Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 7:3

What does 2 Corinthians 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 7:3 means

Paul makes clear he is not speaking to condemn them. His strong words arise from love, not hostility. He carries the Corinthians in his heart with a devotion that embraces both life and death—language of deep solidarity. He is prepared to stand with them through every season, for better or worse. This assurance helps remove the sting from his defense and exhortations. Pastoral frankness must be wrapped in affection, and Paul models that balance. Even where discipline was needed, his aim was never to push them away but to draw them close, so that they might share together in the life God gives and remain united in gospel labor.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

It is not with the purpose of judging you that I say this: for I have said before that you are in our hearts for life and death together.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

not to condemn you do I say <FI>it<Fi> , for I have said before that in our hearts ye are to die with and to live with;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I speak not this to your condemnation. For we have said before that you are in our hearts: to die together and to live together.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I do not speak for condemnation, for I have already said that ye are in our hearts, to die together, and live together.

Context

This reassurance softens Paul’s appeal in verse 2 and prepares for the joyful confidence he will express in verse 4. The chapter traces a movement from tension to renewed trust: exhortation to holiness, request for openness, affirmation of love, and then testimony of comfort. Paul will soon describe his afflictions in Macedonia and the relief brought by Titus’s arrival and report. That narrative will show that his stern letter produced not alienation but godly sorrow and reconciliation.

v.2Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

v.3This passage

v.4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 6:11

    Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.

  • 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?

  • Philippians 1:8

    For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:14

    I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:2

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:11

    Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

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