2 Corinthians 13:11

KJV

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Finally {G3063}, brethren {G80}, farewell {G5463}. Be perfect {G2675}, be of good comfort {G3870}, be of one {G846} mind {G5426}, live in peace {G1514}; and {G2532} the God {G2316} of love {G26} and {G2532} peace {G1515} shall be {G2071} with {G3326} you {G5216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And now, brothers, shalom! Put yourselves in order, pay attention to my advice, be of one mind, live in shalom — and the God of love and shalom will be with you.

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

American Standard Version

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:11, the Apostle Paul delivers his final, heartfelt exhortations and a profound benediction to the Corinthian believers. This verse encapsulates his earnest desire for their spiritual maturity, mutual encouragement, unified purpose, and harmonious living, promising that the very presence of God, who is characterized by love and peace, will abide with them as they strive to embody these virtues. It serves as a comprehensive summary of his pastoral concerns and a powerful call to communal flourishing before his anticipated third visit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic conclusion to Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter intensely personal and deeply theological. Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostolic authority against detractors, addresses the Corinthians' repentance (or lack thereof), clarifies the nature of the New Covenant ministry, and urges them to complete their collection for the saints in Jerusalem. The preceding verses (2 Corinthians 13:1-10) contain stern warnings about Paul's impending visit, where he intends to exercise his apostolic authority to confront unrepentant sin. He challenges them to "examine yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5) to see if they are in the faith. Therefore, 2 Corinthians 13:11 serves as a gracious, final appeal for the Corinthians to rectify their issues, mature in their faith, and live harmoniously, thereby avoiding the need for Paul to come with severity. It is a pastoral plea for them to prepare themselves for a joyful reunion rather than a disciplinary confrontation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious in the ancient world for its wealth, trade, and moral laxity. Its diverse population included Greeks, Romans, and Jews, leading to a complex social and religious landscape. The Corinthian church, established by Paul, reflected this diversity but also struggled with significant internal divisions, pride, immorality, and challenges to apostolic authority. They were influenced by the prevailing philosophical currents and social distinctions of their time, often manifesting in factions, lawsuits among believers, and a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts. Paul's exhortations in 2 Corinthians 13:11 directly address these historical realities, urging them towards unity, peace, and spiritual maturity in a context where such virtues were conspicuously lacking and desperately needed for the church's health and witness.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully synthesizes several major themes that Paul has developed throughout 2 Corinthians and his broader epistles. The call to "be perfect" speaks to the theme of **spiritual transformation and maturity**, a process of being conformed to Christ's image (as seen in [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation into Christ's Image")). "Be of good comfort" underscores the theme of **divine consolation and mutual encouragement**, a recurring motif where Paul himself finds comfort in God amidst suffering and then extends that comfort to others ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")). The exhortation to "be of one mind" and "live in peace" addresses the critical theme of **unity and reconciliation** within the body of Christ, a persistent concern for Paul in Corinth and elsewhere ([Philippians 2:2-4](/philippians/2-2-4 "Philippians 2:2-4 - Humility and Unity in Christ")). Finally, the promise of "the God of love and peace shall be with you" highlights the ultimate theme of **God's abiding presence and blessing** as the culmination of faithful obedience and communal harmony, emphasizing God's character as the source and sustainer of these virtues.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Greek, _katartízō'_):** From G2675, meaning "to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust:--fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore." This word carries the sense of being mended, restored, equipped, or brought to a state of wholeness and fitness. It is not about achieving sinless perfection, but about being made spiritually complete, adjusted in their relationships, and fully prepared for God's purposes. It implies a process of restoration and maturing, like mending a net or setting a broken bone.
* **Be of good comfort (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray." This word encompasses a range of meanings from comforting and encouraging to exhorting and appealing. In this context, it suggests mutual encouragement and consolation, urging the Corinthians to strengthen and uplift one another, especially in their struggles and divisions.
* **Live in peace (Greek, _eirēneúō'_):** From G1514, meaning "to be (act) peaceful:--be at (have, live in) peace, live peaceably." This is an active verb, commanding the believers to actively pursue and maintain peace within their community. It implies a deliberate effort to resolve conflicts, foster harmony, and avoid strife, reflecting the character of God, who is the "God of peace" (G1515, _eirḗnē_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Finally, brethren, farewell."**: Paul signals the conclusion of his letter, addressing them affectionately as "brethren" (G80, _adelphós'_), emphasizing their shared spiritual family bond. The term "farewell" (G5463, _chaírō'_), while a common parting greeting, also carries the nuance of "rejoice" or "be well," suggesting Paul's desire for their spiritual health and joy.
* **"Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace;"**: These are four distinct, yet interconnected, imperatives for the Corinthian church. "Be perfect" calls for spiritual maturity and completeness. "Be of good comfort" encourages mutual edification and consolation. "Be of one mind" demands unity in purpose and thought, transcending factionalism. "Live in peace" is an active command to cultivate harmonious relationships and resolve conflicts within the community.
* **"and the God of love and peace shall be with you."**: This clause serves as both a promise and a benediction. It links the presence of God directly to the church's obedience to the preceding commands. God's very nature is defined as "love" (G26, _agápē'_) and "peace" (G1515, _eirḗnē'_), and His manifest presence is contingent upon the community embodying these virtues. It is a powerful assurance that as they strive for these qualities, God Himself will dwell among them.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this concluding verse. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as he issues a series of direct commands ("Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace") that serve as a final pastoral appeal for the Corinthians' spiritual health and communal harmony. This series of imperatives creates a sense of urgency and directness. Following these commands, Paul transitions into a **Benediction**, offering a divine blessing and promise: "and the God of love and peace shall be with you." This benediction acts as both an incentive for obedience and a gracious assurance of God's faithfulness. There is also a subtle form of **Cause and Effect** or **Conditional Promise** at play, where the presence of the "God of love and peace" is presented as the natural outcome or divine reward for the church's active pursuit of maturity, comfort, unity, and peace. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting a series of virtues to be cultivated, followed by the promised divine presence that embodies those very virtues.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 13:11 beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian community and the character of God. Theologically, it underscores that God is not merely a distant deity but the active source and sustainer of the very virtues He commands His people to pursue: love and peace. The call to "be perfect" points to the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are continually being conformed to the image of Christ, growing in spiritual maturity and wholeness. The emphasis on unity and peace reflects the Trinitarian nature of God, who is perfectly unified, and the divine desire for His people to reflect that unity in their relationships, thereby bearing witness to the world. The promise of God's presence serves as the ultimate motivation and reward, affirming that true flourishing—both individual and communal—is found in abiding with the God who is love and peace.

* [Romans 15:33](/romans/15-33 "Romans 15:33 - The God of Peace")
* [Philippians 4:9](/philippians/4-9 "Philippians 4:9 - Practice and the God of Peace")
* [Hebrews 13:20-21](/hebrews/13-20-21 "Hebrews 13:20-21 - The God of Peace Equips You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's final words to the Corinthians are not just ancient advice; they are timeless principles for building healthy, vibrant Christian communities today. The call to "be perfect" reminds us that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey of restoration and equipping, not a one-time event. We are continually being mended and made whole by God's grace. To "be of good comfort" challenges us to be actively involved in the lives of our fellow believers, offering encouragement, support, and consolation, especially in times of difficulty or disagreement. "Be of one mind" compels us to prioritize unity in Christ above personal preferences or divisive issues, seeking a shared commitment to the Gospel and the mission of the church. "Live in peace" is a direct command to be peacemakers, actively pursuing reconciliation and harmony in all our relationships, within the church and beyond. As we earnestly strive to embody these virtues, we are promised the profound blessing of God's manifest presence, for the "God of love and peace" delights to dwell among a people who reflect His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or your church community do you need to "be perfect" – that is, to be mended, restored, or more fully equipped by God?**
* **How can you more intentionally "be of good comfort" to those around you, offering encouragement and support in practical ways?**
* **What steps can you take to foster "one mind" and greater unity within your church, prioritizing shared faith over personal differences?**
* **Are there relationships in your life where you need to actively "live in peace" or pursue reconciliation? What would that look like?**
* **How does the promise "the God of love and peace shall be with you" motivate or encourage you in your pursuit of these virtues?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "Be perfect" if we are all sinners?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "perfect" (G2675, _katartízō_) does not imply sinless perfection in the sense of moral faultlessness. Instead, it carries the meaning of being mended, restored, equipped, or brought to a state of completeness and fitness. It is used elsewhere to describe mending fishing nets (Matthew 4:21), restoring a brother caught in sin (Galatians 6:1), or equipping saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Therefore, "be perfect" in this context is an exhortation to spiritual maturity, wholeness, and being fully prepared and adjusted in their faith and relationships, especially in light of the divisions and issues Paul addressed throughout the letter. It's a call to be made whole and healthy in their faith and communal life.

**How can a diverse group of believers "be of one mind" without losing their individuality?**

Answer: "Being of one mind" (G5426, _phronéō_) does not demand uniformity of opinion on every minor detail or the suppression of individual personality. Rather, it refers to a shared disposition, a common purpose, and a unity in core theological convictions and values. It means having the same spiritual outlook and prioritizing the overarching mission of Christ and the unity of the body over personal preferences or divisive issues. Paul often emphasizes this kind of unity, as seen in [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Fulfill My Joy by Being of the Same Mind"), where he calls believers to have "the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." It's about a shared commitment to Christ and His kingdom, fostering cooperation and mutual respect.

**Is the promise "the God of love and peace shall be with you" conditional?**

Answer: While God's presence is ultimately a gift of grace, Paul often presents the manifest experience of God's presence and blessing as being intrinsically linked to the obedience and character of His people. In this verse, the promise follows a series of imperatives, suggesting that as the Corinthians actively pursue maturity, comfort, unity, and peace, they will experientially realize the presence of the "God of love and peace" among them. It's not a transactional exchange, but a natural consequence: when a community embodies God's character, they create an environment where His presence is powerfully revealed and experienced. This aligns with other passages where God promises His presence to those who obey His commands, such as [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with Those Who Love and Obey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The powerful benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "God of love and peace." It is through Christ that believers are made "perfect" (G2675, _katartízō_), for He is the one who restores, equips, and brings us to spiritual maturity, making us complete in Him ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Our ability to "be of good comfort" and offer encouragement to one another flows from the comfort we have first received in Christ, who is our ultimate Comforter and Advocate ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")). The call to "be of one mind" and "live in peace" is realized through the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, breaking down dividing walls and creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus Himself is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - He is Our Peace")), and His love (G26, _agápē_) is poured into our hearts, enabling us to love one another as He loved us ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, the promise that "the God of love and peace shall be with you" is a promise of Christ's abiding presence through His Spirit, empowering believers to live out these virtues and manifest God's character in the world, until the day when He returns to establish His perfect kingdom of love and peace.

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

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

1 Corinthians 1:10

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Romans 15:33

Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

1 Peter 3:11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.