2 Corinthians 13:10

BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

“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.”

What this verse means

A short, plain-language explanation of 2 Corinthians 13:10 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.

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BSBPD

“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.”

Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)
KJVPD

“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.”

King James Version · Public Domain
ASVPD

“For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.”

American Standard Version · Public Domain
YLTPD

“because of this, these things--being absent--I write, that being present, I may not treat <FI>any<Fi> sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.”

Young's Literal Translation · Public Domain
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Cross references

Other passages that echo 2 Corinthians 13:10 — 8 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:21Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
  2. 2 Corinthians 2:3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
  3. 2 Corinthians 10:2I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.
  4. 2 Corinthians 10:8For 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.
  5. 2 Corinthians 12:20For 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.
  6. 2 Corinthians 13:2I 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,
  7. 2 Corinthians 13:8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
  8. Titus 1:13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith

Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).

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