Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:3KJV
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2 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:3 mean?

2 Corinthians 13:3 means that Paul is responding to some in Corinth who want proof that Christ is truly speaking through him. Paul insists that Christ’s power, shown through him, is not weak toward the Corinthians but is strong and active among them.

Paul, the apostle, is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing doubts about his authority and whether Christ genuinely speaks through him. Some in the church have questioned him, so Paul points out that the evidence of Christ’s power is already visible in their lives and in his ministry among them.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:3

  • "δοκιμή" (dokimē, G1382) means "proof" or "test." Paul uses this word to highlight that the Corinthians are demanding clear evidence of Christ’s authority in his words and actions.
  • "ἀσθενεῖ" (asthenei, G770) means "is weak." Paul contrasts this with the idea of Christ’s power, emphasizing that Christ’s presence in him is not feeble or ineffective.
  • "δυνατεῖ" (dynatei, G1414) means "is mighty" or "is powerful." This word stresses that Christ’s work through Paul is strong and effective among the Corinthians, not lacking in any way.

Why 2 Corinthians 13:3 matters

  • This verse addresses the real tension in the Corinthian church about Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle and clarifies that his authority comes from Christ’s power, not personal strength.
  • The verse highlights that Christ’s presence is not just a distant idea but is actively at work in the lives of believers, shown through real results.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians throughout the letter, especially his efforts to defend his ministry and encourage them to recognize God’s work in their midst.

Where else these words appear

“proof” Greek G1382 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
  • 2 Corinthians 2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

“Since” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“is” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we(that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.