Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:6

What does 2 Corinthians 13:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 13:6 means

Paul expresses confidence that, as the Corinthians test themselves, they will come to see that he is not “reprobate.” His ministry bears the marks of God’s approval: the planting of the church, the endurance of trials, and the consistent proclamation of Christ. He does not rely on self-commendation; he expects their own renewed faith to confirm his authenticity. The point is not Paul’s ego, but the connection between a true work of grace in them and the genuineness of the messenger through whom God brought it. Their growth would naturally vindicate his role as Christ’s servant without him demanding admiration.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But it is my hope that you will have no doubt that we are truly Christ's.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I hope that ye shall know that we--we are not disapproved of;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now I hope that ye will know that we are not reprobates.

Context

Following the call to self-examination, Paul gently pivots: if they truly find Christ among them, they will also recognize his legitimacy. Verse 6 anticipates the practical outcome of verse 5’s test. Next, verse 7 reveals Paul’s deepest desire—not his own approval rating, but their righteous conduct. This maintains the pastoral tone of the chapter, showing that Paul’s goal is their health, even at the cost of his reputation in some eyes.

v.5Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

v.6This passage

v.7Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 13:3

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

  • 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 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.

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