Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:11KJV
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2 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:11 mean?

2 Corinthians 13:11 is Paul’s closing encouragement to the believers in Corinth, urging them to aim for maturity, find comfort, seek unity, and live peacefully together, with the assurance that God, who is characterized by love and peace, will be with them. Paul is summing up his hopes for the church as he ends his letter.

Paul, the apostle, is writing to the Christian community in Corinth at the end of a challenging letter where he has addressed conflicts and misunderstandings. Here, Paul calls them “brethren,” showing warmth and connection, and gives a series of short, practical instructions. The verse captures Paul’s desire for the church to grow in character and harmony, promising that God’s presence is tied to these qualities.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:11

  • “Be perfect” is from καταρτίζεσθε (katartizesthe), often understood as “be restored” or “be made complete.” Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to mend what is broken among them and pursue spiritual maturity.
  • “Be of one mind” comes from τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε (to auto phroneite), which means to think the same way or to be united in thought. Paul is urging them toward unity, not just outward agreement but a shared attitude and purpose.
  • “God of love and peace” uses θεὸς τῆς ἀγάπης καὶ εἰρήνης (theos tēs agapēs kai eirēnēs), highlighting that God’s very nature is defined by love (ἀγάπη, agapē) and peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē), reinforcing why these qualities should shape the church’s life.

Why 2 Corinthians 13:11 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian maturity is only about personal growth; Paul ties it directly to relationships, unity, and peace within the community.
  • Paul’s focus on God as the source of love and peace shows that these are not just human goals but reflect God’s own character, making them central to Christian identity.
  • The verse connects back to earlier themes in the letter, where Paul has addressed division and conflict, showing that his final hope is for the church to be healed and united.

Where else these words appear

“peace” Greek G1514 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
  • Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

“perfect” Greek G2675 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

“Finally” Greek G3063 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“mind” Greek G5426 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
  • Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
  • Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: