Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:13

What does 2 Corinthians 4:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:13 means

Paul aligns himself with the faith expressed in Scripture: “I believed, and therefore did I speak.” He and his companions share that same spirit of faith, so they keep proclaiming the gospel even when it hurts. Belief produces bold speech; confidence in God compels testimony. His speaking is not driven by bravado but by trust in God’s promises. In the face of opposition, Paul refuses silence because faith is alive in him. The verse connects the inner conviction granted by God (verses 6–7) with the outward ministry that follows—when the heart sees Christ’s glory and trusts God, the mouth naturally opens to declare Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But having the same spirit of faith, as it is said in the Writings, The words of my mouth came from the faith in my heart; in the same way, our words are the outcome of our faith;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having the same spirit of the faith, according to that which hath been written, `I believed, therefore I did speak;' we also do believe, therefore also do we speak;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe. For which cause we speak also:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I have believed, therefore have I spoken; we also believe, therefore also we speak;

Context

Following the summary of life-through-death in verse 12, Paul reveals the inner engine of his persistence: faith that speaks. This citation of Scripture legitimizes his pattern as part of a long line of believers. The flow then moves to the content of this faith in verse 14—confidence in the God who raises the dead. That hope explains why speaking continues despite danger and links the present ministry to the future presentation together with the Corinthians.

v.12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

v.13This passage

v.14knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 12:9

    to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;

  • Proverbs 21:28

    A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.

  • Psalms 116:10

    I believe, for I will speak: I was greatly afflicted:

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 1:12

    that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

  • Hebrews 11:1

    Now faith is assurance ofthingshoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 4:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary