King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:11 in the King James Version says “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peac...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 13:11 · KJV

ComfortPeaceLove

Context

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.

13

All the saints salute you.

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finally, brethren, farewell—The Greek loipon (λοιπόν, "finally") and chairete (χαίρετε, "rejoice/farewell") signal closing exhortations. Paul transitions from stern warning to brotherly encouragement. Be perfect (katartizesthe, καταρτίζεσθε, "be restored/complete/mended")—present imperative, ongoing process of being made complete, using the verb form of katartisis from v. 9.

Be of good comfort (parakaleisthe, παρακαλεῖσθε, "be encouraged/comforted"), be of one mind (to auto phroneite, τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε, "think the same thing"—unity, not uniformity), live in peace (eirēneuete, εἰρηνεύετε, "be at peace")—four imperatives addressing Corinthian dysfunction: immaturity, discouragement, factionalism, conflict. The promise: the God of love and peace shall be with you—God's presence accompanies obedience to these commands, showing divine initiative enables human response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth's church was fractured by divisions (1 Cor 1:10-12), competitive spiritual pride (1 Cor 12-14), and worldly values infiltrating Christian community. Paul's closing imperatives directly address these issues, calling them from factionalism to unity, from immaturity to perfection, from conflict to peace—transformation possible only through God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Paul's four imperatives (be perfect, be comforted, be of one mind, live in peace) address root issues in church conflict?
  2. What is the relationship between our obedience to these commands and God's presence with us?
  3. Why does Paul call them 'brethren' after such stern warnings—what does this reveal about church discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Λοιπόν1 of 19

“Finally”

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

ἀδελφοί2 of 19

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

χαίρετε3 of 19

“farewell”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καταρτίζεσθε4 of 19

“Be perfect”

G2675

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

παρακαλεῖσθε5 of 19

“be of good comfort”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τὸ6 of 19
G3588

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

αὐτὸ7 of 19

“be of one”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

φρονεῖτε8 of 19

“mind”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

εἰρηνεύετε9 of 19

“live in peace”

G1514

to be (act) peaceful

καὶ10 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ11 of 19
G3588

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

θεὸς12 of 19

“the God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τῆς13 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγάπης14 of 19

“of love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

καὶ15 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

εἰρήνης16 of 19

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἔσται17 of 19

“shall be”

G2071

will be

μεθ'18 of 19

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν19 of 19

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:14Romans 12:161 Corinthians 1:10Romans 15:33Romans 12:18Mark 9:50

Test Your Knowledge

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

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