King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:13 in the King James Version says “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;”

2 Corinthians 4:13 · KJV

Holy SpiritFaith

Context

11

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Read 2 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written (echontes de to auto pneuma tēs pisteōs kata to gegrammenon, ἔχοντες δὲ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον)—Paul quotes Psalm 116:10 (LXX 115:1), linking his ministry to the Psalmist's testimony amid suffering. Pneuma tēs pisteōs (πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως, 'spirit of faith') is not the Holy Spirit per se but the disposition or attitude of faith that both Psalmist and Apostle share.

I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (Episteusa, dio elalēsa, kai hēmeis pisteuomen, dio kai laloumen, Ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα, καὶ ἡμεῖς πιστεύομεν, διὸ καὶ λαλοῦμεν)—faith compels speech. Paul cannot be silent about what he believes. This is the prophetic imperative: belief demands testimony regardless of consequences (Jer 20:9, Acts 4:20). Speaking flows from believing; authentic witness is overflow, not performance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 116 describes distress, near-death experience, and God's deliverance—a perfect parallel to Paul's situation. By quoting it, Paul places himself in Israel's scriptural tradition of suffering-yet-faithful servants. This also answers critics who questioned why he preached if it brought such suffering: he cannot help but speak what he believes, just as the Psalmist couldn't remain silent.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your Christian speech primarily overflow of genuine belief or performance of religious duty?
  2. What truths about God do you believe so deeply that you cannot help but speak them, regardless of cost?
  3. How does the Psalmist and Paul's pattern of 'I believed therefore I spoke' challenge silent Christianity that believes privately but speaks timidly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἔχοντες1 of 19

“We having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δὲ2 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

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

αὐτὸ4 of 19

“the same”

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

πνεῦμα5 of 19

“spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τῆς6 of 19
G3588

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

πίστεως7 of 19

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

κατὰ8 of 19

“according as”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ9 of 19
G3588

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

γεγραμμένον10 of 19

“it is written”

G1125

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

πιστεύομεν11 of 19

“I believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

διὸ12 of 19

“and therefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

λαλοῦμεν13 of 19

“have I spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ14 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς15 of 19

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

πιστεύομεν16 of 19

“I believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

διὸ17 of 19

“and therefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

καὶ18 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

λαλοῦμεν19 of 19

“have I spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 116:10Hebrews 11:1-402 Corinthians 3:12Proverbs 21:28Romans 1:121 Corinthians 12:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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