King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:7 in the King James Version says “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, th... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

2 Corinthians 13:7 · KJV


Context

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 ?

6

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

7

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil—Paul's priority is their holiness, not his vindication. The Greek euchomai (εὔχομαι, "I pray") emphasizes earnest petition. His goal: that ye should do that which is honest (to kalon, τὸ καλόν, "the noble/good/beautiful thing")—ethical beauty reflecting God's character.

Not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates—Stunning statement: Paul would rather appear adokimos (ἀδόκιμος, "disqualified") himself if it means the Corinthians live righteously. If they repent before his arrival, he won't need to exercise discipline—thus appearing weak ("as reprobates" to those valuing power-displays), but achieving his true goal: their holiness. Pastoral ministry prioritizes flock's spiritual health over leader's reputation—the shepherd-heart of apostolic authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures obsessed over public reputation and vindication. Paul radically subverts these values, willing to "lose face" (appear as reprobate) if it advances the gospel and sanctifies believers. This echoes Christ, who "made himself of no reputation" (Phil 2:7) and "despised the shame" of the cross (Heb 12:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about Paul's heart that he'd rather appear disqualified than see the Corinthians continue in sin?
  2. How do church leaders today fall into the trap of prioritizing their reputation over their people's holiness?
  3. What does 'doing that which is honest' (the noble/beautiful thing) mean for Christian ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
εὐχόμαι1 of 26

I pray

G2172

to wish; by implication, to pray to god

δὲ2 of 26

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 26

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν4 of 26
G3588

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

θεὸν5 of 26

God

G2316

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

μὴ6 of 26

do

G3361

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

ποιῆτε7 of 26

should do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὑμᾶς8 of 26

that ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

κακὸν9 of 26

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

μηδέν10 of 26

no

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

οὐχ11 of 26

not

G3756

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

ἵνα12 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡμεῖς13 of 26

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δόκιμοι14 of 26

approved

G1384

properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved

φανῶμεν15 of 26

should appear

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ἀλλ'16 of 26

but

G235

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

ἵνα17 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑμεῖς18 of 26

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

τὸ19 of 26
G3588

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

καλὸν20 of 26

that which is honest

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ποιῆτε21 of 26

should do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἡμεῖς22 of 26

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ23 of 26

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ὡς24 of 26

as

G5613

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

ἀδόκιμοι25 of 26

reprobates

G96

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)

ὦμεν26 of 26

be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be


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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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