King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:10 in the King James Version says “Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore 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.”

2 Corinthians 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. perfection: or, reformation, or, restoration

10

Therefore 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.

11

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

12

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness—Paul's letter provides opportunity for repentance before his arrival. The word apotomōs (ἀποτόμως, "sharpness/severity") suggests cutting, decisive discipline. By writing being absent (apōn, ἀπών), Paul gives time for response, preferring repentance to confrontation—mercy preceding judgment.

According to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction—Paul's apostolic exousia (ἐξουσία, "authority/power") is purposeful: to edification (eis oikodomēn, εἰς οἰκοδομήν, "for building up"), not to destruction (ouk eis katharesin, οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν, "not for tearing down"). Even severe discipline aims at restoration, not mere punishment. This principle (stated in 2 Cor 10:8) governs all use of authority—power exists for construction, and even demolition (of sin, false teaching) serves ultimate edification.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's authority was contested throughout his ministry, especially by "super-apostles" in Corinth who valued displays of power. Paul consistently reframes authority as service, discipline as corrective love, and power as means to building up the body. This letter writing before arrival was strategic pastoral care, maximizing opportunity for repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does warning in advance (writing 'being absent') demonstrate pastoral wisdom before exercising discipline?
  2. What does it mean that church authority is given 'for edification, not destruction'—how does this apply today?
  3. When might severe discipline ('sharpness') actually serve the goal of edification rather than contradict it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
διὰ1 of 24
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 24

“Therefore”

G5124

that thing

ταῦτα3 of 24

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἀπὼν4 of 24

“being absent”

G548

to be away

γράφω5 of 24

“I write”

G1125

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

ἵνα6 of 24
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παρὼν7 of 24

“being present”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

μὴ8 of 24
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀποτόμως9 of 24

“sharpness”

G664

abruptly, i.e., peremptorily

χρήσωμαι10 of 24

“I should use”

G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

κατὰ11 of 24

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν12 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίαν13 of 24

“to the power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἣν14 of 24

“which”

G3739

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

ἔδωκέν15 of 24

“hath given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι16 of 24

“me”

G3427

to me

ὁ17 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος18 of 24

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἰς19 of 24

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἰκοδομὴν20 of 24

“edification”

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

καὶ21 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ22 of 24

“not”

G3756

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

εἰς23 of 24

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

καθαίρεσιν24 of 24

“destruction”

G2506

demolition; figuratively, extinction

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 13:10 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 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:82 Corinthians 2:3Titus 1:131 Corinthians 4:212 Corinthians 13:82 Corinthians 10:2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 13 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes