2 Corinthians 2 9

2 Corinthians 2:9 kjv

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

2 Corinthians 2:9 nkjv

For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

2 Corinthians 2:9 niv

Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

2 Corinthians 2:9 esv

For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.

2 Corinthians 2:9 nlt

I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 9 Meaning

The verse explains the specific purpose of Paul's previous, presumably stern, letter to the Corinthians: it was written not merely to rebuke them but to test their spiritual state. Paul sought to determine if their obedience extended comprehensively to all his apostolic instructions, particularly regarding the handling of a specific erring member within their community. This was a crucial evaluation of their submission to Christ's authority exercised through His apostle, indicating their collective readiness to align with godly order and discipline.

2 Corinthians 2 9 Context

2 Corinthians 2:9 sits within Paul’s discussion of his intense sorrow and anxiety over the Corinthian church following a painful visit and the subsequent "severe letter" he had sent (often considered a lost letter or part of 1 Corinthians). The verses immediately preceding (2:5-8) deal with the case of the offending individual who had caused Paul grief. Paul instructs the Corinthians to forgive and restore this individual now that he has repented, lest he be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. This forgiveness is crucial, as the entire community was meant to participate in the discipline and now the restoration. Verse 9 then serves to clarify Paul's ultimate intention behind the initial severity: it was not personal animosity, but a spiritual test to ascertain their genuine obedience to his apostolic instructions, specifically concerning their handling of discipline and order within the church. Paul was defending his apostolic authority, not for his own sake, but for the spiritual health and order of the congregation. His letter was a means to prove their corporate submission to God's revealed will.

2 Corinthians 2 9 Word analysis

• For to this end also did I write (Καὶ γὰρ εἰς τοῦτο ἔγραψα - Kai gar eis touto egrapsa):

  • "For to this end also" ("Καὶ γὰρ εἰς τοῦτο") emphatically states the purpose or reason behind Paul's preceding action of writing. "Also" signifies this reason stands among others (like Paul's love for them), but it's the primary one being highlighted now.
  • "did I write" ("ἔγραψα") is an aorist active indicative verb, denoting a completed action in the past—referring to the previous, difficult letter. The tense emphasizes the decisive act of writing that had already occurred. It suggests Paul had a clear, defined purpose for that communication.

• that I might know (ἵνα γνῶ - hina gnō):

  • "that" ("ἵνα") introduces a purpose clause, detailing why Paul wrote.
  • "I might know" ("γνῶ") is an aorist active subjunctive, indicating the desired outcome or objective. This "knowing" is not mere intellectual assent but experiential, full apprehension—to truly discern and recognize their state, implying a revelation of their character through their response. It suggests Paul was looking for definitive evidence, not just assumptions.

• the proof of you (τὴν δοκιμὴν ὑμῶν - tēn dokimēn hymōn):

  • "the proof" ("δοκιμή") (dokimē) is a key term. It refers to the result of a test or examination, showing something to be genuine or approved. It implies demonstrated genuineness, confirmed character, or integrity. Like metal refined by fire, it's about what stands the test.
  • It's not just "testing," but the outcome of the test—the demonstration of their worth.
  • "of you" ("ὑμῶν") specifies that this proof concerns their collective character and obedience as a church.

• whether ye be obedient (εἰ ὑπήκοοί ἐστε - ei hypēkooi este):

  • "whether" ("εἰ") introduces a condition, setting the specific criterion for the "proof."
  • "ye be obedient" ("ὑπήκοοί ἐστε") (hypēkooi este). "Hypēkooi" means "obedient," literally "hearing under," signifying listening with submission and compliance to authority. It's an adjective emphasizing their state or character as obedient.

• in all things (ἐν πᾶσιν - en pasin):

  • "in all things" ("ἐν πᾶσιν") modifies "obedient," emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the expected submission. It was not enough for them to be selectively obedient; Paul sought complete compliance with his apostolic directives. This holistic obedience confirms genuine spiritual health and trust in Paul's divine commission. It covers the specific disciplinary action and extends to all matters of church order and Christian living.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "For to this end also did I write, that I might know": This phrase connects Paul's past, painful action of writing to his deeply personal desire to understand the Corinthian church's spiritual state. It wasn't arbitrary severity but a deliberate step towards revealing a truth about them.
  • "the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things": This second part defines what Paul sought to know. He wasn't seeking simply information but validation—a "proof" or demonstration that their submission was not superficial but profound, extending to every facet of their church life and conduct. This indicated that the specific incident requiring the "severe letter" served as a critical test case for their overarching commitment to divine authority and order.

2 Corinthians 2 9 Bonus section

Paul’s strategic use of a severe letter highlights a significant aspect of biblical leadership: love does not always mean gentleness, but sometimes necessitates firm confrontation for the ultimate good and spiritual development of the body of Christ. The act of writing this letter itself became a means by which the Corinthians’ spiritual character could be proven. Their response—evidenced by their actions concerning the offender (as described in 2 Cor 7:11-12)—was to reveal whether their claimed allegiance to Christ extended to obedience to His apostles’ instructions. This verse also implicitly defends Paul's apostolic authority, not as an assertion of personal power, but as a legitimate channel for Christ's will and truth within the church. The successful outcome of this test solidified Paul’s confidence in their genuine repentance and re-established the integrity of their relationship, leading to his subsequent encouragement for restoration and forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 2 9 Commentary

Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 2:9 reveals the profound pastoral and theological purpose behind his severe epistle to the Corinthians. Far from acting out of anger or personal slight, Paul intended his previous challenging communication as a crucible—a means to test the genuine obedience of the Corinthian church. The "proof" (δοκιμή) he sought was not merely intellectual confirmation, but an observable demonstration of their faithful submission to his apostolic authority, which he firmly believed was given by Christ. This comprehensive obedience, extending "in all things," was vital. It ensured that the Corinthians would not merely conform to a specific command out of convenience, but that their overall disposition was one of responsiveness to God's will mediated through His chosen messengers. This demanding act was a testament to Paul’s genuine love for them, seeking their spiritual maturity and corporate health through rightful discipline and the restoration that follows sincere repentance. It underscored that true love, in the Christian context, often involves difficult but necessary steps to call God's people to a higher standard of conformity to Christ.