2 Corinthians 13:5

KJV

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

KJV (with Strong's)

Examine {G3985} yourselves {G1438}, whether {G1487} ye be {G2075} in {G1722} the faith {G4102}; prove {G1381} your own selves {G1438}.{G2228} Know ye {G1921} not {G3756} your own selves {G1438}, how that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} is {G2076} in {G1722} you {G5213}, except {G1509} ye be {G2075} reprobates {G5100}{G96}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living the life of trust. Test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Yeshua the Messiah is in you? — unless you fail to pass the test.

Berean Standard Bible

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?

American Standard Version

Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Apostle Paul issues a profound and urgent command to the Corinthian believers, challenging them to undertake a rigorous and honest self-examination of their spiritual state. This pivotal verse calls for deep introspection to ascertain the authenticity of their faith, the genuine presence of Jesus Christ within them, and to guard against the grave spiritual danger of being found spiritually disapproved or "reprobate." It underscores the critical importance of a living, verifiable faith that manifests the indwelling Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the culmination of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, serving as a powerful concluding admonition before his anticipated third visit. The letter itself is characterized by a complex interplay of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, his deep pastoral concern for the Corinthians, and stern warnings against various moral and theological issues plaguing the community. Throughout the letter, Paul has been challenged by factions within the church who questioned his legitimacy, his power, and even his personal integrity. Instead of continuing to defend himself, Paul strategically shifts the focus, turning the spotlight onto the Corinthians themselves. His command to "examine yourselves" is a rhetorical masterstroke, implying that if they are truly in the faith, they should recognize Christ's power working through Paul, and if not, their own spiritual standing is in question. This immediate context follows Paul's concerns about their potential lack of repentance and continued sinfulness, as expressed in [2 Corinthians 12:20-21](/2_corinthians/12-20-21 "Paul's Concern for the Corinthians' Repentance"). The self-examination is presented as a crucial preparation for his arrival, ensuring they are found spiritually sound.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a prominent Roman colony, a bustling port city renowned for its wealth, trade, and diverse population. Culturally, it was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and various Eastern influences, often associated with a reputation for moral laxity, as evidenced by the Greek proverb "to Corinthianize," meaning to live a dissolute life. This environment presented significant challenges for the nascent Christian community, as believers wrestled with pagan influences, internal divisions, and ethical compromises. Paul's letters to Corinth frequently address issues arising from this cultural backdrop, including sexual immorality, idolatry, lawsuits among believers, and divisions over spiritual gifts. The concept of "testing" or "proving" was familiar in the ancient world, particularly in metallurgy, where metals were assayed for purity. Paul employs this metaphor to urge the Corinthians to test the genuineness of their spiritual "metal" against the standard of Christ's presence, a vital exercise in a culture where outward appearances could often mask inner corruption.

* **Key Themes:** The command in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Self-Examination and Authenticity**. Paul consistently emphasizes that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative reality, urging believers to live out their confession. This resonates with his earlier call for believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice in [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Minds"). A second key theme is the **Indwelling of Christ (or the Holy Spirit)** as the definitive mark of genuine salvation. Paul frequently teaches that the Spirit's presence is the seal of God's ownership and the guarantee of future glory, as seen in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit"). The presence of Christ within a believer is the ultimate evidence of true conversion and spiritual vitality. Finally, the verse introduces the stark theme of **Spiritual Disapproval or Rejection**, highlighted by the term "reprobates." This serves as a severe warning against superficial faith that lacks genuine transformation and the indwelling Spirit, a concept Paul also touches upon in [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - A Reprobate Mind"). These themes collectively underscore Paul's deep concern for the spiritual integrity and eternal destiny of the Corinthian church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Examine (Greek, _peirázō'_):** From G3985, meaning "to test (literally or figuratively); i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline." This word carries the sense of putting something to the test to determine its quality or genuineness, much like assaying metal. It implies a thorough and intentional process of scrutiny, not a casual glance. Paul is not suggesting a test to tempt them to fall, but a test to prove their spiritual standing.
* **yourselves (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From G1438, a reflexive pronoun referring back to the subject, meaning "him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc." The repeated use of this reflexive pronoun ("yourselves," "your own selves") emphasizes that this examination is an individual, personal responsibility. It is not for others to examine them, but for them to examine themselves.
* **reprobates (Greek, _adókimos'_):** From G96, meaning "unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)." This term is the opposite of _dokimos_ (approved, tested and found true). It describes something that has undergone a test and failed, thus being deemed unfit, counterfeit, or worthless. In a spiritual sense, it refers to those who claim faith but, upon examination, are found to lack the essential evidence of Christ's indwelling and are therefore spiritually disapproved by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith":** This is a direct, imperative command, urging the Corinthians to scrutinize their spiritual condition. The phrase "in the faith" refers to being genuinely saved, truly belonging to Christ, and living according to the principles of the Christian gospel. It implies a state of being, not just a profession. The examination is to determine if their faith is authentic and active.
* **"prove your own selves":** This second imperative reinforces the first, using a slightly different Greek word (_dokimázō_) which means to test with a view to approving. It's not just about looking, but about demonstrating or confirming the reality of their faith. This self-proving is an active process of seeking evidence for their spiritual reality.
* **"Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an affirmative answer. Paul assumes that the indwelling of Jesus Christ (through the Holy Spirit) is a fundamental, self-evident truth for genuine believers. This presence is the ultimate proof of their being "in the faith." It highlights the profound intimacy and transformative power of salvation.
* **"except ye be reprobates?":** This stark concluding clause presents the grave alternative. If Jesus Christ is *not* in them, then they are "reprobates"—spiritually disapproved, rejected, or worthless in God's sight. This serves as a severe warning, emphasizing the eternal consequences of a counterfeit or superficial faith that lacks the essential mark of Christ's indwelling presence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Examine yourselves" and "prove your own selves." These are not suggestions but direct commands, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature and personal responsibility of spiritual self-assessment. Following these commands, Paul uses a **Rhetorical Question**: "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" This question is designed not to elicit information but to provoke self-reflection and affirm a known truth. It implies that the indwelling of Christ should be an obvious reality for true believers, making the alternative (being "reprobate") all the more shocking. Finally, there is a strong element of **Antithesis** or contrast between being "in the faith" with "Jesus Christ is in you" and being "reprobates." This stark juxtaposition highlights the binary nature of spiritual authenticity: either one is genuinely united with Christ and approved, or one is not and is therefore disapproved. This sharp contrast serves to underscore the gravity of the self-examination and the dire consequences of spiritual self-deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "examine yourselves" in 2 Corinthians 13:5 is a cornerstone of biblical teaching on genuine faith and spiritual authenticity. It underscores the New Testament emphasis that true salvation is not merely a cognitive assent to facts, but a transformative indwelling of Christ by the Holy Spirit, leading to a changed life. This self-examination is not meant to foster doubt or insecurity in the believer, but rather to cultivate a healthy assurance grounded in the verifiable presence and work of God within. It calls for an honest assessment of whether one's life bears the fruit of the Spirit and reflects the character of Christ, serving as a safeguard against spiritual complacency or self-deception. The "reprobate" warning highlights the reality that not all who profess faith genuinely possess it, emphasizing the critical distinction between outward appearance and inward reality.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"): The "fruit of the Spirit" provides tangible evidence of Christ's indwelling presence, serving as a key indicator during self-examination.
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead"): James's teaching on faith and works reinforces that genuine faith is active and evidenced by deeds, not merely intellectual belief.
* [1 John 3:24](/1_john/3-24 "1 John 3:24 - Living in Him"): This verse affirms that we know Christ dwells in us by the Spirit He has given us, providing internal assurance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 13:5 serves as an enduring and vital call to spiritual introspection for every believer. In an age where outward religious expression can sometimes overshadow inward transformation, Paul's command urges us to look beyond superficialities and honestly assess the depth and authenticity of our relationship with Christ. This is not an exercise in earning salvation or generating self-doubt, but rather a healthy spiritual discipline designed to cultivate assurance, identify areas for growth, and ensure our lives genuinely reflect the Lord we claim to follow. It compels us to ask: Is Christ truly the Lord of my life, or merely a part of it? Does my character, my choices, and my affections bear witness to His indwelling presence? This ongoing self-assessment, guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, is crucial for maintaining spiritual vitality, guarding against hypocrisy, and living a life that truly honors God. It reminds us that the greatest evidence of our faith is not our words, but the living reality of Christ within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life (thoughts, words, actions, motives) need the most honest self-examination right now?**
* **How does the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) manifest or fall short in my daily life, indicating Christ's presence?**
* **Am I relying on external religious activities or the genuine, transformative power of Christ's indwelling Spirit for my assurance of salvation?**
* **What steps can I take to more intentionally "prove" my faith through obedience and a deeper relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith"?**

Answer: To "examine yourselves" means to conduct a thorough, honest, and objective spiritual self-assessment. It's like testing a metal for purity. Paul is urging believers to scrutinize their lives, motives, and actions to determine if their faith is genuine and active, or merely a superficial profession. The purpose is not to create doubt, but to confirm the reality of their salvation and the transformative presence of Christ within them, ensuring they are truly "in the faith," which signifies a state of being genuinely saved and united with Christ.

**What does "reprobates" mean in this context?**

Answer: The term "reprobates" (Greek: _adókimos_) refers to those who have been tested and found to be disapproved, rejected, or worthless. It is the opposite of being "approved" or "genuine." In the context of [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves"), it refers to individuals who claim to be believers but, upon spiritual examination, lack the essential evidence of Jesus Christ's indwelling presence. They are spiritually counterfeit, having failed the ultimate test of authentic faith. This is a severe warning against self-deception and superficial Christianity.

**Is this verse suggesting that salvation can be lost or is based on works?**

Answer: This verse is not primarily about losing salvation, but about discerning its authenticity. Paul is not advocating for salvation by works, but for works (or fruit) as evidence of genuine salvation. The indwelling of Jesus Christ (through the Holy Spirit) is the core proof. True faith, by its very nature, is living and transformative, producing fruit consistent with Christ's presence. If there is no evidence of Christ's presence, the issue is not a loss of salvation, but rather whether true salvation was ever present to begin with. The warning is for those who might have a false assurance or a superficial understanding of what it means to be "in the faith." As [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") clearly states, salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. However, genuine faith will inevitably lead to a transformed life and the presence of the Spirit, as seen in [Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - God's Grace Teaches Us").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 13:5, while a command for self-examination, is profoundly Christ-centered in its ultimate fulfillment. The very standard and evidence of genuine faith is the indwelling of "Jesus Christ in you." This points directly to the finished work of Christ on the cross, which made it possible for humanity to be reconciled to God and for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, to indwell believers. Our ability to be "in the faith" is not a result of our own merit or effort, but a gracious gift secured by Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, as [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") powerfully declares. Furthermore, the indwelling Christ is not a passive presence but an active, transforming power, conforming believers into His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Therefore, when we examine ourselves, we are not looking for our own perfection, but for the evidence of Christ's life, character, and power working within us. He is the object of our faith, the source of our new life, and the ultimate standard by which we are approved, ensuring that our faith is not "reprobate" but truly reflects the saving and sanctifying work of the Son of God. He is the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), and our self-examination ultimately leads us back to Him.

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

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

1 Corinthians 11:28

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

Psalms 139:23

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psalms 139:24

And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Galatians 6:4

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.