2 Corinthians 1:23 kjv

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

2 Corinthians 1:23 nkjv

Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 1:23 niv

I call God as my witness?and I stake my life on it?that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 1:23 esv

But I call God to witness against me ? it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 1:23 nlt

Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn't return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke.

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 23 Meaning

The Apostle Paul solemnly declares before God, even risking his own being, that the true reason for altering his travel plans and delaying his visit to Corinth was out of merciful concern and a desire to spare the Corinthian believers from a necessary but difficult confrontation or stern disciplinary action. He prioritizes their spiritual welfare and recovery over strict adherence to an earlier itinerary.

2 Corinthians 1 23 Context

This verse is found within Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and character, particularly concerning an unexpected change in his travel plans. The Corinthians had seemingly accused him of being fickle, saying "yes and no" (v. 17), thus casting doubt on his trustworthiness. In response, Paul asserts the divine consistency of his message, stating that in Christ, God's "yes" is unwavering (v. 18-20). He reminds them that their standing is also of God, by His Spirit (v. 21-22). Therefore, to underscore the profound truthfulness and sincerity of his motives for altering his visit, Paul makes this solemn declaration before God. The historical context indicates that Paul had a "painful visit" and subsequently wrote a "sorrowful letter" (likely what we now call the "severe letter" or "letter of tears" mentioned in 2 Cor 2:1-4; 7:8-12). His delay was not due to irresolution, but a pastoral decision to give them space and time to repent from issues prevalent in their community, thereby avoiding a confrontation that would have necessitated stern disciplinary measures upon his arrival.

2 Corinthians 1 23 Word analysis

• I (Ἐγὼ - Egō): Emphatic personal pronoun, stressing Paul's personal responsibility and conviction in his declaration.
• But (δὲ - de): A transitional particle, shifting emphasis to a weighty affirmation that follows, confirming a direct appeal.
• God (τὸν Θεὸν - ton Theon): The Almighty, sovereign God. Calling upon Him as a witness invokes the ultimate moral authority and perfect judge, highlighting the immense gravity of the statement.
• as my witness (μάρτυρα - martyra): From martys, a legal term for someone who provides testimony, affirming the truth. When God is the witness, it means He is called to corroborate the statement, and perjury carries divine consequence. This connection links to the very concept of divine veracity.
• I call upon (ἐπικαλοῦμαι - epikalaomai): To appeal to or invoke. It is a formal, serious invocation of God for corroboration of his words, demonstrating that Paul truly means what he says.
• upon my soul (ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχὴν - epi tēn emēn psychēn): Psychē (soul/life/self) implies the very core of one's being. This phrase signifies a profound and extreme oath, risking his very spiritual or physical well-being. It is like swearing by one's life, demonstrating ultimate sincerity and that his integrity is at stake. It means he believes this with all his being.
• that (ὅτι - hoti): Introduces the substance of the declaration or the reason behind it.
• sparing (φειδόμενος - pheidomenos): From pheidomai, meaning to save from injury, to treat leniently, to have mercy, to refrain from inflicting pain. This verb highlights Paul's compassionate, deliberate choice not to bring necessary but painful discipline prematurely.
• you (ὑμῶν - hymōn): Refers directly to the Corinthian believers, emphasizing his pastoral care specifically towards them.
• I did not come (οὐκέτι ἦλθον - ouketi ēlthon): Indicates a change of plans – "no longer came" or "not yet came." It directly addresses the accusation of vacillation, clarifying that the non-arrival was a deliberate decision rather than simple changeability.
• to Corinth (εἰς Κόρινθον - eis Korinthon): The specific destination whose deferred visit is the subject of contention.
• "I call upon God as my witness upon my soul": This is an extremely solemn form of oath or solemn affirmation. Paul isn't merely stating a fact but placing his very standing before God on the line, indicating the profound truthfulness and sincerity of his subsequent statement. It underlines the spiritual gravity of his words and actions.
• "that sparing you I did not come to Corinth": This phrase directly reveals Paul's primary motive for the travel delay. It was a conscious, merciful act of pastoral care. He chose to give the Corinthians time for repentance and spiritual healing, opting to avoid a direct confrontation that would have resulted in harsh disciplinary measures or sorrow for them.

2 Corinthians 1 23 Bonus section

• Paul's defense here isn't self-promotion, but a necessary vindication of his ministry, as his personal credibility was intertwined with the authority of his Gospel message.
• The severity of Paul's oath (calling God as witness "upon my soul") highlights the seriousness with which accusations of ministerial fickleness were taken and how deeply Paul felt misunderstood.
• This specific phrasing counters any perception of Paul as a self-serving or unreliable leader, showing him as someone whose actions are under divine scrutiny and driven by pure pastoral intention.
• It showcases a crucial aspect of godly leadership: the judicious application of both firmness and grace, knowing when to be severe and when to "spare" for the sake of long-term spiritual health and repentance.

2 Corinthians 1 23 Commentary

Paul’s statement is a powerful assertion of his genuine apostolic heart. Faced with accusations of unreliability, he bypasses casual denials, elevating his explanation to a sacred oath, calling upon God, the Omniscient and Truthful One, as the ultimate witness to his inner motives. His decision to postpone the visit was not born of weakness or inconsistency, but of compassionate strength. He chose grace and patience over immediate confrontation, mirroring God's own patience with His people. Paul sought not to crush them with a "rod," but to allow for a Spirit-led change of heart, thereby preventing greater sorrow for both himself and the community. This verse underscores the shepherd's heart that seeks restoration over condemnation, willing to endure personal accusations for the greater good of the flock.