Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:23KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 1:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 1:23 mean?

2 Corinthians 1:23 describes Paul calling on God as his witness, saying that the reason he has not yet returned to Corinth is to spare the Corinthians. Paul wants them to know his delay was not out of neglect or avoidance, but out of concern for their well-being.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his actions and motives. There had been tension and misunderstandings between Paul and the Corinthians, and some questioned why he had not visited as planned. By invoking God as his witness, Paul emphasizes the seriousness and honesty of his explanation, showing that his choice was made out of care rather than frustration or punishment.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 1:23

  • μαρτυς (martys, G3144) — "record" or "witness": Paul uses this word to stress that he is making a solemn statement, calling God to testify to the truth of his motives. This adds weight to his explanation and shows the depth of his sincerity.
  • φειδομαι (pheidomai, G5339) — "to spare": The Greek word carries the sense of holding back or refraining for someone’s benefit. Paul’s delay was an act of mercy, not discipline, suggesting he wanted to give the Corinthians time rather than confront them harshly.
  • ψυχή (psyche, G5590) — "soul": Paul says he calls God as a witness "upon my soul," meaning he is staking his own inner life and integrity on the truth of his statement. This highlights how deeply personal and important this explanation is to him.

Why 2 Corinthians 1:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Paul’s absence was due to indifference or lack of courage; instead, it was a deliberate, caring decision.
  • Paul’s use of strong language and appeal to God’s witness shows how seriously he takes his relationship with the Corinthians and his responsibility as a leader.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul is defending his ministry and motives, helping the Corinthians see his actions in a new, more gracious light.

Where else these words appear

“Corinth” Greek G2882 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

“spare” Greek G5339 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 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:

“call” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

“record” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.