2 Corinthians 4 13

2 Corinthians 4:13 kjv

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Corinthians 4:13 nkjv

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,

2 Corinthians 4:13 niv

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

2 Corinthians 4:13 esv

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak,

2 Corinthians 4:13 nlt

But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke."

2 Corinthians 4 verses

2 Corinthians 4 13 Meaning

2 Corinthians 4:13 conveys that Christian proclamation is a direct, Spirit-empowered overflow of sincere belief, especially amidst suffering. Drawing from Psalm 116:10, Paul asserts that just as the Psalmist spoke his trust in God despite affliction, so too he and his fellow ministers believe the Gospel with such conviction that they are compelled to declare it, even when facing severe hardship and opposition. Their outward verbalization of faith is an inevitable consequence of their inward spiritual conviction, sustaining them in their demanding ministry.

2 Corinthians 4 13 Context

2 Corinthians 4 focuses on Paul's understanding and defense of his apostolic ministry. He describes the precious message of the gospel ("light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," v. 6) contained in fragile human vessels ("jars of clay," v. 7) to demonstrate that the surpassing power belongs to God. This chapter vividly contrasts Paul's weakness and suffering with God's power and comfort (v. 8-12). In this immediate context, verse 13 explains how Paul and his co-workers endure such relentless persecution (being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down – vv. 8-9) without giving up. Their endurance and continued proclamation are not due to personal strength but stem from a profound, inward faith that necessitates outward expression. The historical and cultural context for the Corinthian church included internal divisions, challenges to Paul's authority, and external pressures, making his endurance and continued, clear teaching vital for their spiritual stability.

2 Corinthians 4 13 Word analysis

• We (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Plural pronoun, referring to Paul and his ministerial companions. It establishes a corporate identity and shared experience in ministry.
• having (ἔχοντες - echontes): Present active participle, implying a continuous possession or state. It's an inherent quality or gift they possess.
• the same (τὸ αὐτὸ - to auto): Identifies a shared nature or character. This isn't just a spirit of faith, but the very same spirit of faith as that exemplified in Psalm 116. It underscores a continuity across biblical eras and experiences.
• spirit (πνεῦμα - pneuma): Here, it likely refers to a disposition, attitude, or inner spiritual enablement that is characterized by faith, rather than solely the Holy Spirit (though it originates from Him). It denotes an animating principle. In the Septuagint (LXX), the term can mean inner disposition.
• of faith (πίστεως - pisteōs): Genitive, defining the kind of spirit—one that is rooted in and characterized by trust and belief in God. This faith is not passive but dynamic.
• according as (κατὰ τὸ - kata to): Signifies conformity to or alignment with what follows. It emphasizes adherence to a pattern or principle.
• it is written (γεγραμμένον - gegrammenon / γέγραπται - gegraptai, actual verb is gegraptai): Perfect passive participle/indicative. "It stands written" or "It has been written." This construction denotes an authoritative and enduring scripture, in this case, from Psalm 116:10 in the Septuagint.
• I (ἐγὼ - egō): Emphatic first person singular pronoun, identifying with the psalmist, making his ancient experience Paul's present reality.
• believed (ἐπίστευσα - episteusa): Aorist active indicative. A definite act of belief, expressing personal conviction.
• and (διὸ - dio / καί - kai): "Therefore" (dio) or "and so" (kai). "Diὸ" indicates a logical consequence; belief is the reason for speaking.
• therefore have I spoken (ἐλάλησα - elalēsa): Aorist active indicative. A definite act of speaking, presented as the direct outcome of the belief.
• we (καὶ ἡμεῖς - kai hēmeis): "We also" or "and we." This direct parallelism bridges the Psalmist's experience to the apostles'. It connects ancient Israel's experience of trusting God amidst tribulation with the new covenant ministers' experience.
• also believe (πιστεύομεν - pisteuomen): Present active indicative. Continuous action. Our ongoing, present belief.
• and therefore speak (καὶ λαλοῦμεν - kai laloumen): Present active indicative. Continuous action. Our ongoing, present proclamation, directly caused by our continuous belief.

• "the same spirit of faith": This phrase refers to an inner disposition, powered by God, that characterizes those who trust Him. It signifies an unwavering mindset of belief that empowers enduring through tribulations. It suggests a shared spiritual inheritance that connects them with ancient believers like the psalmist.
• "according as it is written": Paul grounds his experience in scripture, providing divine warrant for his and the psalmist's pattern of belief leading to proclamation. This phrase underscores the reliability and authority of the Old Testament for New Testament believers.
• "I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak": This strong parallelism forms the crux of the verse. It establishes a necessary, cause-and-effect relationship between belief (inward conviction) and speaking (outward proclamation). This is not just a human choice but a divine imperative born from profound faith, particularly relevant when facing trials (as the original Psalm 116:10 context suggests). It underscores the active and verbal nature of true faith.

2 Corinthians 4 13 Bonus section

The concept of the "spirit of faith" links directly to the idea that faith itself is a gift and operation of the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:8, Phil 1:29). It's not merely human resolve but a divine enabling that permits and empowers believers to speak boldly. This conviction is critical for perseverance in ministry, as speaking the truth of Christ can often incur opposition. Paul’s use of Psalm 116:10 also implicitly reminds his readers that God faithfully delivers those who trust Him, as He delivered the Psalmist from death. This hope in resurrection and ultimate victory (discussed in 2 Cor 4:14-18) fuels their present confession despite tribulation, knowing their temporary suffering contributes to an eternal weight of glory.

2 Corinthians 4 13 Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:13 powerfully encapsulates the core motivation for Christian ministry and witness: an unshakeable inner conviction that demands outward expression. Paul finds solidarity with the psalmist of Psalm 116:10, whose profound belief led to open declaration even in the face of deep personal suffering ("I believed, even when I spoke, 'I am greatly afflicted'"). For Paul, this is the "same spirit of faith" – a divine disposition that transcends individual eras. His suffering, detailed in the surrounding verses, does not silence him; rather, it highlights the necessity of his message, empowered by a God who raises the dead. The ministry's effectiveness does not come from the vessel but from the message and the "spirit of faith" within. This verse champions the idea that genuine faith is not passive or silent but dynamic, compelled to speak forth the truth, regardless of circumstance, even in weakness and pain.