King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:3 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:3 in the King James Version says “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 13:3 · 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

5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ?

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me—The Greek dokimēn (δοκιμήν, "proof/testing") is the crucial term: the Corinthians demand credentials demonstrating apostolic authority. Paul responds that Christ speaking in me is validated not by rhetorical polish but by power: which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. The paradox: they doubt Paul while their own existence as Christians proves Christ's power through him.

This echoes 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 where Paul rejected "wisdom of words" in favor of "demonstration of the Spirit and power." The Corinthians' demand for dokimē (proof) will boomerang into self-examination (v. 5)—those questioning Paul's authority must first examine their own standing. Christ's "mighty" (dynatei, δυνατεῖ) power among them constitutes the very proof they seek.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek rhetoric prized eloquence and philosophical sophistication. Paul's deliberate rejection of such methods (1 Cor 2:1-4) led some Corinthians to question his authority, especially when compared to more polished "super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5). This cultural collision between Greco-Roman honor values and the cruciform power Paul embodied created ongoing tension.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we wrongly demand 'proof' of spiritual authority based on worldly credentials rather than spiritual fruit?
  2. What does it mean that the Corinthians' own conversion was proof of Christ's power through Paul?
  3. How does Christ's power manifest 'not in word but in power' in church leadership today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐπεὶ1 of 17

“Since”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

δοκιμὴν2 of 17

“a proof”

G1382

test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness

ζητεῖτε3 of 17

“ye seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τοῦ4 of 17
G3588

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

ἐν5 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοὶ6 of 17

“me”

G1698

to me

λαλοῦντος7 of 17

“speaking”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

Χριστοῦ8 of 17

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ὃς9 of 17

“which”

G3739

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

εἰς10 of 17

“to”

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς11 of 17

“you-ward”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

οὐκ12 of 17

“not”

G3756

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

ἀσθενεῖ13 of 17

“is”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

ἀλλὰ14 of 17

“but”

G235

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

δυνατεῖ15 of 17

“is mighty”

G1414

to be efficient (figuratively)

ἐν16 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν17 of 17

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) 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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:202 Corinthians 12:122 Corinthians 10:8-10Luke 21:151 Corinthians 9:1-3Matthew 18:18-20

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

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