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 13 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
Psa 116:10 | I believed; therefore I have spoken. | Faith leading to confession |
Psa 116:10 | I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. | Response to faith |
Acts 4:20 | For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. | Witness to truth |
Acts 4:31 | Speaking the word of God with boldness. | Bold declaration |
Rom 1:8 | your faith is proclaimed in all the world. | Faith proclaimed |
Rom 10:10 | For with the heart one believes and is converted; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. | Belief and confession |
2 Cor 4:8-9 | Afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, but not destroyed. | Suffering believer |
2 Cor 4:15 | For all things are for your sake, that the evidence of grace might overflow. | Purpose of suffering |
2 Cor 5:7 | For we walk by faith, not by sight. | Walking by faith |
Eph 3:12 | in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. | Confidence through faith |
1 Pet 1:8-9 | Whom having not seen you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice. | Joy in unseen Christ |
1 Tim 4:10 | We both labor and suffer reproach, because we are placed our hope in the living God. | Hope and suffering |
Heb 11:1 | Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. | Definition of faith |
Heb 11:6 | But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe. | Importance of faith |
Heb 11:13 | These all died in faith, not receiving the promises, but having seen them afar off. | Faith to the end |
1 John 5:1 | Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. | Belief in Jesus |
Mark 11:23 | truly I say to you, whoever may say to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe. | Faith that moves mountains |
Matt 10:32 | whoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father who is in the heavens. | Confession of Christ |
John 11:26 | and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall not die forever. | Eternal life through belief |
John 14:12 | Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also. | Works of the believer |
Phil 1:14 | And many of the brethren in the Lord, becoming confident because of my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. | Boldness through witness |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 13 Meaning
This verse highlights the deep faith and conviction of believers. It asserts that because of their unwavering faith, they also believe and therefore speak. This faith originates from the spirit of faith, enabling them to declare God's truth even amidst suffering and affliction. The essence is that genuine faith finds its voice.
2 Corinthians 4 13 Context
In Second Corinthians chapter 4, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church and defending his apostolic ministry, especially in the face of criticism and hardship. He contrasts the hidden, spiritual nature of his ministry with the superficiality of his opponents. He emphasizes that suffering and affliction are part of the Christian life and the ministry, but they ultimately reveal God's power and grace. Paul acknowledges the difficulties faced by himself and his companions but reassures the believers that they are not crushed. This verse directly follows the declaration that "we also believe, and therefore speak," connecting their endurance in suffering to their underlying faith and vocal testimony. The broader context is Paul's affirmation of the genuine and powerful nature of the Gospel ministry, which endures despite external pressures, rooted in a spirit of faith.
2 Corinthians 4 13 Word Analysis
- "Likewise" (hōsautōs): In a similar manner; also; just as. This links what follows to the preceding discussion, particularly the sufferings mentioned.
- "also" (kai autos): This emphasizes the inclusion of Paul and his companions among those who believe and speak. It signifies continuity and shared experience.
- "we" (hēmeis): Refers to Paul and the other apostles/ministers who are experiencing the afflictions described earlier in the chapter.
- "believe" (pisteuomen): From pisteuō, meaning to trust, rely on, have faith in, assent to, and depend upon. It's the act of firmly believing something to be true and acting upon that belief. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust and conviction in God and His promises.
- "therefore" (dio): Because of this; for this reason. It establishes a causal link between believing and speaking. The belief is the foundation for the utterance.
- "speak" (lalousin): From laleō, meaning to talk, speak, converse. It implies an active expression of the inner belief, a vocalization of their faith and the message they carry. This speaking is not just ordinary talk but proclaiming the Gospel and God's truth.
Words-group analysis:
- "we also believe, and therefore speak": This phrase encapsulates the core message. The believing is not passive; it leads to active proclamation. The order is crucial: belief precedes and empowers speaking. It reflects the psalm "I believed, therefore I have spoken" (Psa 116:10). This shows a confident assertion rooted in deeply held conviction, especially in the face of adversity where silence might seem logical.
2 Corinthians 4 13 Bonus Section
This verse emphasizes the essential unity of faith and speech in the Christian life. It implies that true faith is not mute but vocal, finding expression through testimony and proclamation. The "spirit of faith" (2 Cor 4:13) is the animating power that makes this utterance possible, even when human circumstances are dire. This act of speaking is not for self-glory but for the glory of God and the furtherance of the Gospel, particularly during times of persecution where such boldness is most striking and necessary.
2 Corinthians 4 13 Commentary
The believer's outward proclamation is directly linked to their inner conviction. Just as the psalmists confessed their faith, so Paul and his fellow ministers do. This act of speaking is a natural outflow of genuine belief, particularly a belief rooted in the "spirit of faith" mentioned previously. Despite experiencing severe affliction, their faith compels them to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. This "speaking" can refer to preaching, teaching, prophesying, or any verbal testimony that exalts Christ and the message of salvation. It is a testament to the transformative power of faith that moves from the heart to the lips, serving as a counterpoint to the debilitating effects of suffering that might otherwise induce silence or despair.