Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, August 3rd, 2025
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
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New Life Version
2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I am writing these things while I am away from you. Then when I get there, I will not have to use strong words or punish you to show you that the Lord gives me this power. This power is to be used to make you stronger Christians, not to make you weak by hurting your faith.
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Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
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- EveryParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
King James Version (1611)
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should vse sharpnesse, according to the power which the Lord hath giuen me to edification, and not to destruction.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should vse sharpnesse, according to the power which the Lord hath giuen me to edification, and not to destruction.
King James Version
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.
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.
English Standard Version
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
New American Standard Bible
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
New Century Version
I am writing this while I am away from you so that when I come I will not have to be harsh in my use of authority. The Lord gave me this authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
I am writing this while I am away from you so that when I come I will not have to be harsh in my use of authority. The Lord gave me this authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
Amplified Bible
For this reason I am writing these things while absent from you, so that when I come, I will not need to deal severely [with you], in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be used] for building you up and not for tearing you down.
For this reason I am writing these things while absent from you, so that when I come, I will not need to deal severely [with you], in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be used] for building you up and not for tearing you down.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
Legacy Standard Bible
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
Berean Standard Bible
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Contemporary English Version
I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority that the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so that I could help you and not destroy you.
I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority that the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so that I could help you and not destroy you.
Complete Jewish Bible
I write these things while away from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to use my authority to deal sharply with you, for the Lord gave it to me for building up and not for tearing down.
I write these things while away from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to use my authority to deal sharply with you, for the Lord gave it to me for building up and not for tearing down.
Darby Translation
On this account I write these things being absent, that being present I may not use severity according to the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for overthrowing.
On this account I write these things being absent, that being present I may not use severity according to the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for overthrowing.
Easy-to-Read Version
I'm writing this before I come so that when I am there I will not have to use my authority to punish you. The Lord gave me that authority to make you stronger, not to destroy you.
I'm writing this before I come so that when I am there I will not have to use my authority to punish you. The Lord gave me that authority to make you stronger, not to destroy you.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Therefore write I these thinges being absent, least when I am present, I should vse sharpenesse, according to the power which the Lorde hath giuen mee, to edification, and not to destruction.
Therefore write I these thinges being absent, least when I am present, I should vse sharpenesse, according to the power which the Lorde hath giuen mee, to edification, and not to destruction.
George Lamsa Translation
Therefore I write these things while I am far away, so that when I come, I need not deal harshly with you, according to the authority which my LORD has given me, which is for your edification and not for your destruction.
Therefore I write these things while I am far away, so that when I come, I need not deal harshly with you, according to the authority which my LORD has given me, which is for your edification and not for your destruction.
Good News Translation
That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me—authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me—authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
Lexham English Bible
Because of this, I am writing these things although I am absent, in order that when I am present I may not have to act severely according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Because of this, I am writing these things although I am absent, in order that when I am present I may not have to act severely according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Literal Translation
Because of this, I write these things while absent, that being present I may not deal sharply with you according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for pulling down.
Because of this, I write these things while absent, that being present I may not deal sharply with you according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for pulling down.
American Standard Version
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
Bible in Basic English
For this cause I am writing these things while I am away, so that there may be need for me, when I am present, to make use of sharp measures, by the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for destruction.
For this cause I am writing these things while I am away, so that there may be need for me, when I am present, to make use of sharp measures, by the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for destruction.
Hebrew Names Version
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
International Standard Version
For this reason I am writing this while I am away from you: When I come I do not want to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me to build you up and not to tear you down.1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 12:20-21; Titus 1:13;">[xr]
For this reason I am writing this while I am away from you: When I come I do not want to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me to build you up and not to tear you down.1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 12:20-21; Titus 1:13;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
Therefore while distant I write these (things), that when I am come I may not act severely, according to the power which my Lord hath given me for your edification, and not for your destruction.
Therefore while distant I write these (things), that when I am come I may not act severely, according to the power which my Lord hath given me for your edification, and not for your destruction.
Murdock Translation
Therefore, while absent, I write these things; lest when I come, I should act with rigor, according to the authority which my Lord hath given me for your edification, and not for your destruction.
Therefore, while absent, I write these things; lest when I come, I should act with rigor, according to the authority which my Lord hath given me for your edification, and not for your destruction.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Therfore write I these thynges beyng absent, lest when I am present, I should vse sharpenesse, accordyng to the power which the Lorde hath geuen me to edification, and not to destruction.
Therfore write I these thynges beyng absent, lest when I am present, I should vse sharpenesse, accordyng to the power which the Lorde hath geuen me to edification, and not to destruction.
English Revised Version
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
World English Bible
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me, for edification, and not for destruction.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me, for edification, and not for destruction.
Weymouth's New Testament
For this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.
For this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Therfor Y absent write these thingis, that Y present do not hardere, bi the powere, which the Lord yaf to me in to edificacioun, and not in to youre distruccioun.
Therfor Y absent write these thingis, that Y present do not hardere, bi the powere, which the Lord yaf to me in to edificacioun, and not in to youre distruccioun.
Update Bible Version
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
Webster's Bible Translation
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.
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.
New English Translation
Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority—the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!
Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority—the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!
New King James Version
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
New Living Translation
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.
New Revised Standard
So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
For this cause, these things, while absent, am I writing, that I may not, when present, deal sharply - according to the authority which, the Lord, hath given me, for building up and not for pulling down.
For this cause, these things, while absent, am I writing, that I may not, when present, deal sharply - according to the authority which, the Lord, hath given me, for building up and not for pulling down.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.
Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.
Revised Standard Version
I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Therfore write I these thinges beynge absent lest when I am present I shuld vse sharpenes accordinge to the power which the Lorde hath geven me to edifie and not to destroye.
Therfore write I these thinges beynge absent lest when I am present I shuld vse sharpenes accordinge to the power which the Lorde hath geven me to edifie and not to destroye.
Young's Literal Translation
because of this, these things -- being absent -- I write, that being present, I may not treat [any] sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.
because of this, these things -- being absent -- I write, that being present, I may not treat [any] sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Therfore wryte I these thinges beynge absent, lest wha I am present, I shulde vse sharpnesse, acordinge to the power which the LORDE hath geue me to edifye, and not to destroye.
Therfore wryte I these thinges beynge absent, lest wha I am present, I shulde vse sharpnesse, acordinge to the power which the LORDE hath geue me to edifye, and not to destroye.
Mace New Testament (1729)
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
THE MESSAGE
I'm writing this to you now so that when I come I won't have to say another word on the subject. The authority the Master gave me is for putting people together, not taking them apart. I want to get on with it, and not have to spend time on reprimands.
I'm writing this to you now so that when I come I won't have to say another word on the subject. The authority the Master gave me is for putting people together, not taking them apart. I want to get on with it, and not have to spend time on reprimands.
Simplified Cowboy Version
Again, I'm writing all of this before I get there so y'all will have time to fix things. I don't want to get there and immediately start punishing people. I have the authority, but I want to use it to make you better cowboys, not tear you down. But the choice is yours, not mine.
Again, I'm writing all of this before I get there so y'all will have time to fix things. I don't want to get there and immediately start punishing people. I have the authority, but I want to use it to make you better cowboys, not tear you down. But the choice is yours, not mine.
Contextual Overview
7 We pray to God that you do no wrong. We do not pray this to show that our teaching is so great, but that you will keep on doing what is right, even if it looks as if we have done much wrong. 8 We cannot work against the truth of God. We only work for it. 9 We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. We pray that you will become strong Christians. 10 This is why I am writing these things while I am away from you. Then when I get there, I will not have to use strong words or punish you to show you that the Lord gives me this power. This power is to be used to make you stronger Christians, not to make you weak by hurting your faith.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
I write: 2 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 10:2, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 12:21, 1 Corinthians 4:21
lest: 2 Corinthians 13:2, 2 Corinthians 13:8, Titus 1:13
according: 2 Corinthians 10:8
Reciprocal: Acts 5:5 - hearing Acts 9:31 - were edified 1 Corinthians 5:4 - when 1 Corinthians 5:5 - deliver 1 Corinthians 9:3 - them 1 Corinthians 14:26 - Let 2 Corinthians 1:23 - that 2 Corinthians 2:1 - that 2 Corinthians 2:6 - which 2 Corinthians 7:3 - to condemn 2 Corinthians 10:6 - in 2 Corinthians 10:11 - such 2 Corinthians 11:21 - as though 2 Corinthians 12:19 - but 2 Corinthians 13:6 - General Galatians 5:10 - bear 1 Thessalonians 2:6 - when 2 Thessalonians 3:15 - count 1 Timothy 1:20 - I have
Cross-References
Genesis 3:6
The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasing to the eyes, and could fill the desire of making one wise. So she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, and he ate.
The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasing to the eyes, and could fill the desire of making one wise. So she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, and he ate.
Genesis 6:2
the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful. And they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.
the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful. And they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.
Genesis 13:1
So Abram left Egypt and went to the Negev, with his wife and all that belonged to him. And Lot went with him.
So Abram left Egypt and went to the Negev, with his wife and all that belonged to him. And Lot went with him.
Genesis 13:8
So Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no fighting between you and me or between the men who take care of our animals, for we are brothers.
So Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no fighting between you and me or between the men who take care of our animals, for we are brothers.
Genesis 13:10
Lot looked and saw that the Jordan valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Lot looked and saw that the Jordan valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Genesis 13:15
For I will give all the land that you see to you and to your children and to your children's children forever.
For I will give all the land that you see to you and to your children and to your children's children forever.
Genesis 13:16
I will make your family after you like the dust of the earth. So if anyone could number the dust of the earth, then he could number your children's children.
I will make your family after you like the dust of the earth. So if anyone could number the dust of the earth, then he could number your children's children.
Genesis 13:17
Rise up and walk far and wide upon the land. For I will give it to you."
Rise up and walk far and wide upon the land. For I will give it to you."
Genesis 14:2
that they made war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
that they made war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
Genesis 14:8
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined in war against them in the valley of Siddim.
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined in war against them in the valley of Siddim.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Therefore I write these things being absent,.... Assuring them of his power and authority, expressing his concern for their welfare, earnestly desiring that they might be kept from evil, and perform good works; and that they might be in a more honourable, orderly, and comfortable situation, whilst he was absent from them, and before he came among them:
lest, being present, I should use sharpness; meaning severe reproofs and censures, or rather the exercise of the apostolic rod:
according to the power the Lord haft given me, to edification, and not to destruction; by striking persons dead, as Ananias and Sapphira were by Peter; or by delivering them up to Satan to have corporeal punishment inflicted on them, as were Hymenaeus and Philetus, and the incestuous person by the Apostle Paul; which, though it was for the destruction of the flesh, yet for the salvation of their souls, and for the good, use, and edification of the rest of the society, that they might take warning thereby, and shun the evils which were the occasion of such severity.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Therefore I write these things ... - This is a kind of apology for what he had said, and especially for the apparently harsh language which he had felt himself constrained to use. He had reproved them; he had admonished them of their faults; he had threatened punishment, all of which was designed to prevent the necessity of severe measures when he should be with them.
Lest being present I should use sharpness - In order that when I come I may not have occasion to employ severity; see the sentiment explained in the note on 2 Corinthians 10:2.
According to the power ... - That I may not use the power with which Christ has invested me for maintaining discipline in his church. The same form of expression is found in 2 Corinthians 10:8; see the note on that place.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 2 Corinthians 13:10. Therefore I write these things — I only threaten you now, by this epistle, to put you on your guard, and lead you to reformation before I visit you that I may not then have to use sharpness, αποτομια, a cutting off, employing thus my apostolical authority to inflict punishment; a power which God has given me, rather to be employed in your edification than in your destruction.
