2 Corinthians 13:2
What does 2 Corinthians 13:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 13:2 means
Paul repeats a prior warning, this time making it unmistakably clear: if he comes again and finds ongoing, unrepentant sin, he “will not spare.” He has been patient in earlier visits and letters, but grace does not cancel accountability. His words show deep love that refuses to leave people in destructive patterns. He addresses those who sinned before and “all the rest,” refusing to allow a small group to corrupt the whole church. His aim is not revenge but restoration through decisive action, protecting Christ’s flock and honoring the holiness that the gospel produces among God’s people when they respond to correction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I said before, and still say it before I come, as being present for the second time, though I am still away from you, to those who have done wrong before, and to all the others, that if I come again I will not have pity;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have said before, and I say <FI>it<Fi> before, as being present, the second time, and being absent, now, do I write to those having sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have told before and foretell, as present and now absent, to them that sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have declared beforehand, and I say beforehand as present the second time, and now absent, to those that have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare.
Context
Having established the standard of witnesses in verse 1, Paul now warns of real consequences for persistent sin. The tone sharpens: this is a shepherd ready to use the rod if needed. This prepares for verse 3, where he addresses those demanding proof of Christ in him. The warning and the demand for proof belong together: if they question his authority, they should be ready to see it exercised. The flow presses readers to consider both justice and the true source of Paul’s ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 13:10
For 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.
- 1 Corinthians 5:5
to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20
For 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;
- 2 Corinthians 1:23
But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.
- 1 Corinthians 4:19
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
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