2 Corinthians 13:10 “This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am prese…”

2 Corinthians 13:10

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

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.

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.

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore write I these thinges being absent, least when I am present, I should vse sharpenesse, according to the power which the Lord hath giuen mee, to edification, and not to destruction.

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.

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.

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.

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Cross references

“I write”

2 Corinthians 2:3 2 Corinthians 10:2 1 Corinthians 4:21 2 Corinthians 12:20 2 Corinthians 12:21

2 Corinthians 2:3 · BSB

I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.

2 Corinthians 10:2 · BSB

I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.

1 Corinthians 4:21 · BSB

Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

2 Corinthians 12:20 · BSB

For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

2 Corinthians 12:21 · BSB

I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

“lest”

Titus 1:13 2 Corinthians 13:8 2 Corinthians 13:2

Titus 1:13 · BSB

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith

2 Corinthians 13:8 · BSB

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

2 Corinthians 13:2 · BSB

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,

“according”

2 Corinthians 10:8

2 Corinthians 10:8 · BSB

For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Read 2 Corinthians 13