King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:2 in the King James Version says “I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which h...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

2 Corinthians 13:2 · KJV

Context

1

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

2

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:

3

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. in him: or, with him

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I told you before, and foretell you—Paul employs the Greek proeirēka (προείρηκα, "I have said beforehand") and prolegō (προλέγω, "I say beforehand"), legal terminology of formal warning. His phrase if I come again, I will not spare uses ou pheisomai (οὐ φείσομαι), the same verb describing God not sparing His own Son (Romans 8:32)—indicating severe apostolic discipline awaits unrepentant sinners.

Paul's posture combines pastoral concern with judicial authority: being absent now I write rather than wielding discipline immediately, providing opportunity for repentance. The distinction between them which heretofore have sinned (persistent offenders) and all other (the broader church) shows Paul's precision in applying discipline—targeting specific sins while warning the whole congregation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The "painful visit" (2 Cor 2:1) involved public confrontation that Paul regretted but deemed necessary. Now, writing from Macedonia before his third visit, Paul gives final warning. Ancient letters of recommendation and authority (like Paul's epistles) carried legal weight, making this written warning a formal indictment requiring response before his arrival.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul warn in writing rather than simply arriving and exercising discipline?
  2. How does God's pattern of warning before judgment (throughout Scripture) inform church discipline today?
  3. What is the relationship between pastoral patience and the reality that discipline 'will not spare'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
προείρηκα1 of 25

“I told you before”

G4280

used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict

καὶ2 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

προλέγω3 of 25

“foretell you”

G4302

to say beforehand, i.e., predict, forewarn

ὡς4 of 25

“as if”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

παρὼν5 of 25

“I were present”

G3918

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

τὸ6 of 25
G3588

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

δεύτερον7 of 25

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

καὶ8 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπὼν9 of 25

“being absent”

G548

to be away

νῦν10 of 25

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

γράφω11 of 25

“I write”

G1125

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

τοῖς12 of 25
G3588

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

προημαρτηκόσιν13 of 25

“to them which heretofore have sinned”

G4258

to sin previously (to conversion)

καὶ14 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

τοῖς15 of 25
G3588

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

λοιποῖς16 of 25

“other”

G3062

remaining ones

πᾶσιν17 of 25

“to all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅτι18 of 25

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν19 of 25

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔλθω20 of 25

“I come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς21 of 25

“again”

G1519

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

τὸ22 of 25
G3588

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

πάλιν23 of 25
G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

οὐ24 of 25

“not”

G3756

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

φείσομαι25 of 25

“I will”

G5339

to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 1:232 Corinthians 10:1-22 Corinthians 12:20-212 Corinthians 10:8-111 Corinthians 5:52 Corinthians 13:10

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