King James Version
What Does 2 Corinthians 13:7 Mean?
“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.”
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
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Now I pray to God that ye do no evil.**—The better MSS. give, *we pray.* The words that follow involve a subtle play of thought and feeling on the two forms of the trial or scrutiny of which he has just spoken. “We pray,” he says, “that you may be kept from doing evil. Our purpose in that prayer is not that *we* may gain a reputation as successful workers in your eyes or those of others, but that *you* may do that which is nobly good (may advance from a negative to a positive form of holiness), even though the result of that may be that we no longer put our apostolic supernatural powers into play, and so seem to fail in the trial to which you challenge us.” This gives, it is believed, the true underlying thought of the words, and, though the paraphrase is somewhat full, it could not well be expressed in a narrower compass.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge