2 Corinthians 13 5

2 Corinthians 13:5 kjv

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2 Corinthians 13:5 nkjv

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you??unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5 niv

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5 esv

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? ? unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

2 Corinthians 13:5 nlt

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you ; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 5 Meaning

This verse is a direct and penetrating challenge from Paul to the Corinthian believers to conduct a thorough and personal examination of their own spiritual state. It calls them to determine, through rigorous self-assessment, whether they genuinely reside within the sphere of true Christian faith and experience the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ. The implied standard for this test is the manifest reality of Christ within them, and failure to meet this standard suggests a potentially grave state of spiritual "disqualification" or being disapproved by God. It emphasizes that authentic Christian life is marked by an internal reality, not just outward profession.

2 Corinthians 13 5 Context

Second Corinthians 13:5 marks a pivotal point in Paul’s letter, serving as a climactic appeal following his rigorous defense of his apostleship and his previous warnings to the Corinthian church. Throughout the letter, Paul has addressed various issues including challenges to his authority, the need for proper discipline, the danger of false teachers, and the call for repentance and collection for Jerusalem. Chapter 13 begins with Paul reiterating his intention for a third visit, during which he vows to take decisive action against unrepentant sin (v.1-4). He directly links his own authentication as an apostle (v.3) to the Corinthians' ability to see Christ working through him, then swiftly pivots the focus from his authentication to their own, calling them to self-examine whether Christ is truly present and active in them. The historical context includes a church struggling with immaturity, division, moral compromise, and the influence of those who questioned Paul's authority and spiritual legitimacy. The city of Corinth itself was notorious for its syncretism and permissive culture, often subtly eroding the purity of Christian belief and practice. This verse, therefore, functions as a direct and urgent pastoral imperative for individual introspection and accountability in light of ongoing spiritual challenges and impending apostolic scrutiny.

2 Corinthians 13 5 Word analysis

• Examine (πειράζετε - peirazete): This verb means "to test, to try, to prove, to tempt." In this context, it signifies an internal, personal investigation or trial. It’s not a superficial glance but a deliberate and active probing to discover the reality of something. It suggests an experimental verification, akin to trying out a hypothesis.
• yourselves (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): The reflexive pronoun emphasizes the personal and individual nature of this examination. It is a command for direct, inward scrutiny, not external assessment of others or reliance on corporate identity.
• as to whether (εἰ - ei): Introduces the question to be answered by the examination: a direct test of the condition.
• you are (ἐστὲ - este): Simple verb "to be," highlighting the current state of existence or being.
• in the faith (ἐν τῇ πίστει - en tē pistei): "Faith" (pistis) encompasses not just intellectual assent to doctrine but trust, allegiance, and the active principle of Christian living. "In the faith" implies being in the sphere, state, or possession of true, saving faith, where Christ's Lordship is acknowledged and lived out. It speaks of spiritual orientation and reality.
• Test (δοκιμάζετε - dokimazete): This is a stronger verb than "examine," meaning "to assay, prove, scrutinize to determine genuineness." Often used for testing metals for purity or coins for authenticity. It implies a process of stringent verification against a known standard to prove whether something is genuine or counterfeit, approved or rejected. The repetition with "examine" emphasizes the thoroughness required.
• yourselves (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): Reiterates the imperative for self-directed assessment.
• Do you not know (οὐκ ἐπιγινώσκετε - ouk epiginōskete): This phrase challenges their awareness. "Epiginosko" means "to know thoroughly, to recognize fully, to understand accurately." Paul implies that this knowledge should be evident to them; it's a profound, experiential recognition. It suggests surprise or admonishment if they lack this foundational self-knowledge.
• yourselves (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): Again, focused on individual self-awareness.
• that Jesus Christ (ὅτι Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς - hoti Iēsous Christos): "Jesus Christ" as both the specific person and the anointed one, the central figure of their faith.
• is in you (ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν - en hymin estin): This is the crux of the spiritual test. The indwelling of Christ signifies spiritual union, regeneration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling a life consistent with Christian confession. It's a foundational sign of genuine faith and relationship with God.
• —unless indeed (εἰ μήτι - ei mēti): Introduces a strong conditional clause, presenting a serious alternative outcome. It hints at a less likely but dire possibility.
• you are disqualified (ἀδόκιμοί - adokimoi): This adjective means "not standing the test, rejected, disapproved, worthless, reprobate." It’s the direct opposite of "dokimazō" (to test and approve). If Christ is not in them, despite their profession, they are revealed as failing the spiritual test, analogous to a counterfeit coin, a runner who doesn’t win, or metal found to be impure. This refers to their genuine spiritual standing before God, not necessarily losing salvation but indicating they may have never truly possessed it.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Examine yourselves... Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves...": The threefold command and question involving "yourselves" create an escalating rhetorical intensity, underscoring the vital necessity and comprehensive nature of this self-scrutiny. The verbs (peirazete, dokimazete, epiginōskete) move from initial probing to decisive proof to ultimate self-knowledge, demanding the deepest introspection.
• "as to whether you are in the faith.": This phrase provides the specific spiritual category for the examination. It’s not about their church attendance, outward morality, or knowledge of scripture alone, but about their core, saving relationship with Christ that manifests as an active life of faith.
• "Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?": This presents the definitive indicator of true faith. The presence of Jesus Christ, made real through the Holy Spirit, is the unmistakable proof of genuine conversion and spiritual life. If they truly know themselves spiritually, this reality should be undeniable.
• "—unless indeed you are disqualified.": This sobering concluding phrase offers the only alternative outcome. If Christ is not found to be genuinely dwelling within them, their claim to faith is empty, and they stand as rejected, proven unauthentic, having failed the spiritual test. It’s a stark warning against self-deception and superficial Christianity.

2 Corinthians 13 5 Bonus section

The concept of "Christ in you" is not merely metaphorical; it refers to a profound, mystical union made real by the Holy Spirit. This union establishes believers as new creations, enabling them to live lives consistent with their confession. For the Corinthians, this self-test was crucial as many were quick to judge Paul's apostleship while perhaps neglecting the state of their own hearts. Paul reverses the scrutiny, challenging them to apply the same critical evaluation they aimed at him to their own souls. The fear of being "disqualified" (ἀδόκιμοι) in this context parallels a runner in a race who, despite effort, fails to meet the criteria to win or a building material proven to be inferior upon inspection. It does not imply a once-saved-now-lost scenario, but rather an unveiling of an unregenerate heart that never truly entered into a saving relationship with Christ, despite outward religious activity. It underscores that profession without possession is ultimately futile.

2 Corinthians 13 5 Commentary

Paul’s command in 2 Corinthians 13:5 serves as a non-negotiable spiritual litmus test for every believer. He calls the Corinthians, and by extension all who name the name of Christ, to move beyond external appearances and self-assurance based on human judgment, to a deep, internal examination of their spiritual reality. The presence of "Jesus Christ in you" is presented as the singular, non-negotiable proof of authentic faith. This is not about feeling Christ, but knowing His transforming power and lordship active in one's life through the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a changed disposition, love for God's word, and a desire to obey Him.

The repeated emphasis on self-examination (examine, test, know yourselves) stresses both the thoroughness required and the personal responsibility involved. It suggests that a superficial assessment is insufficient; rather, a stringent, honest evaluation akin to testing precious metals for impurities is demanded. The warning "unless indeed you are disqualified" is not about losing salvation, but about the terrifying possibility of never having truly possessed it, having been merely nominal Christians, found wanting when God applies His perfect standard. This call guards against complacent profession and urges genuine conversion and a living, dynamic relationship with Christ.

Practically, this verse implies:

• Regular, prayerful introspection: asking, "Is my life demonstrating the reality of Christ's presence and power?"
• Comparing our lives against biblical standards: does our love, obedience, and character reflect Christ?
• Acknowledging and confessing sin, as a true indicator of spiritual health, as Christ in us enables conviction.