2 Corinthians 5:13
What does 2 Corinthians 5:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 5:13 means
If Paul ever seems out of his mind, it is in devotion to God; if he seems measured and reasonable, it is for the Corinthians’ benefit. Either way, his conduct is governed by love for God and care for the church, not by self-interest or desire for reputation. Critics may label zeal as madness or calm counsel as weakness, but Paul refuses those categories. What matters is God’s approval and the church’s edification. The verse teaches that different ministry modes—fervent or restrained—can both be faithful when directed Godward and people-ward in love, shaped by the gospel rather than by crowd expectations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For if we are foolish, it is to God; or if we are serious, it is for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for whether we were beside ourselves, <FI>it was<Fi> to God; whether we be of sound mind--<FI> it is<Fi> to you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For whether we are beside ourselves, [it is] toGod; or are sober, [it is] for you.
Context
Following the contrast between appearance and heart (v. 12), Paul addresses perceptions of his demeanor. Verse 13 defuses accusations by reframing them theologically: all is for God and for the church. This opens directly into verses 14–15, where he states the deepest engine of his life and work: the love of Christ compelling him, grounded in Christ’s death for all and aimed at living for Him who died and rose. Thus motive, not image, defines faithful ministry.
v.12We 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.
v.13This passage
v.14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
- 2 Corinthians 12:6
For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.
- 2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
- Acts 26:24
And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.
- Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church;
- 1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.
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