2 Corinthians 5 13

2 Corinthians 5:13 kjv

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

2 Corinthians 5:13 nkjv

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:13 niv

If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:13 esv

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:13 nlt

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 13 Meaning

This verse speaks to the motivation behind Paul's actions and ministry. It clarifies that his apparent intensity and passion were not driven by a desire for personal glory or outward appearance. Instead, the driving force behind his tireless work for Christ was his overwhelming love for God, fueled by the understanding of God's love for humanity demonstrated through Christ. His actions were a response to the transforming power of God's grace.

2 Corinthians 5 13 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 5 continues Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry. He has been addressing misunderstandings and criticisms from the Corinthian church. This verse serves to explain the underlying motivation for his passionate, and at times seemingly severe, actions and teachings. It follows his declaration of being "out of our mind" for God (5:13a) and asserts that this state is not from fanatical zeal but from a profound compulsion of Christ's love, a love that compels him to reconcile others to God. The immediate context is Paul clarifying the nature of Christian ministry and the transformation it brings, in contrast to self-serving or externally focused leadership.

2 Corinthians 5 13 Word analysis

• εἰ γὰρ ὑπερβάλλωμεν (ei gar hypérballomen)

  • εἰ (ei): If. Introduces a conditional clause.
  • γὰρ (gar): For, because. Introduces a reason or explanation.
  • ὑπερβάλλωμεν (hypérballomen): we were beside ourselves / over the top / exceeding. A present subjunctive verb from hyperballo. It implies going beyond normal limits, or acting excessively. In this context, it's used in the sense of being irrational or unbalanced, suggesting an appearance of being "crazy."

• θεῷ (theō)

  • θεῷ (theō): to God. Dative case of theos (God). Indicates the recipient or context of their extreme state.

• εἴτε δὲ σωφρονοῦμεν (eite de sōphronoumen)

  • εἴτε (eite): whether, or if. Introduces an alternative.
  • δὲ (de): but, and. Connects or contrasts with the previous statement.
  • σωφρονοῦμεν (sōphronoumen): we are of sound mind / sober-minded / self-controlled. A present indicative verb from sophronéo. It refers to being in one's right mind, being sensible, rational, and temperate.

• ὑμῖν (hymin)

  • ὑμῖν (hymin): to you. Dative plural pronoun. Refers to the recipients of Paul's letter, the Corinthians.

• εἰ δὲ εἴμεθα (ei de eimetha)

  • εἰ (ei): if.
  • δὲ (de): but.
  • εἴμεθα (eimetha): we are. A present subjunctive of eimi (to be).

• ἔξω (exō)

  • ἔξω (exō): out / outside. Indicates an external state, or being beside oneself.

• ἑαυτῶν (heautōn)

  • ἑαυτῶν (heautōn): of ourselves. Reflexive pronoun in the genitive plural. Reinforces that the state is their own.

• φίλημα (philēma)

  • φίλημα (philēma): Kiss. Usually a greeting of affection. Here it might imply outward displays or superficial affections.

• κοιμήσῃ (koimēsē)

  • κοιμήσῃ (koimēsē): Sleep. This appears to be an erroneous citation or interpretation. The verse reads "ἀγάπη" (agape), meaning love. The verb in context is "κρατεῖ" (kratei) meaning "controls" or "holds."

• ἀγάπην (agapēn)

  • ἀγάπην (agapēn): love. Accusative singular of agape. This refers to unconditional, divine love.
  • The word agapen appears to be misidentified as koimesei or philema in common interpolations or confusions around this verse. The critical word in verse 14 (which follows v. 13) is agape controlling them. This verse (5:13) describes their state (mad for God or sober) that others might perceive.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn)

  • ὑμῶν (hymōn): of you / your. Genitive plural pronoun. Belonging to the Corinthians.

• φίλημα (philēma)

  • φίλημα (philēma): Kiss. Often used as a form of greeting or expression of affection.

• ἀγάπη (agape)

  • ἀγάπη (agape): love.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn)

  • ὑμῶν (hymōn): of you.

• εἰς (eis)

  • εἰς (eis): into, toward.

• θεὸν (theon)

  • θεὸν (theon): God.

• καί (kai)

  • καί (kai): and.

• εἴτε (eite)

  • εἴτε (eite): whether, or if.

• καυχωμένη (kaukhomene)

  • καυχώμεθα (kaukhōmetha) or similar forms, meaning 'boasting'.

• καυχήσομεν (kauchēsomen)

  • καυχώμεθα (kaukhōmetha): we may boast. From kauchao, to boast, glory in.
  • In verse 14 (immediately following), the core idea of the love of Christ controlling them (κράτει) is expressed, which directly contrasts any boast or outward appearance Paul might have. The focus isn't on boasting to them, but for God.

• ὑμῖν (hymin)

  • ὑμῖν (hymin): to you.

• γάρ (gar)

  • γάρ (gar): For.

• τοῦτο (touto)

  • τοῦτο (touto): this.

• γέγονεν (gegonen)

  • γέγονεν (gegonen): has happened, has become.

• δι’ (di’)

  • δι’ (di’): through, because of.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn)

  • ὑμῶν (hymōn): your.

• φιλοτιμίας (philotimes) or φιλαργυρίας (philargyrias) depending on text and interpretation, but typically σωφρονεῖν (sophronein) "to be sensible".

  • The phrase "εἴτε δὲ σωφρονοῦμεν ὑμῖν" should be analyzed together: "or if we are of sound mind for you" or "or if we are sensible towards you".

• This is where a clarification is important. Verse 5:13 actually states: "εἴτε γὰρ ὑπερβάλλωμεν, θεῷ· εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν, ὑμῖν." Which translates: "For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you."

  • So the analysis should be based on these components:
    • ὑπερβάλλωμεν (hyperballomen - be beside ourselves) for θεῷ (theō - God).
    • σωφρονοῦμεν (sophrōnomen - be of sound mind) for ὑμῖν (hymin - you).

2 Corinthians 5 13 Bonus Section

The contrast between being "beside ourselves" for God and being "of sound mind" for the church highlights a tension that true ministry often navigates. It is a call to be passionately devoted to God while simultaneously exercising wise and discerning care for the people. This suggests that radical devotion does not preclude practicality and sensitivity in serving others. The core message is about inward motivation rooted in love for Christ being the ultimate regulator of outward conduct in ministry.

2 Corinthians 5 13 Commentary

Paul clarifies the apparent extremes in his behavior. If he seems overzealous or "out of his mind," it is entirely for God's purpose, stemming from a deep spiritual motivation. Conversely, if he appears rational and "of sound mind," it is for the benefit of the Corinthian believers. This sets the stage for his explanation in verse 14, where he reveals that the ultimate controlling force behind all his actions is the profound and compelling love of Christ. His apparent zeal or sobriety were not self-generated but responsive to divine love, designed for God’s glory and the Corinthians' spiritual well-being.