2 Corinthians 13:10
What does 2 Corinthians 13:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 13:10 means
Paul explains why he writes firmly while absent: to avoid dealing “sharply” when present. He carries authority from the Lord, but it is given “for building up, and not for casting down.” Even when he must correct, his aim is restoration, not destruction. Written warnings provide space for reflection and repentance, so that a visit can be marked by joy, not discipline. This reveals a wise blend of courage and restraint—he will act if needed, yet he prefers the gentle path that still leads to the church’s strengthening and peace under Christ’s rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this cause I am writing these things while I am away, so that there may be need for me, when I am present, to make use of sharp measures, by the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for destruction.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this, these things--being absent--I write, that being present, I may not treat <FI>any<Fi> sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On this account I write these things being absent, that being present I may not use severity according to the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for overthrowing.
Context
After expressing joy in their potential growth, Paul states the practical strategy. Verse 10 ties the earlier warnings to the constructive purpose of his authority. It acts as a hinge into the closing exhortations. Having established that any severity serves edification, Paul now (verses 11–14) exhorts the church to pursue maturity, comfort, unity, and peace, and he seals these calls with greetings and a Trinitarian blessing. First-time readers see correction flowing into encouragement and benediction.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
- 2 Corinthians 10:2
yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
- 2 Corinthians 13:8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
- 2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:
- 2 Corinthians 13:2
I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;
- 2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
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