Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:1

What does 2 Corinthians 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:1 means

Paul opens with a probing question about whether he must promote himself or present formal references. He resists self-advertisement and the worldly expectation of credentials. His tone implies that some in Corinth valued external endorsements. Paul asks if he really needs letters either to them or from them, as if he were a stranger. He is not insecure, but he rejects measuring ministry by human paperwork. True gospel work is not authenticated by seals and signatures but by God’s approval and by transformed lives. By asking the question, Paul prepares the church to rethink what proves a servant of Christ and to see the spiritual reality behind the appearance of authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do we seem to be again attempting to put ourselves in the right? or have we need, as some have, of letters of approval to you or from you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Do we begin again to recommend ourselves, except we need, as some, letters of recommendation unto you, or from you?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need (as some do) epistles of commendation to you, or from you?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or do we need, as some, commendatory letters to you, or [commendatory] from you?

Context

This verse transitions from Paul’s prior defense of his sincerity to a fresh defense of his ministry. The issue is credibility: some demanded letters of commendation. Verse 1 raises the problem; verses 2–3 answer it by redefining a proper letter of recommendation. That shift from external documents to internal transformation sets up Paul’s larger argument in the chapter about the new covenant being written on hearts, not stones, and paves the way for contrasting the old and new covenants’ glory.

v.1This passage

v.2Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men;

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11

    I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:3

    And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

  • 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:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:12

    We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.

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