Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 2:9
My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to clarify the intent behind a previous letter concerning a specific disciplinary matter. He writes at a moment requiring the church to demonstrate unified obedience following a prior confrontation.
The words — ἵνα (ina) translates literally to "so that," and γνῶ (gnō) means "I may know." These terms frame the letter not as a demand but as a diagnostic measure to observe their compliance.
The thread — This focus on testing obedience appears in 2 Corinthians 10:6, where readiness to punish disobedience awaits complete compliance. It parallels Philemon 1:21, which notes confidence in the recipient's obedience, and 2 Corinthians 7:12, which clarifies the letter's purpose was to reveal their care rather than condemn a specific wrongdoer.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers examine whether their actions align with apostolic instruction rather than merely claiming faith. It requires active, observable obedience in all matters as the proof of genuine reconciliation and love.
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
For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 10:6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
- Philemon 1:21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
- 2 Corinthians 7:12 So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong or the one who was harmed, but rather that your earnestness on our behalf would be made clear to you in the sight of God.
- Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
- Exodus 16:4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.
- Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
- Deuteronomy 8:16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.
- Deuteronomy 13:3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
- 2 Corinthians 8:24 In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
- Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.