This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:1KJV
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2 Corinthians 13:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:1 mean?

2 Corinthians 13:1 means that Paul is preparing to visit the Corinthian church for a third time, and he is reminding them that any accusation or important matter should be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This follows a principle from Jewish law about establishing truth and fairness in judgments.

Paul, the apostle, is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing ongoing issues and disputes in their community. By quoting the rule about witnesses, Paul signals that he will approach their problems carefully and justly, not relying on rumors or single reports. This sets the tone for accountability and fairness as he prepares to address concerns during his upcoming visit.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:1

  • στόμα (stoma, "mouth"): This word is used for "mouth," highlighting that spoken testimony is what counts as evidence, not just written or secondhand reports.
  • μάρτυς (martys, "witnesses"): The word for "witnesses" refers to people who can give firsthand, reliable testimony. Paul is drawing on a well-known legal standard from Jewish tradition.
  • ῥῆμα (rhema, "word"): This word means "word" or "matter," and here it refers to any accusation or important issue that needs to be settled.
  • σταθήσεται (stathēsetai, "shall be established"): This verb means "to be established" or "to be confirmed," stressing that something is only considered true or valid when properly verified.

Why 2 Corinthians 13:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not acting on hearsay or making hasty judgments; he is following a recognized process for fairness.
  • It connects Paul's approach to the longstanding biblical principle found in Deuteronomy 19:15, showing respect for established standards of justice.
  • The verse prepares the Corinthian church for a serious and orderly examination of issues, emphasizing that accountability will be handled openly and justly.

Where else these words appear

“witnesses” 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.

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“three” Greek G5140 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
  • Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

“word” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;