Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:2

What does 2 Corinthians 3:2 mean?

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

What 2 Corinthians 3:2 means

Paul tells the Corinthians they themselves are his letter. Their faith, character, and perseverance are the clearest commendation of his apostleship. This “letter” is not hidden in a file but is carried in his heart, showing deep pastoral affection. It is also public—“known and read of all men”—because the change Christ worked among them can be observed by others. The gospel produces a visible testimony. Paul does not need to prove himself by paper; their lives, shaped by the message he preached, speak loudly. Authentic ministry bears fruit in people, and that fruit can be seen. The best proof of a shepherd is a flock that reflects the Shepherd’s care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You yourselves are our letter, whose writing is in our heart, open for every man's reading and knowledge;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

our letter ye are, having been written in our hearts, known and read by all men,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

You are our epistle, written in our hearts, which is known and read by all men:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Ye are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read of all men,

Context

Following the rhetorical question of verse 1, Paul answers by pointing to the Corinthians as living proof of his ministry. Verse 2 reorients the idea of commendation from external letters to internal, observable transformation. Verse 3 will deepen this by naming the true Author of the letter—Christ—and the true ink—the Spirit. This internal-external contrast introduces the chapter’s main movement: from stone to heart, letter to Spirit, and temporary to lasting glory.

v.1Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you?

v.2This passage

v.3being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 1:7

    even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10

    According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:1

    Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

  • Romans 1:8

    First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8

    For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

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