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 13:10KJV
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2 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“sharpness” Greek G664 · used in 2 verses

  • Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

“destruction” Greek G2506 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
  • 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

“absent” Greek G548 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
  • Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

“use” Greek G5530 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?