2 Corinthians 12:19
What does 2 Corinthians 12:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:19 means
Paul anticipates their reaction: they think he is simply defending himself. He insists that he speaks “in the sight of God” and “in Christ,” making God his audience and Christ his sphere of truth. His motive is not self-justification but their edification—everything is for their building up. By placing his words before God, he rejects manipulative rhetoric and aligns his defense with pastoral responsibility. Leaders must sometimes explain themselves, not to protect ego but to protect the flock and strengthen the church. The measure of any defense is whether it serves the people’s growth into Christlike maturity and unity, not whether it salvages reputation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It may seem to you that all this time we have been attempting to put ourselves in the right; but we are saying these things before God in Christ. For all things, dear brothers, are for your profit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Again, think ye that to you we are making defence? before God in Christ do we speak; and the all things, beloved, <FI>are<Fi> for your up-building,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Of old, think you that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but all things, my dearly beloved, for your edification.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye have long been supposing that we excuse ourselves to you: we speak beforeGod in Christ; and all things, beloved, for your building up.
Context
Having answered charges about money and motives, Paul reframes the entire exchange as ministry under God’s eye. This reorientation is crucial before he voices fears about the church’s condition. Verses 20–21 will express concern that he may find divisive sins and sexual immorality unrepented when he arrives. By stating his edifying aim first, he shows that any forthcoming rebuke or discipline is motivated by love for their spiritual health, not by irritation or self-interest. The flow turns from defense to pastoral warning and appeal.
v.18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
v.19This passage
v.20For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
- 2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
- 1 Corinthians 9:12
If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.
- 1 Corinthians 10:14
Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
- Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,
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