2 Corinthians 13 11

2 Corinthians 13:11 kjv

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 nkjv

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 niv

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 esv

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 nlt

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 11 Meaning

Rejoice. Be perfected. Be encouraged. Be of the same mind. Live in peace. The God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Context

This verse concludes the Apostle Paul's thirteenth chapter of his Second Epistle to the Corinthians. The entire chapter is characterized by a firm, direct, and authoritative tone, typical of Paul's apostolic ministry. He is addressing persistent opposition and challenges to his apostleship from within the Corinthian church. In verses 1-4, Paul reiterates his credentials as an apostle, even speaking of the "demonstration of the Spirit." He discusses his weakness and power. Verses 5-10 Paul urges self-examination and accountability to God, emphasizing that his ministry is for building up, not tearing down. He expresses a desire to come and deal with those who are perverting the truth. The final verses (11-13) shift to encouragement and a final blessing, marking a transition from rebuke to restoration and forward-looking exhortation for the church to live in a manner that pleases God and fosters unity.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Word Analysis

• Rejoice (xaígete - chairete): From χαίρω (chairō). This is an imperative verb in the present tense, meaning "be joyful," "rejoice," or "be glad." It is not a passive state but an active choice to cultivate joy, even amidst difficulties. It's a foundational Christian virtue that acknowledges God's presence and providence.

• Be perfected (katartizesthe - katartizesthe): From καταρτίζω (katartizō). This is also a present passive imperative. It means to "mend," "repair," "restore," or "make complete," "equip," "train." In the context of faith, it implies spiritual maturity, wholeness, and being fully equipped for God's purposes. It's an ongoing process of being conformed to Christ.

• Be encouraged (parakaleîte - parakaleite): From παρακαλέω (parakaleō). This is a present active imperative. It means to "call to one's side," "urge," "exhort," or "comfort." It speaks of mutual encouragement within the community, exhorting one another toward faithfulness and perseverance.

• Be of the same mind (to aùtò phroneîn - to auto phronein): Literally "to think the same thing." phroneîn (phronein) from φρονέω (phroneō) means to "mind," "think," "regard." This is a verbal infinitive. It calls for unity of thought, purpose, and outlook, aligning Christian perspectives with God's will.

• Live in peace (eirēneuete - eirēneuete): From εἰρηνεύω (eirēneuō). Another present active imperative. It means "to be in peace," "live peaceably," "make peace." This is an active pursuit of harmony and reconciliation, both personally and within the community.

• The God of love and peace (theos tês agapês kai eirēnês - theos tes agapēs kai eirēnēs): This describes God's essential nature and the attributes He fosters. Ἀγάπη (agapē) is divine, sacrificial love. Εἰρήνη (eirēnē) is wholeness, well-being, and harmony. God embodies and is the source of both.

• Will be with you (estai meθ’ ὑμῶν - estai meth' hymōn): A future active indicative verb. It signifies God's active presence, support, and abiding companionship with those who live according to His principles.

• Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

  • Rejoice; Be perfected; Be encouraged: These three imperatives present a call to positive Christian conduct and spiritual development, emphasizing active participation in joy, maturity, and mutual edification.
  • Be of the same mind; Live in peace: These are closely linked, highlighting the essential role of unity and harmony in maintaining the fellowship and furthering the Gospel. Lack of unity hinders the work of God.
  • The God of love and peace will be with you: This acts as a powerful promise, a closing benediction assuring the Corinthians that their adherence to these principles will be met with divine presence and blessing. It reinforces that God’s presence is tied to godly conduct.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Bonus Section

The structure of this final exhortation echoes typical Greco-Roman valedictory addresses, but is infused with distinctly Christian content and authority. The emphasis on "perfecting" and "encouragement" reflects the apostolic concern for spiritual growth and the ongoing formation of the believers according to God’s standards. The linking of "love" and "peace" is central to Pauline theology, seeing these as outflows of God's nature and essential components of the Christian life and community. The final statement is not merely a pleasant wish but a theological declaration of God’s presence as a reward for and enabler of righteousness and unity.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Commentary

This concluding verse of 2 Corinthians is a potent benediction and a summary of key relational and spiritual imperatives for believers. Paul doesn't just offer abstract advice; he calls them to active, consistent spiritual disciplines: rejoicing in the Lord, pursuing maturity, mutual encouragement, unified thinking, and making peace. These are not optional extras but the hallmarks of a healthy, Christ-centered community. The promise that the "God of love and peace" will be with them underscores that this is not merely human effort, but a partnership with God. When believers align with God’s character—marked by love and peace—they experience His enabling presence and active participation in their lives and in the community. It is a call to a harmonious, growing, and joyful faith lived out in relationship with God and with one another.

• Practical Usage Example: When disagreements arise in a church, members are called to remember these exhortations: "Let us rejoice despite the difficulty, strive to be perfected in our faith, encourage one another, seek to agree on godly principles, and live peaceably, knowing the God of love and peace will be with us."