New International VersionThis is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
New Living TranslationI am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.
English Standard VersionFor this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Berean Standard BibleThis is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I should not treat you with severity according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
King James BibleTherefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
New King James VersionTherefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
New American Standard BibleFor this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
NASB 1995For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
NASB 1977For this reason I am writing these things while absent, in order that when present I may not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me, for building up and not for tearing down.
Legacy Standard BibleFor this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
Amplified BibleFor this reason I am writing these things while absent from you, so that when I come, I will not need to deal severely [with you], in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be used] for building you up and not for tearing you down.
Christian Standard BibleThis is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
American Standard VersionFor this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
Contemporary English VersionI am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so I could help you and not destroy you.
English Revised VersionFor this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThat's why I'm writing this letter while I'm not with you. When I am with you I don't want to be harsh by using the authority that the Lord gave me. The Lord gave us this authority to help you, not to hurt you.
Good News TranslationThat is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me--authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
International Standard VersionFor this reason I am writing this while I am away from you: When I come I do not want to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me to build you up and not to tear you down.
NET BibleBecause of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority--the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!
New Heart English BibleFor this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
Webster's Bible TranslationTherefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Weymouth New TestamentFor this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
World English BibleFor this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBecause of this, these things—being absent—I write, that being present, I may not treat [any] sharply, according to the authority that the LORD gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I should not treat you with severity according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Young's Literal Translation because of this, these things -- being absent -- I write, that being present, I may not treat any sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor this I write these things being absent, that being present I should not wound severely, according to the power which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for pulling down. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification, and not unto destruction.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, I write these things while absent, so that, when present, I may not have to act more harshly, according to the authority which the Lord has given to me, for edification and not for destruction.
New American BibleI am writing this while I am away, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in virtue of the authority that the Lord has given me to build up and not to tear down.
New Revised Standard VersionSo I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore I write these things while I am far away, so that when I come, I need not deal harshly with you, according to the authority which my LORD has given me, which is for your edification and not for your destruction.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishTherefore, as I am absent I write these things, lest when I come, I deal severely according to the authority that my Lord gives to me for your building up, and not for your destruction. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor this reason, I write these things, while absent, that I may not, when present, use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.
Godbey New Testament
Therefore being absent I write these things, in order that being present, I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.
Haweis New Testament
For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
Mace New Testament
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
Weymouth New Testament
For this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.
Worrell New Testament
For this cause, I write these things while absent; that I may not, when present, deal sharply according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not casting down.
Worsley New Testament
Therefore I write thesethings while absent, that when present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Examine Yourselves… 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection. 10This is whyI writethese thingswhile absent,so thatwhen I am presentI will not need to beseverein my use oftheauthoritythattheLordgavemeforbuilding you up,notfortearing you down.11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.…
Cross References 1 Corinthians 4:21Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
2 Corinthians 10:8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
1 Thessalonians 5:14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
Titus 1:13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith
2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
1 Corinthians 5:3-5Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. / When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, / hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
2 Corinthians 1:23I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
2 Corinthians 2:9My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
2 Corinthians 7:8-9Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time— / yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us.
2 Corinthians 12:19Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
Romans 15:2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Ephesians 4:12to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
Hebrews 12:5-6And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
Revelation 3:19Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Treasury of Scripture Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction. I write. 2 Corinthians 2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy isthe joy of you all. 2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseechyou, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:20,21 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, andthat I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lestthere be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: … lest. 2 Corinthians 13:2,8 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: … Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; according. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: Jump to Previous AbsentActAuthorityBuildingCauseDealDestructionEdificationHarshMeasuresNeedOrderOverthrowingPowerPresentReasonSevereSeverelySeveritySharpSharplySharpnessTearingTreatUseWriteJump to Next AbsentActAuthorityBuildingCauseDealDestructionEdificationHarshMeasuresNeedOrderOverthrowingPowerPresentReasonSevereSeverelySeveritySharpSharplySharpnessTearingTreatUseWrite2 Corinthians 13 1.Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners.5.And, advising them to a trial of their faith,7.and to a reformation of their sins before his coming,11.he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer.This is why I write these things while absentPaul often wrote letters to the churches he founded or visited to address issues and provide guidance. His absence allowed him to communicate thoughtfully and prevent immediate emotional reactions. This approach reflects the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:28, where the righteous ponder their answers. Writing from a distance also allowed Paul to address multiple issues comprehensively, as seen in his other epistles. so that when I am present I will not need to be severe
Paul's intention was to avoid harshness when he visited the Corinthian church. His desire to be gentle aligns with the fruit of the Spirit mentioned inGalatians 5:22-23. The severity he refers to could involve church discipline, which he discusses in1 Corinthians 5. His approach reflects Jesus' teaching inMatthew 18:15-17 on resolving conflicts within the church. in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me
Paul's authority as an apostle was divinely appointed, as seen inActs 9:15-16. This authority was not self-proclaimed but recognized by other apostles and church leaders, as evidenced inGalatians 2:7-9. His role was to guide and correct the church, similar to the Old Testament prophets who spoke with God's authority. for building you up, not for tearing you down
Paul's mission was to edify the church, a theme consistent throughout his letters (Ephesians 4:11-12). The imagery of building up is reminiscent of the construction of the temple, a place of God's presence, as described in1 Kings 6. This constructive purpose contrasts with the destructive nature of false teachings, which Paul warns against in2 Timothy 2:17-18. His focus on edification reflects Christ's ministry, who came to save and not to condemn (John 3:17). Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, addressing the church in Corinth. He is emphasizing his role and authority given by God to build up the church. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse culture and significant Christian community. The church in Corinth faced various challenges, including moral and doctrinal issues. 3. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers struggling with internal conflicts and needing guidance and correction. 4. Paul's AuthorityThe divine authority given to Paul by the Lord to guide, correct, and build up the church. 5. Paul's Absence and PresencePaul writes from a distance, intending to visit the Corinthians and hoping to avoid severe disciplinary actions. Teaching Points The Purpose of AuthorityAuthority in the church is meant for edification, not destruction. Leaders should use their God-given authority to nurture and strengthen the faith of believers. Constructive CorrectionCorrection should aim to build up rather than tear down. When addressing issues within the church, the goal should be restoration and growth. The Role of Absence and PresencePaul's strategy of writing before visiting shows the importance of preparing hearts and minds for constructive change. Addressing issues from a distance can sometimes prevent immediate conflict and allow for reflection. Balancing Discipline and EncouragementChurch leaders must balance discipline with encouragement, ensuring that their actions reflect Christ's love and purpose for His church. The Responsibility of the ChurchThe church community should be receptive to correction and guidance, understanding that it is for their spiritual growth and maturity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 13:10?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 13:10 guide us in using authority constructively today?
3.What does "build up, not tear down" teach about Christian leadership responsibilities?
4.How can we apply Paul's approach in 2 Corinthians 13:10 to church discipline?
5.What other scriptures emphasize building up others within the Christian community?
6.How can we ensure our actions align with Paul's intent in 2 Corinthians 13:10?
7.What does 2 Corinthians 13:10 reveal about Paul's authority in the early church?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 13:10 reflect the balance between discipline and encouragement?
9.Why does Paul emphasize edification over destruction in 2 Corinthians 13:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 13?
11.What are the key teachings of 1 and 2 Clement?
12.2 Corinthians 13:9–10 – Does Paul’s apparent confidence in exercising authority over believers conflict with other biblical texts emphasizing humility and service?
13.In 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, how does Paul's claim of authority align with historical evidence for early Church leadership structures, and are there any archaeological records to support it?
14.If, according to 1 Corinthians 8:6, there is only 'one God,' how do we reconcile this with other passages where divine beings or 'gods' are mentioned (e.g., Psalm 82)?What Does 2 Corinthians 13:10 Mean This is why I write these things while absentPaul explains that his physical distance is purposeful. Writing allows him to address problems before they harden. • Similar pattern in1 Corinthians 4:14–15 (he admonishes “as my beloved children”). • Though absent in body, he remains “present in spirit” (Colossians 2:5). • His earlier discipline of the church in1 Corinthians 5:3–4 shows how a letter can carry weight even when he is not on site.
so that when I am presentPaul plans to come, but he wants the visit marked by joy, not confrontation. • He had already announced a third visit (2 Corinthians 12:14). •Acts 20:31 reminds us he spent three years warning with tears; his heart is pastoral, not punitive. •1 Corinthians 4:19–21 contrasts a gentle visit with one bearing “the rod,” echoing the same intention here.
I will not need to be severeHis hope is repentance before he arrives, sparing the church a stern face-to-face correction. • He had warned he “will not spare” if sins continue (2 Corinthians 13:2). •2 Corinthians 10:2 shows he prefers not to be “bold” with the confidence he could display. •Galatians 6:1 and1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 model gentle restoration, reinforcing the tone Paul wants.
in my use of the authorityAuthority is real, but it is to be exercised wisely. •2 Corinthians 10:8 speaks of “the authority the Lord gave us for building you up.” •Titus 2:15 urges Titus to “encourage and rebuke with all authority,” proving such authority is normal for church leaders. • Jesus delegates authority to His servants (Matthew 28:18–20), and Paul walks in that delegation.
that the Lord gave meThe source of Paul’s authority is divine, not self-appointed. •Galatians 1:1 underscores that he is “an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ.” •Acts 9:15 records the Lord’s direct commissioning of Paul. • By God’s grace he is what he is (1 Corinthians 15:10), so his authority carries Christ’s weight.
for building you up, not for tearing you downThe end goal is edification. Correction aims to strengthen, not destroy. • Repeated in2 Corinthians 10:8, showing this is Paul’s standard operating motive. • Church leaders are given “to equip the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12). • Believers are to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11;Romans 15:2). • Even hard words are a tool God uses to grow holy, healthy disciples.
summaryPaul writes ahead of his visit so the Corinthians can self-correct, sparing him from harsh measures. His God-given authority is real, yet its purpose is constructive. When Scripture rebukes, it is never to crush but always to restore and strengthen Christ’s people. (10) Therefore I write these things being absent . . .--The words speak of an inner conflict, in which love has triumphed, not without pain, over feelings of bitterness and indignation. The storm has passed, and the sky is again clear. He does not recall what he has written, but he explains and half-apologises for it. It was better to speak with severity than to act. But even had it been necessary to act, as at one time he thought it would be, he wished them to understand that even then his aim would have been, as it was now, to restore them to their true completeness in Christ; not to inflict punishment for the sake of punishing, or as a mere display of power. Verse 10. - I should use sharpness. The word rendered "sharpness" is an adverb, like our "abruptly" or "precipitately." The only other passage of the New Testament where it occurs is Titus 1:13; but the substantive apotomia occurs in Romans 11:22 for "severity."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek This is whyτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.I writeγράφω(graphō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.these thingsταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.while absent,ἀπὼν(apōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 548:To be absent. From apo and eimi; to be away.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.when I am presentπαρὼν(parōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3918:From para and eimi; to be near, i.e. At hand; neuter present participle time being, or property.I will not need to beχρήσωμαι(chrēsōmai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5530:To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of.severeἀποτόμως(apotomōs)Adverb
Strong's 664:Sharply, severely. Adverb from a derivative of a comparative of apo and temno; abruptly, i.e. Peremptorily.in my use ofκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.authorityἐξουσίαν(exousian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849:From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.thatἣν(hēn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LordΚύριος(Kyrios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.gaveἔδωκέν(edōken)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.meμοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.building [you] up,οἰκοδομὴν(oikodomēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619:Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.tearing [you] down.καθαίρεσιν(kathairesin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2506:Taking down, razing, destroying. From kathaireo; demolition; figuratively, extinction.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:10 For this cause I write these things (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
