2 Corinthians 13 10

2 Corinthians 13:10 kjv

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

2 Corinthians 13:10 nkjv

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.

2 Corinthians 13:10 niv

This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority?the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

2 Corinthians 13:10 esv

For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

2 Corinthians 13:10 nlt

I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 10 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 13:10, Paul states his primary reason for writing this letter while he is physically absent from Corinth: he desires to avoid using a severe, corrective form of his God-given apostolic authority upon his arrival. He sends these strong warnings now, hoping the Corinthians will self-examine and repent, thereby making a stern intervention unnecessary during his anticipated visit. The underlying principle governing all his authority is its ultimate purpose: to build up and strengthen the church, never to destroy it.

2 Corinthians 13 10 Context

Chapter 13 marks the conclusion of 2 Corinthians, where Paul issues his final warnings and exhortations before his anticipated third visit to Corinth. Throughout the letter, he has defended his apostolic authority against "super-apostles" and challenged the Corinthians on issues ranging from immorality to questioning his legitimacy.

In 2 Cor 13:1-4, Paul declares he is coming for the "third time," implying serious consequences for unrepentant sin, reminding them they seek proof that Christ speaks through him. He calls them to self-examination in verse 5 to see if they are in the faith. He expresses his earnest desire that they would do what is right (vv. 7-9), demonstrating their spiritual maturity.

Verse 10 encapsulates Paul's overarching pastoral strategy. He sends this letter (and its predecessors) as a form of "absent presence" – using the written word to exercise spiritual authority remotely. His intent is not merely to condemn but to provide an opportunity for the Corinthians to correct their behavior and beliefs. By doing so, they can prevent the need for him to come and apply sharp, disciplinary measures directly, which, while legitimate and sometimes necessary, is his last resort. His desire for their restoration is evident; he wants his visit to be one of encouragement and affirmation, not severe correction.

2 Corinthians 13 10 Word analysis

• "For this reason" (διὰ τοῦτο, dia touto): This phrase signals that Paul is giving the rationale for the preceding statements, particularly his fervent hope (vv. 7-9) that the Corinthians will be made complete and his intention that they would do no evil. It links his pastoral desire to the method of his present communication.
• "I write these things" (γράφω ταῦτα, graphō tauta): The present tense "write" (γράφω) refers to the ongoing act of composing the very letter they are reading. This emphasizes the immediate, active spiritual impact Paul intends his written words to have.
• "while absent" (ἀπών, apōn): Literally "being absent." This highlights his physical distance and contrasts with his impending presence. It underscores that his warnings and instructions are being delivered from afar, making his letter a stand-in for his immediate physical interaction.
• "so that when I come" (ἵνα παρών, hina parōn): The word "ἵνα" (hina) introduces a purpose clause. The entire letter serves as a pre-emptive measure. "Παρών" (parōn) means "being present." Paul's preference is for a visit unburdened by the need for severe discipline, showing his hopeful, rather than punitive, intent.
• "I may not have to be severe" (μὴ ἀποτόμως χρήσομαι, mē apotomōs chrēsomai): "ἀποτόμως" (apotomōs) means "sharply," "abruptly," "severely." This indicates swift, firm disciplinary action, possibly involving excommunication or public rebuke. Paul wishes to avoid such a drastic measure, preferring that the church itself address its issues.
• "in my use of the authority" (τῆς ἐξουσίας, tēs exousias): "ἐξουσία" (exousia) denotes delegated, legitimate power and freedom to act, not merely raw might. Paul is asserting his rightful apostolic prerogative to administer discipline.
• "that the Lord gave me" (ὃς ἔδωκεν μοι ὁ κύριος, hos edōken moi ho kyrios): This phrase firmly establishes the divine origin of Paul's authority. His power is not self-proclaimed or humanly conferred but divinely sanctioned by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. This foundation legitimizes his demands and counters those who doubted him.
• "for building up" (εἰς οἰκοδομήν, eis oikodomēn): "οἰκοδομή" (oikodomē) is a fundamental Pauline concept meaning "edification," "construction," "strengthening," "spiritual growth." This is the ultimate, positive purpose of all true apostolic ministry, even when discipline is involved.
• "and not for tearing down" (καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν, kai ouk eis kathairesin): "καθαίρεσιν" (kathairesin) signifies "demolition," "pulling down," or "destruction." This contrasting negative clause explicitly states the boundary and limit of apostolic authority: it should never be wielded for permanent harm, destruction of faith, or arbitrary punishment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I write these things while absent, so that when I come I may not have to be severe": This passage clearly outlines Paul's pastoral strategy. His written word functions as a pre-emptive spiritual intervention, hoping to bring about repentance and self-correction, thereby negating the necessity for harsh disciplinary action during his future physical presence. It illustrates the effectiveness and foresight in his ministry.
• "authority that the Lord gave me": This phrase roots Paul's pastoral actions firmly in divine authorization. It demonstrates that his actions, including potential severity, are not driven by personal grievance or worldly ambition, but by a God-ordained commission and divine wisdom for the church's good.
• "for building up and not for tearing down": This is a pivotal statement defining the inherent nature and boundary of all spiritual authority in the New Testament. Any legitimate authority within the church, whether apostolic or pastoral, is inherently restorative and developmental, never fundamentally destructive. Its end goal is always the edification and flourishing of believers in Christ.

2 Corinthians 13 10 Bonus section

• The contrast between "absent" and "present" in this verse highlights Paul's belief in the spiritual efficacy of his apostolic presence, whether by letter or in person. His absence doesn't diminish his spiritual authority or the impact of his word.
• Paul's choice of "severity" (ἀποτόμως) over a more moderate term indicates that the issues at Corinth were indeed grave enough to warrant potentially drastic measures had they not repented. This underscores the seriousness with which Paul viewed persistent unrepentance within the church.
• This verse encapsulates the tension often found in Christian leadership: balancing love and truth, gentleness and firmness. True pastoral care seeks restoration but recognizes that firm boundaries and, at times, difficult confrontation, are integral to genuine edification.

2 Corinthians 13 10 Commentary

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 13:10 reveal a deep pastoral heart, tempered by apostolic conviction. He prefers not to wield the "rod" (1 Cor 4:21) but hopes for the Corinthians' voluntary repentance, so his next visit can be one of joy and reconciliation. The very act of writing a warning letter demonstrates his love; he is giving them an opportunity to correct themselves before direct intervention.

His authority, a gift "from the Lord," carries divine weight and responsibility. This divine sanction validates his commands and threats. Critically, Paul specifies the precise boundary and purpose of this authority: it is always directed "for building up" and never "for tearing down." This principle transforms the nature of even severe discipline, distinguishing it from mere punishment. Disciplinary action, though painful, is a necessary "surgical strike" intended for healing, growth, and restoration to healthy communion. It aims to cut away disease so the body can flourish, rather than destroy the body itself. The entire epistle leads to this climax, appealing to them one last time to choose correction before Paul is forced to intervene more directly.