Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:3

What does 2 Corinthians 13:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 13:3 means

Some in Corinth wanted proof that Christ speaks in Paul. He answers that Christ is not weak among them but powerful. The church’s very existence, their conversions and gifts, bear witness that Christ has been working through Paul’s message. Their demand for authentication misses the obvious: Christ’s power has already been displayed in their midst. Paul’s authority is not self-made; it is Christ speaking through him. To resist Paul’s faithful ministry is to resist the Lord who has been active in the church. This prepares them to understand that any firm action he takes is not personal posturing but the expression of Christ’s power for their good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Seeing that you are looking for a sign of Christ giving out his word in me; who is not feeble in relation to you, but is strong in you:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

since a proof ye seek of the Christ speaking in me, who to you is not infirm, but is powerful in you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Do you seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me, who towards you is not weak, but is mighty in you?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, (who is not weak towards you, but is powerful among you,

Context

Verse 2’s warning meets a challenge: some doubt Paul’s authority. Verse 3 confronts that skepticism directly, shifting the focus from Paul’s personality to Christ’s presence. The line of thought heads into verse 4’s paradox of weakness and power in Christ and His servants. First-time readers need to see that Paul’s firmness is rooted in Christ’s work among them, not in ego. The transition helps interpret discipline as a ministry of Christ’s strength, not merely human severity.

v.2I 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;

v.3This passage

v.4for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:1

    Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you?

  • Matthew 18:18

    Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

  • Matthew 10:20

    For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:6

    Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;

  • 2 Corinthians 2:10

    But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ;

  • 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:

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 13:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary