2 Corinthians 13:1

KJV

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5124} is the third {G5154} time I am coming {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209}. In {G1909} the mouth {G4750} of two {G1417} or {G2532} three {G5140} witnesses {G3144} shall {G2476} every {G3956} word {G4487} be established {G2476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This will be the third time that I have come to visit you. Any charge must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

American Standard Version

This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn declaration of his imminent third visit to the Corinthian church, asserting that his actions and judgments will be conducted according to the established legal principle: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." This statement underscores Paul's apostolic authority and his commitment to addressing persistent issues of sin and disunity with decisive action, ensuring that all matters are thoroughly investigated and verified before final resolution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the conclusion of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, serving as a climactic warning and a final appeal for repentance before his anticipated arrival. Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul has passionately defended his apostolic ministry against detractors, addressed the church's internal divisions, and expressed his deep concern for their spiritual well-being. He has already made two previous visits (or at least one prior visit and a "painful visit" that may have been brief or a planned but aborted trip), and has written multiple letters, including the severe "tearful letter" (likely lost to us, or perhaps 2 Corinthians 10-13). The declaration of a "third time" coming signifies that this visit will not be a casual pastoral call but a formal, authoritative inspection where truth will be definitively established and unrepentant sin addressed. It follows Paul's strong warnings in [2 Corinthians 12:20-21](/2_corinthians/12-20-21 "2 Corinthians 12:20-21 - Paul's Fears for Corinth") about finding unrepentant sin upon his arrival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The principle of requiring "two or three witnesses" for legal establishment was deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern legal traditions, most notably in the [Mosaic Law](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Witnesses"). This legal safeguard, found in passages like [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement for Multiple Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Witnesses"), was designed to ensure justice, prevent false accusations, and establish the veracity of claims in serious matters, including capital offenses. Paul, as a Jew deeply steeped in the Old Testament, naturally drew upon this well-known and respected legal framework. Furthermore, the Corinthian church itself was situated in a prominent Roman city, where legal proceedings and the concept of due process were also familiar. Paul's invocation of this principle signals his intention to apply a rigorous, biblically-informed standard of justice to the spiritual and moral issues plaguing the church, particularly regarding those who challenged his authority or persisted in sinful behavior.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **Apostolic Authority and Accountability**, as Paul asserts his divinely-given right to address and correct the church, making it clear that his words and actions will be validated by established truth. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Legal Principle**, grounding the upcoming spiritual "judgment" in a foundational Old Testament legal standard that ensures fairness and corroboration. This principle, also echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Church Discipline and Witnesses") concerning church discipline, underscores the importance of truth and due process within the community of faith. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Truth and Verification**, implying that the accusations against Paul, or the reports of sin within the church, will be thoroughly investigated and verified through multiple testimonies, leading to clear and undeniable conclusions. Finally, while implying judgment, Paul's warning also serves as a final **Call to Repentance**, demonstrating God's patience and desire for restoration by giving the Corinthians an opportunity to examine themselves and repent before his arrival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma'_):** Refers literally to the oral cavity, but here, by implication, it signifies language, utterance, or testimony. In the context of "in the mouth of two or three witnesses," it emphasizes the verbal declaration and the source of the testimony, highlighting that the establishment of truth comes through spoken, corroborated accounts.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** Denotes one who testifies, a witness (judicially or figuratively). This word is the root of "martyr," implying one who testifies even to the point of death. In this verse, it refers to individuals whose direct observation or knowledge provides evidence, crucial for verifying facts and establishing truth in a legal or communal setting.
* **established (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** Means "to stand," "to set up," or "to make to stand." In this context, it carries the sense of being confirmed, validated, or rendered firm and indisputable. It implies that a matter, once corroborated by sufficient testimony, becomes legally binding, stable, and beyond dispute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you."**: Paul declares his intention to visit the Corinthian church for the third time. This statement is not merely a travel update but a declaration of intent, signaling that his patience is wearing thin and that his upcoming visit will be decisive. It implies a progression of his relationship with them, moving towards a final confrontation of unresolved issues.
* **"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."**: This is a direct invocation of a fundamental legal principle from the Old Testament Law. Paul asserts that any "word" – whether an accusation, a report of sin, or a claim of truth – will be thoroughly verified. The presence of "two or three witnesses" ensures that judgments made during his visit will be based on corroborated evidence, not hearsay or singular accusations, thereby upholding fairness and justice. The phrase "every word" indicates the comprehensive nature of this principle, applying to all matters brought before him.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Allusion** and **Legal Metaphor** is central to the power of this verse. He directly alludes to the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "The Law of Witnesses")), drawing on a principle that would have been familiar and authoritative to both Jewish and Gentile converts in the Corinthian church. By invoking this legal standard, Paul employs a **Legal Metaphor** to frame his upcoming visit not merely as a pastoral check-in, but as a formal judicial proceeding. This elevates the seriousness of the situation, implying that matters of sin and rebellion will be handled with the gravity and due process of a courtroom. The verse also functions as a **Warning**, serving as a final opportunity for the Corinthians to repent and rectify their behavior before Paul's arrival, which he implies will bring a definitive judgment based on established facts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle of requiring multiple witnesses for the establishment of truth is a profound theological concept woven throughout Scripture. It speaks to God's character as a God of justice, fairness, and order, who desires that truth be upheld and that judgment be based on solid evidence, not arbitrary power. This divine standard is not only for legal proceedings but extends to the very fabric of communal life, ensuring that accusations are not lightly made and that matters of discipline are handled with integrity. Paul's application of this principle to the church underscores the New Testament's continuity with Old Testament ethical and judicial wisdom, demonstrating that God's people are called to live in truth and accountability, reflecting His righteous character in their interactions and internal governance.

* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "The Law of Witnesses")
* [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Church Discipline and Witnesses")
* [Hebrews 10:28](/hebrews/10-28 "Warning Against Apostasy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless principles for believers today, emphasizing the importance of truth, due process, and accountability within the Christian community. For church leaders, it underscores the solemn responsibility to approach matters of discipline and correction with fairness, based on clear, corroborated evidence rather than hearsay or personal bias. It encourages a meticulous and prayerful investigation of facts, fostering an environment where justice is pursued and the innocent are protected. For all believers, the verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination and repentance, reminding us that God desires us to live in truth and integrity, and that our actions will ultimately be brought to light. It also teaches us the value of corroboration and seeking multiple perspectives before making judgments or accepting accusations, fostering a just, healthy, and trustworthy church environment that truly reflects God's character and His desire for reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "two or three witnesses" encourage carefulness and integrity in our speech and accusations within the church today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a community, be tempted to act on hearsay rather than established truth, and how can we guard against this?**
* **How does Paul's insistence on this legal principle reflect God's character of justice and patience, even in the face of persistent sin?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so insistent on this legal principle for the Corinthian church?**

Answer: Paul's insistence on the "two or three witnesses" principle was crucial because the Corinthian church was plagued by significant issues, including challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, reports of immorality ([1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "Immorality in Corinth")), and internal divisions. By invoking this established legal standard, Paul was not merely being punitive; he was ensuring that any disciplinary actions taken during his third visit would be just, transparent, and undeniably based on verifiable facts, not on his personal feelings or uncorroborated accusations. This approach aimed to uphold the integrity of the church, protect the innocent, and provide a clear basis for confronting the unrepentant. It also served as a final warning, giving the Corinthians an opportunity to repent before his arrival, demonstrating God's patience and desire for their restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 13:1 directly applies an Old Testament legal principle to church discipline, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself affirmed this principle in [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Church Discipline and Witnesses") in the context of resolving disputes within the believing community, thereby sanctifying its use for the new covenant people of God. More profoundly, Christ is the ultimate "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "The Faithful and True Witness")), the one through whom all truth is established and by whom all things are ultimately judged. His life, death, and resurrection serve as the definitive witness to God's redemptive plan and His righteous character. The "word" that is established is ultimately the Word of God, embodied in Christ, who is the very "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Just as Paul sought to establish truth and order in the Corinthian church through corroborated testimony, so too does Christ, through the Holy Spirit and the testimony of His apostles ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), establish His kingdom and bring all things into conformity with His righteous rule, ensuring that every word of God's promise and judgment will stand firm and be fulfilled in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

John 8:18

I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.

2 Corinthians 12:14

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.