2 Corinthians 13:2

KJV

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

KJV (with Strong's)

I told you before {G4280}, and {G2532} foretell you {G4302}, as if {G5613} I were present {G3918}, the second {G1208} time; and {G2532} being absent {G548} now {G3568} I write {G1125} to them which heretofore have sinned {G4258}, and {G2532} to all {G3956} other {G3062}, that {G3754}, if {G1437} I come {G2064} again {G1519}{G3825}, I will {G5339} not {G3756} spare {G5339}:

Complete Jewish Bible

To those who sinned in the past and to the rest I say beforehand while absent the same thing I said when I was with you the second time: if I come again I will not spare you —

Berean Standard Bible

I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

American Standard Version

I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:2, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn and definitive warning to the Corinthian church, reiterating his previous admonitions and declaring his firm resolve to act decisively and without leniency upon his impending third visit. This verse underscores the seriousness of unrepentant sin within the community and serves as a final, urgent call for those who have persisted in sinful behavior, and indeed for all others, to repent and align themselves with the gospel, lest they face the consequences of apostolic discipline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands at the culmination of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically within his final appeals and warnings (2 Corinthians 12:11-13:14). Having spent much of the letter defending his apostolic authority, addressing criticisms, and exposing the false apostles who sought to undermine his ministry, Paul now shifts to a direct and stern declaration of his intentions for his third visit. He has already alluded to this visit and his readiness to act in [2 Corinthians 12:14](/2_corinthians/12-14 "Paul's Third Visit Promised") and directly stated his intention to come for the third time in [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "Paul's Third Visit Confirmed"). The preceding verses in chapter 12 reveal Paul's deep concern for the Corinthians' spiritual state, his fear that he might find them unrepentant, and his reluctance to exercise harsh discipline. However, this verse signals a turning point: his patience is reaching its limit, and his forthcoming visit will be characterized by decisive action if repentance has not occurred.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was notoriously problematic, plagued by factions, moral laxity (e.g., incest in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "Sexual Immorality in Corinth")), legal disputes among believers ([1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "Lawsuits Among Believers")), and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority ([2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10 "Paul Defends His Apostleship")). Paul had made at least two previous visits, the "second time" mentioned here likely referring to a painful visit that necessitated his writing the "severe letter" (possibly [2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10 "Paul's Defense and Warnings") or a lost letter). The cultural context of the Roman Empire, where honor and shame were paramount, meant that Paul's authority was constantly being tested by those who viewed his humble demeanor and lack of rhetorical prowess as weakness. His assertion of impending, unsparing discipline was a necessary demonstration of his God-given authority, intended to restore order and purity within a church that had become deeply compromised.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. First, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Discipline**. Paul's repeated warnings and his declaration "I will not spare" underscore his divinely appointed right and responsibility to maintain the purity and order of the church, even if it requires severe measures. Second, it emphasizes the **Seriousness of Sin and the Necessity of Repentance**. The phrase "them which heretofore have sinned" points to ongoing, unaddressed sin, and Paul's warning serves as a final opportunity for genuine repentance before judgment. Third, the verse touches upon the theme of **God's Patience and Impending Judgment**. While God is patient, offering time for repentance, there is a limit, and unrepentant sin will ultimately face consequences, a principle echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")). Finally, it speaks to the **Purity and Health of the Church**, as Paul's actions, though seemingly harsh, are ultimately aimed at restoring the community to spiritual health and ensuring its witness for Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gráphō (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," "to write," or figuratively, "to describe." In this context, Paul emphasizes that his current written warning is as binding and serious as if he were physically present. It underscores the authoritative nature of his epistle, serving as a formal, documented declaration of his intent, leaving no room for misunderstanding or excuses. The act of writing here is not merely informative but performative, setting the stage for the actions he promises.
* **proamartánō (Greek, _proamartánō'_):** This compound verb, meaning "to sin previously" or "to sin already," refers specifically to those in the Corinthian church who had been living in sin prior to Paul's writing this letter, and presumably, prior to his previous warnings. It suggests a pattern of unrepentant behavior, highlighting that Paul's concern is not about isolated missteps but about persistent, unaddressed moral failures within the community. This term distinguishes those who have been living in ongoing sin from "all other," who are also warned against future transgression.
* **pheídomai (Greek, _pheídomai'_):** This verb, translated as "spare," means "to be chary of," "to abstain," or "to treat leniently." When combined with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), "I will not spare" (οὐ φείδομαι) conveys Paul's absolute resolve to not hold back, not show leniency, and not treat lightly the unrepentant sin upon his arrival. It signifies a readiness to exercise the full weight of his apostolic authority, implying firm discipline, possibly excommunication or other severe measures, to address the moral decay in the church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time;":** Paul establishes continuity and consistency in his warnings. The "second time" refers to a previous visit where he had already issued similar admonitions. By stating "as if I were present," he imbues his current written warning with the same weight and authority as if he were speaking to them face-to-face. This is not a new threat but a reiteration of a long-standing concern and a promise of impending action, emphasizing that they have had ample opportunity to repent.
* **"and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other,":** Paul clarifies the recipients of his warning. Firstly, it is directed at those who have been living in persistent, unaddressed sin ("heretofore have sinned"), indicating a specific group within the church. Secondly, he extends the warning to "all other," meaning the entire congregation. This broader scope serves to remind everyone of the seriousness of sin and the expectation of holiness, implying that even those not directly involved in the specified sins are responsible for the church's overall moral health and are subject to the same standards.
* **"that, if I come again, I will not spare:":** This is the climactic declaration of the verse. The phrase "if I come again" underscores the conditional nature of his action, dependent on their response. However, the emphatic "I will not spare" leaves no doubt about his resolve. It signifies that if he finds them still unrepentant upon his arrival, he will exercise his apostolic authority without hesitation, leniency, or compromise. This is a promise of firm, decisive discipline, not out of personal vindictiveness, but out of a pastoral necessity to purge sin and restore the church's integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, as he explicitly states "I told you before, and foretell you," demonstrating that this is not a new or sudden threat but a consistent warning he has issued. This repetition underscores the gravity of the situation and the Corinthians' failure to heed previous admonitions. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's declaration "I will not spare" clearly anticipates a future, decisive confrontation if repentance does not occur. This creates a sense of impending judgment and urgency. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Apostolic Authority** as a rhetorical tool; Paul's words are not merely personal opinion but a declaration of his God-given right and responsibility to act. His "being absent now I write" highlights the power of his written word to carry the weight of his personal presence and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the theological necessity of church discipline and the serious consequences of unrepentant sin within the Christian community. Paul's declaration that he "will not spare" is not a personal vendetta but a demonstration of his commitment to the purity and health of the body of Christ, reflecting God's own holiness and His expectation that His people live in accordance with His will. It underscores that while God is patient and merciful, there is a boundary beyond which persistent, unaddressed sin necessitates firm action for the sake of the individual's soul and the integrity of the church's witness. This discipline, though painful, is ultimately restorative, aiming to bring about repentance and reconciliation, much like a loving parent disciplines a child for their good.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Church Discipline Process")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "Dealing with Immorality in the Church")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "God's Discipline for His Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's stern warning in 2 Corinthians 13:2 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that the Christian life is not without accountability, and the church is not a place where sin can be perpetually tolerated without consequence. This verse calls us to a deep and honest self-examination, prompting us to ask if there are areas in our own lives where we have "heretofore sinned" and have yet to genuinely repent. It challenges the modern tendency to view grace as an excuse for complacency rather than a call to transformation. For church leaders, it underscores the difficult but vital responsibility of exercising spiritual authority for the health of the congregation, even when it means confronting uncomfortable truths and administering discipline. Ultimately, Paul's intention is not to condemn but to save, to bring about a change of heart that leads to life and purity, both for individuals and the community. This passage compels us to embrace repentance as a continuous posture, ensuring that our lives reflect the holiness of the God we serve and the transformative power of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "heretofore sinning," and what steps am I taking towards genuine repentance?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to "not spare" inform my understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **As a member of the church, how can I contribute to a culture of accountability and purity, while also extending grace and love?**
* **What is my responsibility when I observe unrepentant sin in the church, and how should I respond in a way that honors God and seeks restoration?**

### FAQ

**Why is Paul so harsh in this verse, and what does "I will not spare" truly mean?**

Answer: Paul's language in this verse, while appearing harsh, is rooted in his deep pastoral concern for the spiritual health and purity of the Corinthian church. The phrase "I will not spare" (οὐ φείδομαι, _ou pheídomai_) signifies his unwavering resolve to exercise his apostolic authority without leniency or compromise if he finds unrepentant sin upon his arrival. It does not imply personal vindictiveness but rather a commitment to divine justice and the necessary enforcement of church discipline. Paul's authority, as he states elsewhere in [2 Corinthians 13:10](/2_corinthians/13-10 "Paul's Authority for Edification"), was given to him by the Lord "for building you up and not for tearing you down." Therefore, his sternness is a last resort, intended to shock the unrepentant into genuine repentance, protect the integrity of the church, and ultimately lead to their spiritual restoration, not their destruction. It's a fatherly discipline, painful but necessary for growth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's declaration that he "will not spare" those who persist in sin, while seemingly severe, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who embodies both boundless grace and unwavering righteousness. Just as Paul, as an apostle, was entrusted with authority to maintain the purity of the church, so Christ, as the head of the church, exercises ultimate authority and will one day return to judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ's Future Judgment")). His first coming was characterized by grace, to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), offering a path to repentance and forgiveness through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Justification Through Christ's Blood")). However, Scripture also clearly teaches that Christ will return, not as a suffering servant, but as a righteous judge, and on that day, there will be no "sparing" for those who have consistently rejected His grace and remained unrepentant ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "The Great White Throne Judgment")). Paul's disciplinary action, therefore, serves as a poignant earthly echo of Christ's future judgment, a call to heed the present opportunity for repentance before the final, unsparing reckoning of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Wrath of the Lamb")). It reminds us that true love for the church necessitates confronting sin, aligning with Christ's own commitment to present His church to Himself "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Christ's Goal for the 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 1:23

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

2 Corinthians 10:1

¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

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 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 10:11

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [will we be] also in deed when we are present.

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:

2 Corinthians 12:21

[And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.