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.
2 CORINTHIANS 13:10KJVWhat does 2 Corinthians 13:10 mean?
2 Corinthians 13:10 describes Paul writing to the Corinthians while he is away, explaining that he prefers to correct them by letter rather than having to be harsh in person. Paul says the authority the Lord gave him is meant to build up the church, not to tear it down.
Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, letting them know he hopes his written warnings will encourage them to change before he arrives. He wants to avoid using "sharpness"—a word that suggests severity or strictness—when he visits. Paul reminds them that his authority comes from the Lord and is intended for their growth and benefit, not for punishment or harm.
The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:10
- "Sharpness" (ἀποτόμως, apotomōs): This word carries the sense of being severe or abrupt. Paul is saying he would rather not have to use a harsh tone or strict discipline when he is with them.
- "Edification" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē): This means building up, like constructing a house. Paul’s authority is for helping the church grow stronger and healthier, not for causing damage.
- "Destruction" (καθαίρεσις, kathairesis): This word means tearing down or demolishing. Paul contrasts his purpose—building up—with the idea of tearing down, emphasizing that his role is not to harm the church.
Why 2 Corinthians 13:10 matters
- This verse clarifies that Paul’s authority as an apostle is meant to help the church mature, not to intimidate or punish them.
- It shows Paul’s pastoral heart—he prefers gentle correction and hopes his warnings will be enough so he does not have to be severe in person.
- The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul is urging the Corinthians to examine themselves and make changes before he arrives, showing his desire for their spiritual well-being.