2 Corinthians 13:10

KJV

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G5124}{G1223} I write {G1125} these things {G5023} being absent {G548}, lest {G3363} being present {G3918} I should use {G5530} sharpness {G664}, according {G2596} to the power {G1849} which {G3739} the Lord {G2962} hath given {G1325} me {G3427} to {G1519} edification {G3619}, and {G2532} not {G3756} to {G1519} destruction {G2506}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I write these things while away from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to use my authority to deal sharply with you, for the Lord gave it to me for building up and not for tearing down.

Berean Standard Bible

This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

American Standard Version

For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:10, the Apostle Paul articulates his pastoral strategy: he writes sternly while absent from Corinth to preempt the need for severe disciplinary action upon his arrival. He clarifies that the apostolic authority bestowed upon him by the Lord is fundamentally intended for the spiritual growth and strengthening of the Corinthian believers (edification), not for their demolition or ruin (destruction). This verse encapsulates Paul's blend of firm correction and profound pastoral love, aiming for repentance and restoration within the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic statement at the conclusion of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter characterized by a complex interplay of deep affection, defense of his apostleship, and urgent calls for repentance. Chapters 10-13, often referred to as the "painful letter" or "severe letter," directly address the challenges to Paul's authority and the persistent moral and spiritual issues within the Corinthian church. Paul had previously warned them of his impending third visit and his resolve not to spare those who remained unrepentant ([2 Corinthians 12:21](/2_corinthians/12-21 "Paul's Warning of Discipline")). Therefore, writing "these things being absent" serves as a final, merciful opportunity for the Corinthians to self-correct, thus making the exercise of "sharpness" unnecessary when he is physically present. This written warning is an act of preventative discipline, designed to foster repentance before a more direct confrontation is required.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply troubled community situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral laxity. This environment often infiltrated the church, leading to divisions, immorality, and a questioning of spiritual authority. Paul, as their spiritual father and founder of the church, faced significant opposition from certain factions and "super-apostles" who challenged his legitimacy, methods, and even his personal character. His authority, rooted in his direct commission from Christ, was under scrutiny. In this context, Paul's assertion of his God-given "power" for "edification" directly counters the worldly understanding of power as dominance or destruction, aligning it instead with the transformative, redemptive purposes of God's kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Purpose of Apostolic Authority**, emphasizing that divine power is not for personal aggrandizement or arbitrary control, but for the spiritual maturation and strengthening of the body of Christ. This is consistent with Paul's understanding of ministry as service, as seen in his discussion of his weakness being a conduit for God's strength ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Grace is Sufficient")). Secondly, the stark contrast between "edification" and "destruction" underscores the theme of **Constructive Discipline**. Even when correction is severe, its ultimate aim is restorative, aiming to build up rather than tear down, fostering spiritual health and unity within the community. This aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on church discipline as a means of restoration, not expulsion, for the unrepentant ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Principles of Church Discipline")). Finally, Paul's desire to avoid "sharpness" reveals his profound **Pastoral Love and Mercy**, demonstrating that his warnings stem from a heart committed to the Corinthians' well-being, preferring their proactive repentance over the necessity of punitive action. This echoes his earlier expressions of deep affection and concern for them throughout the letter, such as his joy over their repentance in [2 Corinthians 7:8-11](/2_corinthians/7-8-11 "Paul's Joy Over Godly Sorrow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **write (Greek, _gráphō_):** (G1125) This primary verb means "to grave" or "to write," often figuratively "to describe." Here, it refers to Paul's act of composing this letter, particularly the stern warnings and instructions contained within it. His writing is a deliberate, authoritative act, serving as a proxy for his physical presence and a means to communicate his apostolic will.
* **sharpness (Greek, _apotómōs_):** (G664) An adverb meaning "abruptly" or "peremptorily," derived from a word implying "to cut." It denotes severity, harshness, or a decisive, unsparing manner of dealing with issues. Paul wishes to avoid acting with such severity, which would be necessitated by continued unrepentance.
* **power (Greek, _exousía_):** (G1849) This term signifies "privilege," "force," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery." Crucially, it also refers to "delegated influence" or "authority." Paul's "power" is not inherent but is a divine endowment, a legitimate authority given by the Lord for specific purposes within the church.
* **edification (Greek, _oikodomḗ_):** (G3619) A feminine abstract noun derived from "house" and "to build." It means "architecture," "a structure," or figuratively, "confirmation" and "building up." In Paul's theology, it consistently refers to the spiritual growth, strengthening, and healthy development of individual believers and the church as a corporate body, akin to a spiritual building.
* **destruction (Greek, _kathaíresis_):** (G2506) Derived from a verb meaning "to take down" or "to demolish." It means "demolition" or, figuratively, "extinction" or "pulling down." This word stands in direct antithesis to "edification," highlighting that true spiritual authority, unlike worldly power, never aims to dismantle, ruin, or annihilate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I write these things being absent,"**: Paul connects his current act of writing (the letter, particularly the preceding warnings and challenges) to his physical absence from Corinth. His written communication serves as a preventative measure, a final opportunity for the Corinthians to respond before his physical arrival. This demonstrates his pastoral care, giving them space for self-correction.
* **"lest being present I should use sharpness,"**: This clause reveals Paul's primary motivation for writing. He desires to avoid having to employ severe, abrupt, or harsh discipline when he is physically with them. The "sharpness" implies a direct, unsparing confrontation with unrepentant sin, which would be a painful experience for all involved.
* **"according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction."**: This crucial part clarifies the nature and purpose of Paul's apostolic authority. His "power" (exousía) is not self-derived but divinely bestowed ("which the Lord hath given me"). The ultimate aim of this authority is "to edification" (oikodomḗ), meaning to build up, strengthen, and promote the spiritual growth of the believers and the church. It is emphatically "not to destruction" (kathaíresis), meaning it is never intended to tear down, demolish, or ruin. Even when exercised in correction, its underlying goal is always restorative and constructive.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful use of **Antithesis** in this verse, juxtaposing "edification" (οἰκοδομή) with "destruction" (καθαίρεσις). This stark contrast highlights the fundamental nature and purpose of true spiritual authority. While worldly power often seeks to dominate and dismantle, Paul asserts that his God-given authority is inherently constructive, aiming to build up the church, not tear it down. Even the "sharpness" he might employ is ultimately for the sake of this edification, rather than for punitive ruin. This rhetorical device effectively clarifies his pastoral heart and the divine mandate of his ministry. Additionally, there is an element of **Irony** in Paul's statement: he writes a "sharp" letter from a distance precisely to avoid having to be "sharp" in person. His absence in writing is a loving act designed to prevent a more painful confrontation in his presence, underscoring his deep care despite the severity of his words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of spiritual authority and discipline within the church. It teaches that all God-given power, whether apostolic, pastoral, or within any leadership role, is fundamentally a stewardship for the benefit and spiritual growth of God's people. Its ultimate aim is always to build up, to strengthen, and to restore, never to tear down or destroy. Even when correction is necessary, it must be administered with a heart that seeks the edification of the individual and the community, reflecting God's own desire for repentance and life rather than judgment and death. This principle ensures that church discipline, though sometimes painful, remains a loving act designed to bring about spiritual health and conformity to Christ.

* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Equipping the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the Edifying of the Body of Christ")
* [Romans 15:2](/romans/15-2 "Let Each of Us Please His Neighbor for His Good, to Edification")
* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "All Things Done for Edification in the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 13:10 offer a timeless blueprint for leadership, particularly within the Christian community. They challenge us to examine the motivations and methods behind any exercise of authority. True spiritual power is not about control or personal gain, but about humble service and the nurturing of others' spiritual well-being. This means that even when difficult conversations or disciplinary actions are required, the underlying intention must always be restorative—to build up, to heal, and to guide towards maturity in Christ, rather than to shame, condemn, or dismantle. For individual believers, this verse encourages proactive self-examination and repentance, recognizing that addressing sin personally can avert more severe consequences. It calls us to embrace correction, whether from Scripture or from wise counsel, as a means of grace for our spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's understanding of authority as "for edification, and not to destruction" challenge common perceptions of power in the world today?**
* **In what ways can I, in my own relationships and spheres of influence, seek to "build up" others rather than "tear down," even when offering correction?**
* **What unaddressed areas in my life might require proactive repentance to avoid the need for more "sharpness" from God or others?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "sharpness" and why does he want to avoid using it?**

Answer: By "sharpness" (Greek: _apotómōs_), Paul refers to a severe, abrupt, or uncompromising exercise of his apostolic authority, likely involving direct disciplinary action against unrepentant individuals or factions within the Corinthian church. He wants to avoid using it because such a confrontation would be painful for both him and the Corinthians. His preference is for them to repent and correct their behavior themselves in his absence, demonstrating his pastoral love and desire for their spiritual health rather than a punitive display of power. His goal is always restoration, not ruin.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of church discipline?**

Answer: This verse is foundational to understanding the New Testament's approach to church discipline. It establishes that the ultimate purpose of discipline is "edification" (building up) and not "destruction" (tearing down). When discipline is administered, whether through stern warnings, exclusion from fellowship, or other means, its aim is always redemptive: to bring the sinning individual to repentance, to protect the purity of the church, and to restore the individual to fellowship with God and the community. It is a loving act, however difficult, intended to promote spiritual health, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's assertion that his "power which the Lord hath given me" is "to edification, and not to destruction" finds its ultimate fulfillment and model in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the embodiment of divine authority, consistently used His power not for self-aggrandizement or the destruction of humanity, but for the building up of His people and the establishment of His kingdom. His miracles were acts of healing and restoration ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Jesus Healing All Manner of Sickness")), His teachings were for spiritual growth and understanding ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "The People Were Astonished at His Doctrine")), and even His sharp rebukes of the Pharisees were aimed at exposing hypocrisy to lead to truth, though often rejected ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Ultimately, Christ's supreme act of power was His self-sacrifice on the cross, which, though appearing as weakness, was the ultimate act of "edification"—building a bridge of reconciliation between God and humanity and establishing His Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself Being the Chief Cornerstone")). Thus, Paul's ministry, empowered by the Lord, mirrors the very nature of Christ's redemptive work, always seeking to build up the body of believers in love and truth, just as Christ built His church upon Himself ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "I Will Build My Church")).

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

2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

2 Corinthians 2:3

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all.

Titus 1:13

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

2 Corinthians 13:8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

1 Corinthians 4:21

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?

2 Corinthians 10:2

But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and [that] I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest [there be] debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: