2 Corinthians 13 1

2 Corinthians 13:1 kjv

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

2 Corinthians 13:1 nkjv

This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established."

2 Corinthians 13:1 niv

This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

2 Corinthians 13:1 esv

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

2 Corinthians 13:1 nlt

This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, "The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" ).

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 1 Meaning

This verse declares Paul's firm intention to make a decisive third visit to the Corinthian church. He warns them that his upcoming actions and judgments will be based on a fundamental legal principle from the Old Testament: all accusations, warnings, and matters needing resolution will be firmly established by the testimony of at least two or three witnesses, ensuring their validity and confirming his apostolic authority in disciplinary matters. It signals an end to rhetoric and an impending, evidenced-based confrontation for the purpose of church purity.

2 Corinthians 13 1 Context

This verse is at the beginning of the concluding chapter of 2 Corinthians, signaling the climax of Paul's complex relationship with the Corinthian church. Throughout the letter, Paul has been defending his apostolic authority against challenges, addressing moral failures, and trying to reconcile with a church that, at times, questioned his sincerity and leadership. He has previously sent a "sorrowful" letter and representatives (Titus). His upcoming visit, which he speaks of as "the third time," is not merely a social call but a definitive apostolic inspection and disciplinary mission. Chapters 10-12 are characterized by a strong defense of his authority and warnings about potential stern actions. Thus, 2 Cor 13:1 sets the tone for a final confrontation and purification, establishing that Paul's charges and decisions will be fair and thoroughly evidenced, adhering to an ancient biblical legal standard rather than personal accusation.

2 Corinthians 13 1 Word analysis

• This is the third time (Τρίτον τοῦτο ἔρχομαι):
  • "Τρίτον" (Triton) means 'third'. This isn't just a count; it signifies a decisive moment, a culmination. It carries the weight of repeated warnings and the exhaustion of prior attempts at gentle correction or communication through intermediaries. In biblical patterns, a "third" instance often signifies completeness, finality, or ultimate demonstration (e.g., Jesus rising on the third day, Peter's three denials/affirmations).
  • It contrasts with previous "visits," which might include actual physical visits and impactful communications or planned but delayed visits mentioned earlier (like 2 Cor 12:14). It underscores his long-standing patience and the gravity of this impending, conclusive visit.
• I am coming (ἔρχομαι):
  • This is present tense, conveying certainty and imminent action. It's not a possibility or a wish, but a declared intent that is actively underway. Paul has often been accused of delaying his visits (e.g., 2 Cor 1:15-17), so this phrasing reasserts his resolve.
• to you (πρὸς ὑμᾶς):
  • The specific audience, the Corinthian church, indicating Paul's direct personal intervention is now inevitable.
• By the mouth of (ἐπὶ στόματος):
  • This is an idiom, meaning "on the basis of the testimony of." It denotes a legal process or foundation upon which a verdict or truth is established.
• two or three witnesses (δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν):
  • "Μαρτύρων" (martyron) means 'witnesses'. This is a direct invocation of a foundational Mosaic legal principle (Deut 19:15; 17:6). It emphasizes due process, objective verification, and protection against arbitrary or unsubstantiated claims.
  • Paul is placing his disciplinary actions within a well-established, divinely mandated legal framework, not acting on personal vendetta or a whim. This lends objectivity and authority to his upcoming judgments.
• every word (πᾶν ῥῆμα):
  • "Πᾶν" (pan) means 'every' or 'all', emphasizing comprehensiveness.
  • "Ῥῆμα" (rhēma) refers to a 'spoken word,' an 'utterance,' or, in legal context, a 'matter,' 'charge,' or 'thing.' Here it extends beyond merely Paul's own words to include all matters or accusations pertaining to the Corinthians' conduct and faithfulness. It implies that every significant issue will be addressed and proven.
• shall be established (σταθήσεται):
  • "Σταθήσεται" (stathesētai) is a future passive indicative of ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning 'to stand,' 'to be established,' 'to be confirmed,' 'to be proven true and valid,' or 'to be upheld legally.'
  • It conveys certainty and an incontrovertible, legally binding outcome. The charges, warnings, and pronouncements of discipline will not be dismissed but will stand firm, grounded in solid evidence.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "This is the third time I am coming to you.": This phrase announces an imminent, non-negotiable personal visit, marking a critical and final phase of Paul's engagement with the Corinthians, moving beyond letters or emissaries to direct intervention after repeated warnings and opportunities.
• "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.": This directly cites and applies a fundamental Mosaic Law to church discipline. It communicates Paul's intention to conduct his upcoming visit with full judicial transparency and fairness, ensuring that all disciplinary actions are founded on confirmed facts, not personal prejudice, thereby solidifying the truth of the accusations and the legitimacy of the church's judgment.

2 Corinthians 13 1 Bonus section

Paul's reliance on the Old Testament legal standard for witnesses demonstrates the continuity between the Old Covenant principles of justice and their application in the New Covenant church. While the new covenant operates by grace, the foundational ethical and legal principles from God's character remain. The emphasis on "every word" (ῥῆμα) extends not only to specific allegations but also to the cumulative weight of Paul's teachings, warnings, and judgments concerning the church's spiritual state. The "third time" motif in Scripture often prefaces significant, irreversible events, underscoring the finality and gravity of this upcoming visit; it suggests a divine pattern of patience followed by definitive intervention. For example, Pharaoh's third refusal led to plagues, and Hosea speaks of the Lord reviving on the third day. Paul's consistency, marked by multiple warnings and planned visits, shows a patient but firm apostolic father dealing with errant children.

2 Corinthians 13 1 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 13:1 is a solemn warning to the Corinthians, indicating that his upcoming third visit will be characterized by decisive action, not mere rhetoric. By invoking the legal principle of establishing truth by two or three witnesses, a practice deeply rooted in the Law of Moses (Deut 19:15), Paul emphasizes that his disciplinary measures will be legitimate, thoroughly verified, and beyond dispute. This isn't a threat of arbitrary power but a promise of judicial fairness in accordance with God's established law, serving as a safeguard against false accusations for the innocent while ensuring accountability for the guilty. It signifies that the time for repentance is concluding, and any matters of sin or rebellion against apostolic authority, previously raised or yet to be discovered, will now be faced with definitive confirmation and consequent action. It underscores Paul's steadfast commitment to maintaining the purity and order of the church, even if it requires stern judgment and confrontation.