Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:9

What does 2 Corinthians 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:9 means

Paul explains that he wrote before to test their obedience in all things. Their response to the discipline showed one side of obedience; their willingness to forgive now would show the other. True submission to apostolic instruction does not cherry‑pick tasks that feel natural; it embraces the full counsel—firmness when sin is exposed and gentleness when repentance appears. Paul is not manipulating them but proving the genuineness of their faith and unity. He sees the church’s actions as a demonstration of loyalty to Christ’s order, where holiness and mercy walk together. Their response would verify whether they were ready to handle matters with gospel balance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for the same reason I sent you a letter so that I might be certain of your desire to do my orders in all things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for, for this also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether in regard to all things ye are obedient.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For to this end also did I write, that I may know the experiment of you, whether you be obedient in all things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For to this end also I have written, that I might know, by putting you to the test, if as to everything ye are obedient.

Context

After urging love’s confirmation, Paul states the evaluative purpose behind his earlier correspondence: to test their obedience. This perspective frames both past discipline and present restoration as acts under Christ’s rule. Verse 10 will unite Paul’s stance with theirs, underscoring harmony between apostolic leadership and congregational action. Verse 11 will then add the spiritual rationale—avoiding Satan’s schemes. Thus verses 7–11 form a cohesive unit: restore the repentant, prove obedience by forgiveness, align with apostolic authority, and thwart the enemy’s designs.

v.8Wherefore I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.

v.9This passage

v.10But 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;

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:12

    So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

  • Philemon 1:21

    Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.

  • Deuteronomy 8:16

    who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not; that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:6

    and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

  • Philippians 2:22

    But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:24

    Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.

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