King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:13 in the King James Version says “For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the ... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

2 Corinthians 1:13 · KJV


Context

11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

13

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; benefit: or, grace


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge (οὐ γράφομεν ὑμῖν ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε)—Paul insists on transparency: what he writes matches what they read anaginōskete (ἀναγινώσκετε) and acknowledge epiginōskete (ἐπιγινώσκετε). No hidden meanings.

And I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end—future epignōsesthe (ἐπιγνώσεσθε, "you will fully know") looks toward eschatological vindication. Heōs telous (ἕως τέλους, "until the end") could mean "completely" or "until Christ's return"—both.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is my communication characterized by transparency—do my words mean what they say?
  2. How does trusting truth will be 'acknowledged to the end' free me from manipulation now?
  3. What relationship requires me to speak plainly rather than expecting others to read between lines?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐ1 of 19

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἄλλα3 of 19

other things

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

γράφομεν4 of 19

we write

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν5 of 19

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀλλ'6 of 19

than

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

7 of 19

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

8 of 19

what

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀναγινώσκετε9 of 19

ye read

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

10 of 19

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

καὶ11 of 19

even

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιγνώσεσθε12 of 19

acknowledge

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ἐλπίζω13 of 19

I trust

G1679

to expect or confide

δὲ14 of 19

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι15 of 19
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ16 of 19

even

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἕως17 of 19

to

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τέλους18 of 19

the end

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἐπιγνώσεσθε19 of 19

acknowledge

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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