2 Corinthians 13:6

KJV

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I trust {G1679} that {G3754} ye shall know {G1097} that {G3754} we {G2249} are {G2070} not {G3756} reprobates {G96}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I hope you will realize that we are not failures.

Berean Standard Bible

And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.

American Standard Version

But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:6, Paul expresses his confident expectation that the Corinthian believers, upon examining themselves and confirming their genuine faith in Christ, will consequently recognize that he and his apostolic team are not "reprobates"—that is, not disapproved or rejected by God. This statement serves as a crucial point in Paul's defense of his legitimate ministry, asserting that their spiritual health is intrinsically linked to their ability to discern his authentic authority, contrasting his approved status with the potential spiritual deficiency of those who doubted him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply intertwined with the immediate preceding verse, [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves"), where Paul issues a direct and challenging command to the Corinthians: "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?" Paul's logic is clear: if they genuinely examine themselves and find Christ dwelling within them (confirming their true faith), then it will become evident that Paul and his associates are not "reprobates." This forms a powerful rhetorical strategy, linking the Corinthians' spiritual discernment of their own standing to their recognition of Paul's authentic apostleship and ministry, which had been questioned by some within the church. The verse also serves as a climactic statement in Paul's defense of his authority throughout [2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10-13 - Paul's Defense of His Apostleship"), as he prepares for a third, potentially confrontational, visit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex and often problematic community, marked by internal divisions, moral issues, and a significant challenge to Paul's apostolic authority. False apostles, often characterized by their eloquent speech, impressive credentials, and worldly wisdom, had infiltrated Corinth and undermined Paul's ministry. They criticized Paul's perceived weakness, lack of oratorical skill, and refusal to accept financial support, contrasting him with their own self-proclaimed superiority. Paul's letters to Corinth, especially [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians"), are a passionate defense of his legitimate, Spirit-empowered ministry against these detractors. The term "reprobate" (Greek: _adókimos_) carries significant cultural weight, drawing from ancient practices of testing. It was used for metals that failed to pass the refiner's test (proving impure), coins that were counterfeit or debased (and thus rejected), or candidates who failed an examination for office or service. This background underscores the gravity of being found "disapproved" or "unfit."
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 13:6](/2_corinthians/13-6 "2 Corinthians 13:6 - Paul's Trust in the Corinthians' Discernment") contributes to several overarching themes in the letter and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Vindication and Authority**. Paul's earnest desire is for his genuine ministry, which he believes is empowered by God, to be recognized and for the Corinthians to acknowledge the divine authority behind his teachings, rather than judging him by worldly standards. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Spiritual Discernment and Authenticity of Faith**. Paul asserts a reciprocal relationship: if the Corinthians are truly "in the faith" (as he urges them to examine in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves")), they will possess the spiritual insight to recognize Paul as an approved servant of Christ, not a "reprobate." This underscores the importance of a believer's spiritual maturity in discerning true leadership. Finally, the concept of **Divine Approval and Disapproval** is central. The grave implication of being _adókimos_ (reprobate/disapproved) serves as a stark contrast to Paul's confident assertion that he and his team are approved by God, thereby challenging the Corinthians to consider the true standard of spiritual legitimacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Greek, _elpízō'_):** From G1679, meaning "to expect or confide." Paul's use of "trust" here is not a mere wishful hope but a confident expectation and conviction. He is not expressing uncertainty but a strong assurance that the Corinthians, if they are truly in the faith, will come to the correct conclusion about his apostleship. It reflects his pastoral confidence in their spiritual growth, despite their past failings.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications." This is not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. Paul expects the Corinthians to come to a settled, experiential recognition of his authenticity, a knowledge that stems from their own spiritual reality and discernment.
* **reprobates (Greek, _adókimos'_):** From G96, meaning "unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)." This is the pivotal term. It signifies something that has been tested and found wanting, failing to meet the standard. In a spiritual context, it means being disapproved by God, found unfit for service or salvation. Paul's confident assertion is that he and his fellow apostles are definitely not in this category; they have passed God's test and are approved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I trust":** Paul begins with a strong affirmation of his confident expectation. "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a mild contrast or continuation, indicating that despite the challenging nature of his previous statements (especially the call to self-examination in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves")), he holds a firm conviction about the outcome. His "trust" (G1679, _elpízō_) is a settled assurance, not a mere hope against hope.
* **"that ye shall know":** This clause expresses the desired and expected result of the Corinthians' self-examination. The "knowing" (G1097, _ginṓskō_) is not superficial but a deep, experiential recognition. Paul anticipates that their spiritual maturity will lead them to a clear understanding of the truth concerning his ministry.
* **"that we are not reprobates":** This is the core assertion and the object of Paul's trust and their expected knowledge. "We" (G2249, _hēmeîs_) is emphatic, referring to Paul and his apostolic companions. The declaration "are not reprobates" (G2070, _esmén_ G3756, _ou_ G96, _adókimos_) directly refutes the accusations of his detractors. It means they are not disapproved, rejected, or found wanting by God. Paul is confident that their ministry, though perhaps lacking in worldly appeal, stands approved in God's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** in this verse, setting up a clear distinction between himself and his team as "not reprobates" and the implied possibility that those who question him, or fail to examine themselves, might indeed be "reprobates" (as hinted in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves")). There's a subtle **Irony** at play: Paul is essentially telling the Corinthians that if they are truly approved by Christ, they will recognize that he is also approved. If they cannot recognize his authenticity, it may reveal something about their own spiritual standing. The verse also functions as a powerful **Apostolic Appeal and Vindication**, serving as Paul's final, confident assertion of his legitimate authority and the divine backing of his ministry, aiming to silence his critics and restore the church's trust in him before his arrival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 13:6](/2_corinthians/13-6 "2 Corinthians 13:6 - Paul's Trust in the Corinthians' Discernment") profoundly connects to the biblical theme of divine approval and the testing of faith. The concept of being "reprobate" (Greek: _adókimos_) underscores that not all who claim faith or ministry are genuinely approved by God. God's standard is not human eloquence, worldly wisdom, or outward show, but faithfulness, integrity, and the genuine working of the Holy Spirit. Paul's confidence that he is "not reprobate" is rooted in his conviction that his ministry faithfully represents Christ and has been attested by divine power, even through weakness. This challenges believers to seek God's approval above all else, recognizing that true spiritual authority is validated by God's presence and power, not by human accolades or self-promotion.

* [1 Corinthians 9:27](/1_corinthians/9-27 "Paul's Discipline and Fear of Being Disapproved")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "A Reprobate Mind")
* [Titus 1:16](/titus/1-16 "Professing God but Denying Him by Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 13:6](/2_corinthians/13-6 "2 Corinthians 13:6 - Paul's Trust in the Corinthians' Discernment"), in conjunction with the preceding verse, issues a timeless call to profound spiritual introspection for every believer. We are challenged to move beyond superficial faith and engage in honest self-examination: Is Christ truly living in me? Am I genuinely "in the faith," or merely going through religious motions? This deep self-assessment is not for condemnation but for assurance and growth, enabling us to discern not only our own spiritual health but also the authenticity of spiritual leadership around us. A mature believer, grounded in Christ, will be better equipped to recognize true servants of God, whose lives and ministries bear the fruit of the Spirit, even if they appear "weak" by worldly standards. Ultimately, this verse reminds us of the paramount importance of living a life that consistently seeks and receives God's approval, rather than the fleeting praise of people. Our actions, motives, and character should stand the test of His scrutiny, reflecting the transforming presence of Christ within us, so that we too may be found "not reprobates," but approved unto God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my own spiritual self-examination, as urged in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves"), impact my ability to discern true spiritual leadership and teaching in the church today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be living in a way that, if tested, might be found "disapproved" by God, and what steps can I take to align my life more fully with His will and seek His approval?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know" Christ experientially, and how does that deep, personal knowledge manifest in my daily decisions, relationships, and service?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be a "reprobate" in the biblical sense?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, particularly as used in [2 Corinthians 13:6](/2_corinthians/13-6 "2 Corinthians 13:6 - Paul's Trust in the Corinthians' Discernment") and other New Testament passages, "reprobate" (Greek: _adókimos_) means "unapproved," "rejected," or "disqualified." It describes something or someone that has been tested and found wanting, failing to meet the required standard. This term was commonly used in ancient contexts for metals that were found to be impure after refining, coins that were counterfeit or debased, or candidates who failed an examination. Spiritually, being "reprobate" signifies being disapproved by God, having failed His test of genuine faith or moral integrity. This can refer to those who profess faith but whose lives do not bear true fruit ([Titus 1:16](/titus/1-16 "Titus 1:16 - Professing God but Denying Him by Works")), or even those whom God has given over to a depraved mind due to their persistent rejection of Him ([Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - A Reprobate Mind")). It implies a state of being spiritually worthless or unfit in God's eyes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The concept of being "not reprobate" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. While Paul confidently asserts his own approved status, this approval is not based on his own merit but on his union with Christ and the power of Christ working through him. Jesus Himself is the perfectly "approved" one, the Son in whom the Father is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). He passed every test, resisted every temptation, and perfectly fulfilled God's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). For believers, our status as "not reprobates" is not earned through our own performance but is a gracious gift received through faith in Christ. We are declared righteous and "accepted in the Beloved" ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")) because Christ lives in us ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")). Our spiritual authenticity and approval before God are entirely dependent on His perfect work, which makes us holy and blameless in His sight ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Holy and Blameless Before Him")). Thus, Paul's trust that the Corinthians would know he was not reprobate was ultimately a trust that they would recognize the Christ who empowered his ministry, the same Christ who validates their own faith.

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 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 13:3

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

2 Corinthians 13:10

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.