2 Corinthians 7:3

KJV

I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].

KJV (with Strong's)

I speak {G3004} not {G3756} this to {G4314} condemn {G2633} you: for {G1063} I have said before {G4280}, that {G3754} ye are {G2075} in {G1722} our {G2257} hearts {G2588} to {G1519} die {G4880} and {G2532} live with {G4800} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am not saying this to put blame on you, for I have already said that you have a place in our hearts, whether we live together or die together;

Berean Standard Bible

I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.

American Standard Version

I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 7:3, the Apostle Paul reassures the Corinthian believers that his previous stern communication was not intended to condemn them, but rather stemmed from a profound and unwavering love. He emphasizes that their relationship is so deeply rooted in his affections that he considers them an inseparable part of his life, willing to share in their ultimate destiny, whether in life or in death. This verse powerfully conveys Paul's pastoral heart, his commitment to reconciliation, and the unbreakable bond he shares with the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, a letter deeply marked by tension, sorrow, and ultimately, reconciliation. Following a period of significant conflict and a "severe letter" (likely referenced in [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's tears and love") and [2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "2 Corinthians 7:8 - Paul's sorrowful letter")), Paul has just expressed his immense relief and joy upon hearing from Titus that the Corinthians had responded with godly sorrow and repentance ([2 Corinthians 7:5-7](/2_corinthians/7-5-7 "2 Corinthians 7:5-7 - Titus's good news from Corinth")). Verse 3 serves as a tender affirmation of his enduring love and commitment, clarifying his past motivations. It directly follows Paul's declaration of having "opened our hearts wide to you" in [2 Corinthians 6:11](/2_corinthians/6-11 "2 Corinthians 6:11 - Paul's open heart"), reinforcing the depth of his affection and transparency. The immediate context is Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and his deep concern for the spiritual purity and well-being of the Corinthian church, culminating in a powerful call for reconciliation and holiness throughout [2 Corinthians 6-7](/2_corinthians/6-7 "2 Corinthians 6-7 - Paul's appeal for reconciliation and holiness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious influences. The Corinthian church, though gifted, struggled with internal divisions, moral issues, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul's relationship with them was complex, marked by both deep affection and necessary confrontation. His previous letter (1 Corinthians) and subsequent visits or letters had addressed these issues, often with strong words. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and public speaking were highly valued, and Paul's communication style, though rooted in divine truth, was sometimes misinterpreted or criticized. The concept of "friendship" (philia) in this culture often involved profound loyalty and shared destiny, which Paul's words "to die and live with you" would have resonated with, indicating a bond far stronger than mere acquaintance, akin to a familial tie or profound patronage. His words here are a crucial step in rebuilding trust and ensuring that his pastoral discipline was understood as love, not condemnation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Integrity and Love**, demonstrating that Paul's firm words were always motivated by genuine love for the Corinthians, not by a desire to condemn or control. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Reconciliation and Restoration**, as Paul's reassurance is vital for healing the fractured relationship between him and the church, moving past past hurts towards renewed trust. Thirdly, the phrase "ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you]" speaks to **Profound Solidarity and Shared Destiny**, portraying a bond so deep that Paul is willing to share their ultimate fate, whether in suffering or triumph. This reflects the deep commitment expected within the Christian community, echoing themes of unity and mutual support found throughout Paul's epistles, such as his longing to impart his own soul to the Thessalonians in [1 Thessalonians 2:8](/1_thessalonians/2-8 "1 Thessalonians 2:8 - Paul's longing to impart his own soul"). Finally, it touches on the nature of **Godly Sorrow and Repentance**, as Paul's non-condemnatory stance, coupled with his strong exhortations, led to the Corinthians' "godly sorrow that leads to salvation without regret" ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow leads to repentance")), confirming that his purpose was always their spiritual health.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **condemn (Greek, _katákrisis'_):** (G2633) This word signifies a formal sentencing against someone, a judicial pronouncement of guilt or adverse judgment. Paul explicitly states that his intention was not to issue a damning verdict or to permanently separate them from God's grace or his own affection. His aim was restorative, not punitive in a final sense.
* **hearts (Greek, _kardía'_):** (G2588) More than just the physical organ, "heart" in biblical thought (a Hebraism adopted into Greek) represents the very core of a person's being—the seat of their intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. When Paul says the Corinthians are "in our hearts," he is conveying that they are deeply embedded in his innermost affections, thoughts, and intentions, signifying an intimate and inseparable bond.
* **to die and live with (Greek, _synapothnḗskō'_ and _syzáō'_):** (G4880 and G4800) These two verbs, used in conjunction, express the ultimate form of solidarity and shared destiny. _Synapothnḗskō_ means "to die with," implying a willingness to share in suffering, persecution, or even martyrdom. _Syzáō_ means "to live with," indicating a desire to share in their triumphs, joys, and spiritual vitality. Together, they convey a profound, unbreakable commitment to endure all circumstances—good or bad, life or death—alongside the Corinthians, reflecting an unparalleled depth of love and loyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I speak not [this] to condemn [you]:"** Paul clarifies the true intent behind his previous, perhaps harsh, words. He assures them that his communication, though it may have caused sorrow, was never meant to pronounce a final, damning judgment upon them. Instead, it was an act of pastoral love aimed at their spiritual well-being and repentance.
* **"for I have said before,"** This phrase refers to Paul's consistent and previously stated declarations of his deep affection and commitment to the Corinthians. It serves as a reminder that his current reassurance is not a new sentiment, but a reiteration of a foundational truth about their relationship, underscoring his sincerity and unwavering love.
* **"that ye are in our hearts"** This powerful declaration emphasizes the profound intimacy and affection Paul holds for the Corinthians. It means they occupy a central, cherished place in his innermost being, signifying that his thoughts, emotions, and intentions towards them are rooted in love and care, not in malice or detachment.
* **"to die and live with [you]."** This climactic statement expresses the ultimate degree of solidarity and commitment. Paul is conveying his willingness to share fully in their experiences, whether they face hardship and persecution (to die with them) or experience joy and spiritual flourishing (to live with them). It signifies an unbreakable bond and a shared destiny, demonstrating a love that transcends circumstances and is willing to endure all things for their sake.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 7:3 are rich with rhetorical and literary power. The verse employs **Antithesis** by contrasting his true intention ("not to condemn you") with a potential misinterpretation of his previous severity, highlighting his genuine pastoral heart. The phrase "ye are in our hearts" functions as a powerful **Idiom** (specifically a Hebraism), conveying deep affection and an intimate, inseparable connection, far beyond mere intellectual assent. The subsequent declaration, "to die and live with [you]," is another profound **Idiom**, expressing the ultimate form of solidarity and shared destiny. This vivid language serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme depth of Paul's commitment and love, ensuring the Corinthians grasp the intensity of his bond with them. The direct address to "you" also exemplifies **Apostrophe**, drawing the recipients into a personal and intimate conversation with the apostle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's profound declaration of love and solidarity in 2 Corinthians 7:3 offers a powerful theological reflection on the nature of divine and human relationships within the covenant community. It mirrors God's own character, who, despite humanity's sin, "did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ came not to condemn")). Paul's pastoral heart, willing to confront for the sake of restoration rather than condemnation, exemplifies biblical discipline rooted in love, not punitive judgment. This verse also underscores the New Testament's emphasis on the deep, sacrificial commitment believers are called to have for one another within the body of Christ, a bond so strong that it transcends personal comfort and even the threat of suffering or death. It speaks to the reality of Christian fellowship as a shared journey, where believers are truly "members one of another," bearing each other's burdens and sharing in both joys and sorrows.

* [Philippians 1:7](/philippians/1-7 "Philippians 1:7 - Paul's affection for the Philippians"): "It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel."
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's unbreakable love"): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this"): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's heartfelt words in 2 Corinthians 7:3 provide a profound model for Christian relationships, leadership, and the very essence of community. For believers today, this verse challenges us to cultivate a love that is not only affectionate but also deeply committed and restorative. It reminds us that our interactions, even when corrective or challenging, should always be motivated by a desire for the other person's spiritual flourishing, not by a spirit of judgment or condemnation. In a world often quick to criticize and dismiss, Paul's example calls us to extend grace and understanding, seeking reconciliation over alienation. Furthermore, the concept of being "in our hearts to die and live with you" urges us towards radical solidarity within the church, where we are willing to share authentically in the burdens and triumphs of our brothers and sisters, fostering a community where no one walks alone. This kind of genuine, sacrificial love builds trust, heals wounds, and strengthens the bonds of fellowship, enabling the body of Christ to thrive even amidst challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I ensure that my words and actions, especially when challenging others, are always rooted in love and a desire for restoration rather than condemnation?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate the kind of "die and live with" solidarity that Paul describes within my own Christian community or relationships?**
* **How do I typically respond when I receive correction or discipline, and how can Paul's example help me to understand such input as an act of love rather than judgment?**

### FAQ
**What does "to die and live with you" truly mean in this context?**
Answer: This powerful phrase is an idiom expressing the ultimate degree of solidarity and commitment. It does not necessarily mean Paul literally intended to die physically with the Corinthians, but rather that his life and destiny were so intertwined with theirs that he was willing to share in all their experiences, no matter how difficult or joyful. It signifies an unbreakable bond, a readiness to endure hardship, suffering, and even persecution alongside them ("to die with"), and conversely, a desire to share in their spiritual flourishing, triumphs, and joys ("to live with"). It is a declaration of unwavering loyalty and a testament to his profound, sacrificial love for them, reflecting the depth of his apostolic commitment to their well-being, even to the point of personal cost, as he often recounted his sufferings for the churches (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's sufferings for Christ")).

**Was Paul's earlier communication truly "condemnatory"?**
Answer: Paul explicitly states, "I speak not [this] to condemn [you]," indicating that while his previous words were severe and caused sorrow, their ultimate intent was not condemnation but conviction leading to repentance and restoration. In [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's tears and love"), he mentions writing "out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears," not to make them grieve, but to let them know the "love that I have so abundantly for you." The sorrow they experienced was "godly sorrow," which, as Paul explains in [2 Corinthians 7:9-10](/2_corinthians/7-9-10 "2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - Godly sorrow leading to repentance"), "produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret." Therefore, his words were a necessary, loving, and effective form of pastoral discipline, not a final pronouncement of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's declaration of non-condemnation and profound solidarity in 2 Corinthians 7:3 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul's heart was set on the restoration of the Corinthians, not their condemnation, so too did God send His Son "not to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ came not to condemn")). Christ's entire mission was an act of divine solidarity, a willingness to "die and live with" humanity in the most profound sense. He, being in very nature God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's humility and obedience")). He fully entered into our human condition, experiencing our temptations, sorrows, and ultimately, our death, bearing the condemnation that was rightfully ours on the cross. His resurrection then represents the "living with us," a promise of new life and eternal fellowship for all who believe. He is our sympathetic High Priest who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ our sympathetic High Priest")), demonstrating the ultimate "die and live with" commitment, securing our salvation and inviting us into an unbreakable union with Him, a bond far deeper than any human relationship.

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 6:11

¶ O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

2 Corinthians 6:12

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Philippians 1:8

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

2 Corinthians 3:2

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.