2 Corinthians 13 2

2 Corinthians 13:2 kjv

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

2 Corinthians 13:2 nkjv

I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare?

2 Corinthians 13:2 niv

I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,

2 Corinthians 13:2 esv

I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them ?

2 Corinthians 13:2 nlt

I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 2 Meaning

This verse from 2 Corinthians 13:2 is a direct statement from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, reflecting on his past visits and expressing his present intention. He states that for those who have previously sinned without repentance, and for all others, his next visit will not be gentle, but will involve a demonstration of power and corrective discipline. This is a sober warning aimed at fostering repentance and confirming the authenticity of his apostolic authority, as previously proclaimed.

2 Corinthians 13 2 Context

This verse appears at the very end of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically in chapter 13, which is known for its strong tone. The Corinthian church was experiencing significant internal strife, false apostles were undermining Paul's authority, and there was evidence of persistent unrepentant sin among some members. Paul's earlier visits, while carrying an apostolic weight, had not fully resolved these issues, leading some to question his legitimacy. Chapter 13 begins with Paul reiterating his intent to visit again and the grounds for his actions. He previously promised that "on a second or third visit I will not spare them" (2 Cor 13:1). This verse directly follows that declaration, elaborating on the nature of his coming. It underscores a pastoral responsibility to address sin and to demonstrate the true power and authority granted to him by Christ, not for arbitrary destruction but for building up the church.

2 Corinthians 13 2 Word Analysis

• ἐφ’ ᾧ (eph hō): This is a prepositional phrase.

  • ἐπί (epi): meaning "upon," "over," "against," "according to."
  • ᾧ (hō): the dative masculine/neuter singular relative pronoun, "which," "whom."
  • Together, "upon which" or "according to which." In this context, it refers back to the conditional statement made previously. It establishes a basis or reason for his future action.

• ἑτέροις (heterois):

  • Dative plural of ἕτερος (heteros), meaning "other."
  • Here it refers to "other persons" or "other individuals" in contrast to those already mentioned or implied.

• οὐκ ἐφείσαμην (ouk ephesamēn):

  • οὐκ (ouk): "not."
  • ἐφείσαμην (ephesamēn): the aorist middle indicative first-person singular of φείδομαι (pheedomai). This verb means "to spare," "to refrain from," "to pity." The middle voice often emphasizes personal involvement or benefit.
  • So, "I did not spare." The aorist tense indicates a completed action in the past. Paul is stating that in past interactions or decisions (perhaps referencing past warnings or actions he didn't take), he did not exercise leniency.

• καὶ (kai):

  • A conjunction meaning "and."
  • It connects the first part of the statement (those already sinning) with the second part (others).

• νῦν (nun):

  • An adverb meaning "now."
  • It marks a present moment of speaking and a contrast with the past statement.

• ἀπὼν (apōn):

  • The present active participle of ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai), meaning "to go away," "to depart."
  • "being absent." It signifies his current physical absence from Corinth.

• γράφομαι (graphomai):

  • First-person singular present passive indicative of γράφω (graphō), meaning "to write."
  • "I am writing." The passive voice here emphasizes the act of writing as an action directed at him or occurring.

• οὕτως (houtōs):

  • An adverb meaning "thus," "so," "in this way."
  • It modifies the following phrase, indicating the manner in which he will deal with them.

• μὴ (mē):

  • A negative particle used with infinitives to express prohibition.
  • "lest," "that... not."

• ἐπιδεχόμενος (epidechomenos):

  • The present middle/passive participle of ἐπιδέχομαι (epidechomai).
  • This verb means "to receive," "to accept," "to admit." In the middle voice, it can mean "to be lenient with," "to tolerate."
  • Together with μὴ (mē), "lest I tolerate," or "that I may not indulge."

• παραπορεύομαι (paraporeuomai):

  • First-person singular present subjunctive middle of παραπορεύομαι (paraporeuomai).
  • This verb means "to pass by," "to go past," "to neglect," "to treat lightly."
  • The subjunctive mood after μὴ (mē) expresses a purpose or a potential negative outcome.
  • Thus, "lest I pass by" or "lest I be lenient."

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "for if I come again, I will not spare" (εἰ ἐπανέρχομαι, οὐ φείσομαι): This sets a clear expectation of non-leniency for a future encounter, contrasting with previous patience or restraint.
  • "for I have spared you" (οὬπερ ἐφείσαμην): This past action of sparing (or perhaps restraint in punishment) serves as a basis for the stricter approach now threatened. It highlights a history of Paul's merciful approach that is now being tested.
  • "As I am absent, I am writing in this way, lest I show forbearance to those who have sinned formerly, and to all others." (Ὥς ἀπὼν γράφομαι τοῦτον, ὥστε μὴ ἐπιδέχεσθαι παρ’ οὒς προήμαρτον καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς). This phrasing, "writing in this way," refers to the severity of the letter itself, or more specifically, the warning in this chapter. The aim is to prevent indulging or passing over the sins of past offenders, as well as the sins of any others. This "forbearance" is a passive acceptance of wrongdoing, which Paul seeks to avoid by proactive, though painful, discipline.

2 Corinthians 13 2 Bonus Section

The phrase "I have spared you" might not refer to literal leniency in past punishment, but rather a restraint on exercising his full apostolic authority. Some scholars suggest Paul refrained from a more direct and public display of his God-given power on previous occasions to avoid alienating or destroying the nascent community at Corinth. However, as issues persist, a more overt demonstration is now deemed necessary. This is consistent with the "power" the Lord gave him for "building up, not tearing down" (2 Cor 10:8). The severity here is a tool for correction, aimed at preventing future, greater harm to individuals and the body of Christ.

2 Corinthians 13 2 Commentary

Paul’s unwavering resolve to act with authority stems from the very love that motivates his ministry. Having already demonstrated patience, his current stern warning is not a contradiction but a necessary consequence of their continued recalcitrance. This is divine tough love—the kind that disciplines to restore, not to destroy. He is acting preemptively through his written word to avoid harsher physical measures, emphasizing that his goal is constructive discipline, not vindictive action. This underscores that true pastoral care includes the difficult work of confronting and correcting sin to protect the flock and preserve the integrity of the church.