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

This verse serves as Paul's final appeal and benediction to the Corinthian church. He urges them towards spiritual maturity and harmony by giving five imperative exhortations: rejoice (or farewell), be restored, be encouraged, agree with one another, and live peacefully. Paul presents these actions not just as commands but as conditions for experiencing the presence of God, whom he specifically identifies as "the God of love and peace." His presence is promised to those who strive for these virtues, ensuring their spiritual well-being and corporate unity.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Context

This verse is the final exhortation in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, appearing immediately before his closing salutation. Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses numerous challenges: defenses of his apostolic authority (Ch. 10-12), rebukes for moral failings within the church (e.g., incest in 1 Cor 5), the need for giving (Ch. 8-9), and significant internal divisions and factions that challenged the gospel message and his leadership (1 Cor 1:10-17). He had been dealing with a recalcitrant and factious segment of the church that questioned his authenticity and undermined his ministry. Chapter 13 specifically emphasizes a "third visit" (2 Cor 13:1) and the sternness with which Paul would address persistent disobedience. Amidst this tension and his serious warnings, verse 11 offers a profound shift. It moves from rebuke and defense to heartfelt pastoral instruction, revealing Paul's deep desire for their spiritual health, unity, and the experiential presence of God. It's a summary of the virtues they need to embrace to live as a true body of Christ, effectively counteracting the very issues he addressed in the letter.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Word analysis

• Finally (Greek: Loipon, λοιπὸν): This term often signals the conclusion of an argument or a transition to final exhortations. It emphasizes the summing up of all that has been said in the letter, introducing Paul's concluding set of practical instructions for the Corinthians' well-being and unity.
• brethren (Greek: adelphoi, ἀδελφοί): A common term of address for fellow believers. Despite the challenges and rebukes in the letter, Paul reaffirms their familial spiritual bond, underscoring that his admonitions come from a place of love and shared identity in Christ.
• farewell (Greek: chairete, χαίρετε): More than a mere goodbye, chairete is an imperative derived from chairo (to rejoice, be glad). It conveys wishes for well-being and joy. Paul is not simply ending the letter; he is actively calling them to "rejoice" or "be glad" even amid their spiritual struggles and his stern warnings, highlighting a hopeful, God-centered disposition.
• Be perfect (Greek: katartizesthe, καταρτίζεσθε): This imperative means "be restored," "be mended," "be equipped," or "be brought to completeness/order." It implies a process of becoming whole or setting right that which is broken. In the context of the Corinthians' disunity and moral failings, Paul urges them to undergo spiritual repair, realignment, and full restoration. It's about maturity and soundness.
• be of good comfort (Greek: parakaleisthe, παρακαλεῖσθε): This verb means "be exhorted," "be encouraged," "be consoled," or "be entreated." It reflects a call to mutual encouragement and internal strength. Paul desires them to find solace and spiritual strength, both individually and collectively, particularly after the tough words in his letter.
• be of one mind (Greek: to auto phroneite, τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε): Literally "think the same thing." This doesn't mean intellectual uniformity on every minor point, but rather a unity of disposition, purpose, and values rooted in Christ. It addresses the internal divisions and factions, urging them to align their attitudes, priorities, and aspirations, especially concerning the gospel and church life, focusing on Christ-like humility and love.
• live in peace (Greek: eireneuete, εἰρηνεύετε): This imperative means "be at peace," "keep the peace," or "live peacefully." It's an active command to pursue and maintain harmonious relationships within the community. In a congregation plagued by disputes and rivalry, Paul emphasizes the active cultivation of an atmosphere of spiritual peace.
• and the God of love and peace: This describes God by His essential attributes that He actively manifests.
  • God of love (Greek: ho Theos tes agapes, ὁ Θεὸς τῆς ἀγάπης): Signifies that love is foundational to God's nature (1 Jn 4:8) and His very being. He is the ultimate source and embodiment of divine, unconditional agape love, which He desires to impart to His people.
  • and peace (Greek: kai eirenes, καὶ εἰρήνης): Reinforces God as the author and giver of true peace, both inward (spiritual serenity) and outward (harmonious relationships). He is the one who establishes, maintains, and bestows peace, especially when believers walk in accordance with His will.
• shall be with you (Greek: estai meth' hymōn, ἔσται μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν): This is a powerful promise. God's presence is not automatic but is a gracious result of their collective obedience to the preceding commands. When believers embody love, peace, unity, restoration, and mutual comfort, they will experience the indwelling and abiding presence of the very God who epitomizes these virtues. It offers reassurance, strength, and the blessing of His companionship.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Bonus section

The structure of 2 Corinthians 13:11 follows a classic chiastic or inverse parallelism structure often found in Hebrew and Greek literature, which lends emphasis to the central ideas. While not a perfect chiasm, the arrangement of God's attributes ("love and peace") corresponding to the commanded virtues ("love" implicit in all exhortations, "peace" explicitly stated) suggests a deliberate artistic and theological symmetry, emphasizing that what God is, He also enables in His people. The "farewell" (chairete) carries a double meaning of "rejoice" and "be well." In a context of hardship, calling them to "rejoice" highlights a Christ-centered joy that transcends circumstances, reminding them that their ultimate hope and source of gladness lies in God, regardless of their immediate troubles.

2 Corinthians 13 11 Commentary

Paul's parting words to the Corinthians distil his extensive instruction into a profound spiritual compact. These are not merely suggestions but divine imperatives, designed to steer a troubled church towards spiritual wholeness and unity. "Be perfect" speaks to a mending and equipping, restoring what was broken in their fellowship and individual lives. "Be of good comfort" encourages them to fortify one another, essential after Paul's criticisms. The core commands, "be of one mind" and "live in peace," directly tackle the pervasive disunity within their ranks, calling for a shared spiritual outlook and active harmony rather than passive agreement. These imperatives collectively establish the conditions for experiencing the glorious promise: the personal and corporate presence of "the God of love and peace." This is not a distant, theoretical God, but one who actively indwells and blesses those who embody His nature through their lives, providing both His essence and His enabling power to fulfill these calls. The ultimate assurance is that if they align their actions with His character, they will experience His abiding presence, the source of true spiritual stability and relational blessing.