2 Corinthians 13:6 kjv
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
2 Corinthians 13:6 nkjv
But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
2 Corinthians 13:6 niv
And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
2 Corinthians 13:6 esv
I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
2 Corinthians 13:6 nlt
As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.
2 Corinthians 13 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith... | Condition precedent |
| 1 Cor 11:28 | Let a person examine himself, therefore... | Self-examination |
| Rom 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed... | Transformation from within |
| Gal 6:4 | But let each one test his own work... | Personal accountability |
| Phil 1:10 | ...approve what is excellent... | Standard for judgment |
| 1 Thes 5:21 | Test everything; hold fast to what is good. | Discernment required |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits... | Testing spirits/doctrines |
| Acts 17:11 | ...receiving the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily... | Berean example of testing |
| John 5:39 | You search the Scriptures... | Scriptures as ultimate source |
| Rom 14:11 | For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me..." | Ultimate accountability to God |
| Isa 45:23 | ...To me every knee shall bow, every tongue swear allegiance. | God's sovereignty and future judgment |
| 2 Cor 10:8 | For even if I boast a little ... my authority is from the Lord... | Basis of Paul's authority |
| 2 Cor 10:12 | For we dare not and will not classify or compare ourselves with some... | Avoiding self-commendation |
| 2 Cor 10:18 | For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. | True approval is from God |
| Matt 7:1 | "Judge not, that you be not judged." | Caution against judging others |
| Luke 6:37 | "Judge not, and you will not be judged..." | Parallel teaching on judgment |
| 1 Cor 4:3-4 | But to me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. For though I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified. | Paul's perspective on human judgment |
| Titus 1:7 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach... | Standard for leadership approval |
| 1 Tim 3:10 | And let them first be tested; then, if they are blameless, let them be admitted to service. | Testing of church leaders |
| 2 Cor 13:1 | This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. | Judicial principle |
| Ps 19:14 | Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable... | Prayer for acceptance before God |
| Jer 17:10 | I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways... | God's internal examination |
2 Corinthians 13 verses
2 Corinthians 13 6 Meaning
This verse asserts that the Corinthians should not be disapproved themselves, but rather that Paul and his companions would not disapprove them, if Paul's apostolic actions were to be evaluated by them. It's a crucial point in Paul's defense of his ministry and his authority among the Corinthians, aiming for reconciliation and recognition of his apostolic legitimacy rather than condemnation of them.
2 Corinthians 13 6 Context
This verse is the culmination of a section (2 Corinthians 12:14-13:10) where Paul addresses his apostolic authority and impending visit. He had been criticized by some in Corinth, and he is preparing to visit them a third time. He anticipates this visit with a mixture of pastoral concern and a stern warning against further opposition or impenitence. He contrasts his potential judgment of them with their need to judge themselves concerning their faith and behavior. This verse specifically addresses the potential for him to be "disapproved" or rejected by them, stating that their own spiritual maturity should be evident rather than testing Paul's legitimacy. The broader context is the intense personal and theological struggle Paul faced with the Corinthian church, particularly in defending his apostleship against false teachers.
2 Corinthians 13 6 Word Analysis
μή (mē): Not; a particle used to prevent a thing; prohibition.
ὑμεῖς (hymeis): You (plural); the second person pronoun.
ἀδόκιμοι (adokimoi): Not approved, reprobate, unproved, unfit. Derived from adokimos, meaning not standing the test, worthless, spurious.
γινώσκετε (ginōskete): You know, perceive, recognize. Imperative mood, present tense, second person plural.
ὅτι (hoti): That; introduces a subordinate clause.
ἐμὲ (eme): Me (accusative case); direct object.
ἐστιν (estin): Is; third person singular, present tense of the verb eimi (to be).
δοκιμὴν (dokimēn): Proof, approval, tested (accusative case); the act of proving or testing. Related to dokimazo (to test, prove) and dokimos (tested, approved).
Words/Phrases Group Analysis:
- μὴ ὑμεῖς ἀδόκιμοι γινώσκετε: "that you may know you are not disapproved." This construction suggests an affirmation. It's not that the Corinthians are disapproved, but rather that they should realize (know) that Paul and his companions do not intend to be a cause for their disapproval or, conversely, that the Corinthians are not in a state to judge Paul as disapproved. The imperative ginōskete points to a hoped-for realization by the Corinthians.
- ὅτι ἐμὲ δοκιμὴν: "that I [am] proof." This clause states the positive reality concerning Paul's ministry that the Corinthians should recognize. Paul is "approved" or has demonstrated his legitimate, God-ordained apostolic ministry. The emphasis is on the legitimacy of Paul's apostleship, which they should recognize rather than question.
2 Corinthians 13 6 Bonus Section
The use of the word dokimoi (approved) and its opposite adokimoi (disapproved, reprobate) is significant. In ancient times, coins were tested (δοκιμάζω, dokimazo) for their purity and weight; those that passed were dokimos, while those that failed were adokimos. Paul uses this imagery to speak of his own ministry and, by implication, the spiritual state of the Corinthians. He hopes they will be dokimos in God's sight. His ultimate assurance comes from God's testing, not human opinion (cf. 1 Cor 4:3-4). The context of 2 Corinthians is deeply pastoral, seeking not to destroy but to build up the church, even amidst severe correction and personal attack. The aim is ultimate reconciliation and restoration under God.
2 Corinthians 13 6 Commentary
Paul shifts the focus of evaluation. Instead of the Corinthians testing and finding Paul lacking ("disapproved"), he declares that they, the Corinthians, should ascertain their own spiritual condition ("know that you are not disapproved" of yourselves). The implication is that their spiritual health and genuine faith should be clear enough for them to recognize Paul's legitimate, approved ministry without doubt. He is saying, "Test yourselves; if you find yourselves sound in faith, then you will readily perceive and acknowledge my approval and my legitimate work among you." Paul's authority is not to be measured by their potential rejection of him, but by the spiritual reality within them and the ultimate approval of God. His confidence rests not in winning an argument with them, but in the divine endorsement of his service.