2 Corinthians 2:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The reason I wrote you was to see if you would pass the test, to see if you would fully obey me.

Berean Standard Bible:

My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

American Standard Version:

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For{G1063} to{G1519} this end{G5124} also{G2532} did I write{G1125}, that{G2443} I might know{G1097} the proof{G1382} of you{G5216}, whether{G1487} ye be{G2075} obedient{G5255} in{G1519} all things{G3956}.

Cross-References (KJV):

2 Corinthians 10:6

  • And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 7:12

  • ¶ Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

2 Corinthians 7:15

  • And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Philemon 1:21

  • Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philippians 2:22

  • But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Deuteronomy 8:16

  • Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

Philippians 2:12

  • ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:9

2 Corinthians 2:9 is a verse in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. The historical context of this verse is rooted in Paul's complicated relationship with the Corinthian church, which he founded during his second missionary journey as recorded in Acts 18:1-18. The Corinthian church was troubled by various issues, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal errors, which Paul sought to address through his correspondence.

In the verse, Paul states, "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things." This sentence is part of a larger discussion in which Paul is explaining his previous letter (which is likely referring to 1 Corinthians) and its purpose. The themes of obedience, testing, and proof are central to this verse. Paul is expressing his desire to confirm the Corinthians' obedience to the teachings and instructions he had given them. He is essentially saying that he wrote to them to see if they would comply with his apostolic authority and the gospel message he preached.

Paul's writings often emphasize the importance of believers living out their faith through obedience to God's commands, and 2 Corinthians 2:9 is no exception. It reflects his pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers and his intention to assess their spiritual maturity and commitment to the faith. The verse also highlights the broader theme of accountability within the early Christian community, where church leaders like Paul were responsible for guiding and evaluating the spiritual progress of their congregations.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 2:9 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's ongoing effort to nurture and correct the Corinthian church by assessing their obedience to his teachings. It reflects the pastoral relationship between Paul and the Corinthians, the importance of spiritual accountability, and the expectation that believers should demonstrate their faith through obedience to apostolic instruction.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G1063
    There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γάρ
    Transliteration: gár
    Pronunciation: gar
    Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
  2. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
  3. Strong's Number: G5124
    There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τοῦτο
    Transliteration: toûto
    Pronunciation: too'-to
    Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
  4. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  5. Strong's Number: G1125
    There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γράφω
    Transliteration: gráphō
    Pronunciation: graf'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:--describe, write(-ing, -ten).
  6. Strong's Number: G2443
    There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἵνα
    Transliteration: hína
    Pronunciation: hin'-ah
    Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
  7. Strong's Number: G1097
    There are 208 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γινώσκω
    Transliteration: ginṓskō
    Pronunciation: ghin-oce'-ko
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):--allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
  8. Strong's Number: G1382
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δοκιμή
    Transliteration: dokimḗ
    Pronunciation: dok-ee-may'
    Description: from the same as δόκιμος; test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness:--experience(-riment), proof, trial.
  9. Strong's Number: G5216
    There are 503 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὑμῶν
    Transliteration: hymōn
    Pronunciation: hoo-mone'
    Description: genitive case of ὑμεῖς; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).
  10. Strong's Number: G1487
    There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰ
    Transliteration: ei
    Pronunciation: i
    Description: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μή(γε), εἰ καί, εἰ μή, εἰ μή τι, εἴ περ, εἴ πως, εἴ τις, ἐκ. See also ἐάν.
  11. Strong's Number: G2075
    There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐστέ
    Transliteration: esté
    Pronunciation: es-teh'
    Description: second person plural present indicative of εἰμί; ye are:--be, have been, belong.
  12. Strong's Number: G5255
    There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὑπήκοος
    Transliteration: hypḗkoos
    Pronunciation: hoop-ay'-ko-os
    Description: from ὑπακούω; attentively listening, i.e. (by implication) submissive:--obedient.
  13. Strong's Number: G3956
    There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πᾶς
    Transliteration: pâs
    Pronunciation: pas
    Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.