Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:7

What does 2 Corinthians 13:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 13:7 means

Paul prays they would do no evil, not to enhance his reputation but for their own honorable conduct. Even if some judge him as “reprobate,” he would rather be thought small than see them fall into sin. This reveals his shepherd’s heart: what matters is their obedience and integrity, not the optics around his ministry. His prayer is that their lives align with what is good, noble, and fitting for those indwelt by Christ. True pastoral care seeks the flock’s holiness over the leader’s acclaim, trusting God to sort out appearances while aiming at real spiritual health.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now our prayer to God is that you may do no evil; not in order that it may be put to our credit, but so that you may do what is right, whatever we may seem.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I pray before God that ye do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is right, and we may be as disapproved;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now we pray God that you may do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is good and that we may be as reprobates.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we pray toGod that ye may do nothing evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do what is right, and we be as reprobates.

Context

From verse 6’s hope for recognition, Paul now clarifies his motive. Verse 7 shifts the focus away from his standing to their moral and spiritual good. It underscores that the coming discipline, if required, is for their benefit. Verse 8 will state the guiding principle behind this desire: everything must serve the truth. For a first-time reader, this shows Paul’s integrity—his aim is their holiness, not his vindication.

v.6But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

v.7This passage

v.8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Cross references

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

  • John 17:15

    I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:18

    For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:8

    by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

  • 1 Timothy 2:2

    for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

    Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.

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