2 Corinthians 13:1

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

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}.

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.

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

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

In 2 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul declares his imminent third visit to the Corinthian church, emphasizing that his actions and judgments will be based on a well-established legal principle: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." This verse signals a turning point in Paul's relationship with a challenging congregation, indicating that his upcoming visit will be one of decisive action and accountability.

Context

Paul had a complex and often tumultuous relationship with the church in Corinth. This declaration comes near the end of his second letter, following extensive discussions about his apostolic authority, the challenges from false apostles, and persistent issues of immorality and disunity within the church (see 1 Corinthians 5:1 for an example of earlier issues). He had previously visited them twice (or was counting a "painful visit" as the second, even if brief), and had written multiple letters, including the one we know as 1 Corinthians and possibly an earlier, stern letter now lost. His third visit is presented not as a casual pastoral call, but as a formal inspection where truth would be definitively established and unrepentant sin addressed. He is giving them a final warning to repent and put their house in order before he arrives.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority and Accountability: Paul asserts his God-given authority, making it clear that his coming will not be without consequence for those who resist the truth or persist in sin. His words and actions will be validated.
  • Divine Justice and Legal Principle: The core of the verse invokes a principle rooted in Old Testament law, particularly from Deuteronomy 19:15 and Deuteronomy 17:6. This principle ensures that serious accusations or matters of truth are not decided on a single testimony, but are corroborated, ensuring fairness and preventing false accusations.
  • Truth and Verification: The verse emphasizes the establishment of truth. Paul implies that the accusations against him, or the reports of sin within the church, will be thoroughly investigated and verified through multiple testimonies, leading to clear conclusions.
  • Call to Repentance: While implying judgment, Paul's warning also serves as a final opportunity for the Corinthians to examine themselves and repent before his arrival, demonstrating God's patience and desire for restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" is a direct quotation or strong allusion to the Mosaic Law. In the original Hebrew Scriptures, this principle was crucial for legal proceedings, especially in cases involving capital crimes or significant disputes (Numbers 35:30). Its inclusion here by Paul underscores the seriousness with which he approaches the upcoming "judgment" within the Corinthian church. This principle is also echoed by Jesus in the context of church discipline in Matthew 18:16, and reiterated in the New Testament concerning Christian conduct and justice, as seen in Hebrews 10:28.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles for believers today. It highlights the importance of truth, due process, and accountability within the Christian community. For leaders, it underscores the need to approach matters of discipline and correction with fairness, based on clear evidence and not mere hearsay. For all believers, it encourages self-examination and repentance, reminding us that God desires us to live in truth and integrity. It also teaches us the value of corroboration and seeking multiple perspectives before making judgments or accepting accusations, fostering a just and healthy church environment that reflects God's character.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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