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 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 13:1 | "This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." | Apostolic basis for discipline |
| Deut 19:15 | "A single witness shall not suffice... only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be established." | Old Testament judicial standard for conviction |
| Matt 18:16 | "If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." | Church discipline based on witnesses |
| 1 Cor 4:21 | "What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?" | Paul's option for discipline |
| 1 Cor 5:5 | "you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." | Severe church discipline applied |
| 2 Cor 10:8 | "For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you..." | Apostolic authority for edification not destruction |
| 2 Cor 12:21 | "I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned before..." | Paul's dread of needing to discipline |
| 2 Cor 13:10 | "I write these things while absent, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me..." | Purpose of warning: to avoid severity |
| Rom 2:4-6 | "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience... God will render to each one according to his works." | God's patience followed by judgment |
| Gal 6:7 | "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." | Inevitable consequences of actions |
| Heb 10:26-27 | "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment..." | Grave consequences of unrepentant sin |
| Prov 28:13 | "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." | Repentance leads to mercy |
| Ezek 3:18-19 | "If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning... I will require his blood from your hand." | Duty of a watchman to warn |
| Acts 17:30 | "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent..." | Divine command for repentance |
| 2 Pet 3:9 | "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." | God's patience intended for repentance |
| Rev 2:5, 16, 21-22 | Warnings to churches for unrepentant sin, e.g., "Repent... If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of my mouth." | Christ's warnings to churches |
| 1 Tim 1:20 | "among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme." | Specific instances of apostolic discipline |
| Titus 3:10 | "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him..." | Disciplinary action after repeated warnings |
| Rom 8:32 | "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" | God's decisive action for a greater purpose |
| Rom 11:21 | "For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you." | God's impartiality in judgment |
| 2 Pet 2:4-5 | "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell... and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah..." | God's past judgments on sin |
2 Corinthians 13 verses
2 Corinthians 13 2 Meaning
Paul reiterates a prior warning given during his second visit to Corinth and extends it through this letter, declaring with firm resolve that upon his third arrival, he will no longer show forbearance towards anyone persisting in sin. This includes both those who have consistently committed offenses and have not repented, and all others in the community. It underscores the urgency for repentance to avoid severe disciplinary action.
2 Corinthians 13 2 Context
This verse is the second part of a final, serious warning in Paul’s closing section of 2 Corinthians, anticipating his third visit to the Corinthian church. Following chapter 12, where Paul expresses his deep fear and distress over unrepentant immorality and disunity within the church, chapter 13 serves as a decisive declaration of his intention to address these issues. The overarching theme of the letter has been Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority, his pastoral love for the Corinthians, and his earnest desire for their repentance and restoration. He had visited Corinth once before, then a difficult "painful visit" (often considered the second visit) which is implied as the "second time" where he issued a verbal warning. Now, from a distance, through this letter, he delivers a written warning. He views his imminent third visit not as an optional appearance, but as a time for firm resolution and judgment against ongoing sin, framing it within the judicial principle of two or three witnesses established in Deut 19:15 and explicitly referenced in 2 Cor 13:1.
2 Corinthians 13 2 Word analysis
- I told you before (προείρηκα, proeirēka): Perfect tense, indicating a prior warning given on a previous occasion (likely his second, difficult visit) with enduring relevance. This signifies that the Corinthians were already well aware of his expectations.
- and foretell you (προλέγω, prolegō): Present tense, meaning "I say beforehand" or "I warn now." This reinforces that he is issuing a clear, present warning even while absent, leaving no room for misunderstanding about his intentions.
- as if I were present: This phrase emphasizes the gravity and immediacy of his current written warning. It conveys that his words in the letter carry the same weight and authority as if he were physically there among them.
- the second time: Refers to his prior (second) physical visit to Corinth, during which he issued substantial warnings regarding their behavior. It establishes a historical basis for his current admonition and implies his long-suffering patience.
- and being absent now: Acknowledges his current physical separation but firmly asserts that his absence does not diminish his authority, concern, or commitment to the church's spiritual health. His warnings are effective even when he is not physically present.
- I write to them which heretofore have sinned (προημαρτηκόσι, prohēmartēkosi): Refers specifically to those who have previously engaged in unrepentant sin before the writing of this letter (e.g., immorality, strife from 2 Cor 12:21). The perfect participle implies a sustained state of sin without genuine repentance.
- and to all other: Broadens the scope of the warning beyond the notoriously unrepentant. It encompasses anyone else in the church who might be engaged in sin or contemplating it, highlighting a universal call to spiritual accountability.
- that if I come again: Refers to his anticipated third visit. This conditional phrase implies a period for repentance; it suggests a preference that they self-correct so that he might not have to act severely. It presents a final opportunity.
- I will not spare (οὐ φείσομαι, ou pheisomai): A decisive declaration meaning "I will not show leniency" or "I will not hold back." This signals that upon his return, he intends to exercise severe disciplinary authority against unrepentant individuals for the sake of the church's holiness.
Words-group analysis:
- "I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write": Paul establishes a consistent pattern of warning across his visits and written correspondence. He ensures they understand his message is steadfast, whether spoken in person or conveyed through a letter, underscoring his unyielding apostolic commitment to their spiritual well-being.
- "to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other": The dual target of this warning indicates a primary concern for long-term unrepentant sinners but also a general admonition for the entire community. No member is exempt from the expectation of holiness and the consequences of ongoing sin.
- "that if I come again, I will not spare": This culminating declaration represents a merciful ultimatum. It's a final chance for repentance, framed by a firm resolve. Paul prefers not to exert severe authority, but if their spiritual state remains unchanged by his arrival, he will administer discipline without reservation.
2 Corinthians 13 2 Bonus section
- Judicial Precedent: This warning, paired with the principle of "two or three witnesses" mentioned in the previous verse, firmly establishes a judicial framework. Paul has provided two "witnesses" to his warnings (his second visit and this letter); his third visit will be the occasion for righteous judgment and the implementation of discipline, underscoring the seriousness and biblical precedent for his actions.
- Paul's Humiliation: In 2 Cor 12:21, Paul expresses his profound distress and dread ("my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many...") should he arrive to find continued unrepentance. This verse shows his resolve to act despite his emotional pain, choosing faithfulness to Christ over personal comfort.
- Redemptive Intent: Despite the severity implied, Paul's ultimate goal in not sparing is not punishment for punishment's sake but the spiritual good and ultimate salvation of the individuals and the purity of the church (cf. 1 Cor 5:5). His "not sparing" is a loving surgical intervention aimed at preventing greater harm.
2 Corinthians 13 2 Commentary
2 Corinthians 13:2 unveils Paul's transition from patient persuasion to a firm, decisive resolve concerning the persistent moral issues within the Corinthian church. Having issued ample warnings, both in person during his second visit and now through this epistle while absent, Paul makes it clear that his impending third visit will mark the end of forbearance. His declaration, "I will not spare," is not a personal threat of vindictiveness but a solemn commitment to exercise the Christ-given authority entrusted to him (2 Cor 10:8; 13:10) for the necessary discipline of the unrepentant. This stern resolve stems from a deep pastoral love, aiming to purify the church and restore its members to spiritual health, even if it entails pain. The delay in his visit provides a final, gracious window for self-examination and repentance, thereby hopefully negating the need for his severity. This passage serves as a potent reminder of the importance of heeding spiritual warnings and of the consequences for prolonged rebellion against God's standards in the Christian community.