2 Corinthians 13:7 kjv
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
2 Corinthians 13:7 nkjv
Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.
2 Corinthians 13:7 niv
Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong?not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
2 Corinthians 13:7 esv
But we pray to God that you may not do wrong ? not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
2 Corinthians 13:7 nlt
We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won't need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come ? even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority.
2 Corinthians 13 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 13:7 | ...that you should do no wrong. | Purpose for conduct |
| Romans 6:1-2 | ...live in it? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? | Freedom from sin's dominion |
| 1 Corinthians 6:18 | ...Flee from sexual immorality. | Abstaining from sin |
| 1 John 3:9 | No one born of God makes a practice of sinning... | Characteristic of believers |
| Matthew 6:13 | ...but deliver us from the evil one. | Prayer for protection |
| Philippians 2:15 | ...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation... | Be blameless |
| Colossians 1:10 | ...so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him... | Walk worthy of the Lord |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | ...how you ought to walk and to please God... | Pleasing God |
| 1 Peter 1:15-16 | ...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, because I am holy." | Be holy |
| Romans 12:1 | ...present your bodies as a living sacrifice... | Presentation of self |
| James 4:7 | Submit yourselves therefore to God. | Submission to God |
| Ephesians 4:27 | ...and give no opportunity to the devil. | Avoiding opportunity for the devil |
| Titus 2:11-12 | For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce godlessness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. | Grace trains in godliness |
| Acts 24:16 | So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men. | Clear conscience |
| 1 Corinthians 10:13 | No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. | God provides escape |
| Romans 8:4 | ...so that the just requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. | Walking according to Spirit |
| 1 John 2:15-17 | Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love of the Father is not in him. | Do not love the world |
| Galatians 5:16 | But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. | Walk by the Spirit |
| Jude 1:20-21 | But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. | Build up in faith, pray in Spirit |
| Proverbs 19:1 | Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. | Integrity in ways |
2 Corinthians 13 verses
2 Corinthians 13 7 Meaning
Paul desires that the Corinthian believers abstain from wrong behavior. He is praying that they do nothing wrong. This doesn't mean perfection but a sincere effort to live righteously and ethically, pleasing to God. It is a positive desire for their sanctification and ethical conduct.
2 Corinthians 13 7 Context
This verse is from the concluding section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Paul is directly addressing his critics and reinforcing his apostolic authority, particularly in light of potential divisions and immorality within the church. He expresses a desire for their spiritual well-being and for them to align their actions with their faith. The previous verses have highlighted his approach: avoiding anything that could hinder the gospel and seeking their upbuilding rather than power. This specific verse is part of his hopeful expectation for them to cease from any improper conduct.
2 Corinthians 13 7 Word Analysis
ELECHŌ (ἐλεγχῶ): "to expose," "to convict," "to prove wrong," or "to admonish." In this context, it carries the sense of avoiding things that would bring shame or be censured.
POUIZĒTŌ (ποιῆτε): From poieō (ποιέω), meaning "to do" or "to make." It is in the second person plural, present active subjunctive, indicating a continuous action or a prayerful request.
Oude (οὐδὲ): "not even," "and not." This strengthens the negation.
Adikia (ἀδικία): "injustice," "wrongdoing," "unrighteousness." This term encompasses unethical behavior, acts contrary to divine will, or things that are not morally upright.
Chreston (χρηστὸν): "good," "useful," "kind," "honest." It signifies what is morally acceptable and pleasing.
Paul's desire is for the Corinthians to not do any wrongdoing. The term 'wrongdoing' here refers to actions contrary to God's established standards or potentially divisive actions within the community. The aim is to achieve a positive outcome—doing what is 'good' or 'right.' The imperative mood, or in this case the subjunctive expressing a wish or exhortation, underscores the importance of this conduct.
2 Corinthians 13 7 Bonus Section
The sentiment echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on righteousness and integrity (e.g., Proverbs 19:1). Paul's pastoral concern is to present a united and morally robust church to the world. His desire is not a legalistic attempt to earn salvation, but the natural outworking of a transformed life received by God's grace. It’s about acting in a manner that confirms the reality of God’s work among them, avoiding anything that would give reason for accusation or division.
2 Corinthians 13 7 Commentary
Paul articulates a strong desire for the Corinthians to actively cease from all forms of wrongdoing. This is not a wish for mere superficial avoidance, but a call for deep-seated ethical conduct reflecting their identity in Christ. It is a prayer that their actions would be pleasing and morally sound, so that no one could criticize their Christian walk. This means living out the gospel in their daily lives, honoring God and demonstrating His grace to others. The practical implication is a conscious, Spirit-led effort to align their choices with biblical principles, thus proving their spiritual maturity.