Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 5:13
If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while responding to critics who judge ministry by outward appearances rather than inward reality. He frames his own conduct in relation to their need to evaluate him correctly.
The words — ἐξέστημεν (exestēmen) literally means "we are beside ourselves," and σωφρονοῦμεν (sōphronoumen) literally means "we are of sound mind."
The thread — Paul repeats this contrast between perceived madness and disciplined service in 2 Corinthians 11:16 and 2 Corinthians 12:6. The underlying call to accurate self-assessment aligns with the instruction in Romans 12:3.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to stop judging ministry by external appearances and instead recognize that Paul’s actions, whether they seem irrational or rational, are directed either toward God or toward the church.
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 whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 11:16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
- 2 Corinthians 12:6 Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,
- Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
- 2 Corinthians 11:1 I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.
- Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
- 2 Samuel 6:21 But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
- 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.
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.