — Full Word Study → I will not need to beχρήσωμαιchrēsōmai — to use, make use of, employG5530 — Full Word Study → severeἀποτόμωςapotomōs — sharply, severely, with strictnessG664 — Full Word Study → in my use ofκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → authorityἐξουσίανexousian — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → thatἣνhēn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → gaveἔδωκένedōken — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → building you up, notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → tearing you down. 11FinallyΛοιπόνLoipon — therefore, then, henceforth, finallyG3063 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, rejoiceχαίρετεchairete — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study →! Aim for perfect harmonyκαταρτίζεσθεkatartizesthe — to complete, perfect, or restore to wholenessG2675 — Full Word Study →, encourage one anotherπαρακαλεῖσθεparakaleisthe — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study →, be of oneαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → mindφρονεῖτεphroneite — To think, set one's mind on, regardG5426 — Full Word Study →, live in peaceεἰρηνεύετεeirēneuete — to be at peace, live peacefullyG1514 — Full Word Study →. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → of loveἀγάπηςagapēs — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → peaceεἰρήνηςeirēnēs — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study → will beἔσταιestai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 12GreetἈσπάσασθεAspasasthe — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study → withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → a holyἁγίῳhagiō — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → kissφιλήματιphilēmati — A kiss; greeting or affection by mouth contactG5370 — Full Word Study →. 13Allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → saintsἅγιοιhagioi — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → send you greetingsἈσπάζονταιAspazontai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →. 14TheHē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → ofτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fellowshipκοινωνίαkoinōnia — Fellowship; sharing in common; participationG2842 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → HolyἉγίουHagiou — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → be with allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Corinthians 13
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In this final chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul brings his letter to a powerful close by addressing the Corinthian church's demand for proof of his apostolic authority. Throughout this epistle, Paul has defended his ministry against critics who questioned whether Christ truly spoke through him. Chapter 13 combines a firm warning about his coming visit with a tender appeal for self-examination, spiritual maturity, and reconciliation. Paul's tone here is not harsh but pastoral—he writes to warn and restore, not to destroy, and he concludes with one of Scripture's most beautiful benedictions.

Verses 1–3: The Authority of an Apostle

Paul announces his third intended visit to Corinth and invokes the Old Testament principle that truth is established by multiple witnesses (verse 1; see Deuteronomy 19:15). This legal standard underscores the seriousness of his warnings. In verse 2, he makes clear that those who have sinned previously will face consequences if they do not repent before his arrival. He is not threatening arbitrarily but responding to the Corinthians' own challenge: they demanded proof that Christ speaks through him (verse 3). Rather than becoming defensive, Paul reframes the issue: Christ's power is not weak but mighty in you—evident in their own transformation.

Application: True apostolic authority is demonstrated not through domination but through spiritual fruit in others' lives. As believers, we should measure spiritual leaders by their faithfulness to Christ's gospel and the genuine transformation they help produce in God's people.

Verses 4–7: Weakness and Power

Verses 4–5 contain a profound theological principle. Christ was crucified in apparent weakness, yet He lives by God's power—and so do Paul and all believers. We are weak, yet we share in Christ's resurrection power (verse 4). This paradox cuts to the heart of the gospel: God's strength is perfected in human weakness (see also 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Verse 5 shifts to exhortation: Paul urges the Corinthians to examine yourselves to see whether they truly possess saving faith and whether Jesus Christ genuinely dwells in them. This is not about earning salvation but about assurance—confirming that their conversion is real. The phrase reprobates (Greek: adokimos) means "failing the test" or "unfit." Paul's concern is pastoral: are they genuinely in the faith?

In verses 6–7, Paul expresses his confidence that the Corinthians are not reprobates, and he prays they will do what is right—not so he appears vindicated, but so they might genuinely flourish in holiness.

Application: Regular spiritual self-examination is healthy and biblical. We should honestly ask ourselves: Is my faith genuine? Does Christ truly live in me? Am I growing in obedience? Such questions deepen assurance and expose areas needing repentance.

Verses 8–14: Truth, Edification, and Blessing

Paul's fundamental commitment is to truth and the gospel (verse 8). He does nothing against the truth but always for it. Verse 9 reveals his pastoral heart: he rejoices when the Corinthians are spiritually strong, even if his own authority is questioned. His goal is their perfection—maturity and wholeness in Christ.

Verse 10 explains why he writes firmly while absent: to avoid using harsh discipline when present. The authority Christ has given him is for edification (building up), never mere destruction.

Verses 11–14 form a beautiful conclusion. Paul bids the church farewell with five imperatives: be perfect (mature), be comforted, be united in mind, live at peace, and greet one another with affection (verse 12). Finally, he pronounces one of Scripture's richest benedictions (verse 14), invoking the grace of Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion (or fellowship) of the Holy Spirit—a trinitarian blessing that summarizes the entire gospel.

Application: Paul's farewell reminds us that Christian leadership aims at building others up, not tearing them down. We should lead, parent, teach, and counsel with this same goal: the spiritual maturity and unity of those entrusted to our care.

Application for Today

As modern believers, we can learn from Paul's balance of authority and humility, warning and encouragement. We are called to examine our own faith honestly, to pursue unity and peace in our churches, and to remember that all true spiritual power comes through weakness surrendered to Christ. Let us embrace the trinitarian benediction of verse 14, knowing that grace, love, and communion with the Holy Spirit are the inheritance of every believer.

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