2 Corinthians 13:2

I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church from a location outside their presence, speaking immediately before a planned third visit. He notes that his current warning follows a direct confrontation during his previous stay.

The words — προείρηκα (proeirēka) translates literally as "I have warned," marking a completed action with ongoing force. The verb προλέγω (prolegō) in the second clause means "I warn beforehand," underscoring the anticipatory nature of his declaration.

The thread — This warning fulfills the establishment of matters by multiple witnesses outlined in 2 Corinthians 13:1 and mirrors his prior claim to spare the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 1:23. The threat of non-sparing aligns with the disciplinary action in 1 Corinthians 5:5 and reflects his stated contrast between face-to-face mildness and distant boldness in 2 Corinthians 10:1.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to treat unrepentant sin as a matter demanding immediate correction before a final confrontation. It leaves no procedural ambiguity, forcing a decision to align with the warned authority or face its full exercise.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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:

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 1:23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
1 Corinthians 5:5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.
2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.