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.