2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Original Language Analysis
Τρίτον
is the third
G5154
Τρίτον
is the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
1 of 14
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ἔρχομαι
time I am coming
G2064
ἔρχομαι
time I am coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἐπὶ
In
G1909
ἐπὶ
In
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
7 of 14
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
μαρτύρων
witnesses
G3144
μαρτύρων
witnesses
Strong's:
G3144
Word #:
9 of 14
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
καὶ
or
G2532
καὶ
or
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 18:16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.Deuteronomy 19:15One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.Deuteronomy 17:6At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.Numbers 35:30Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.1 Kings 21:10And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.
Historical Context
Paul's relationship with Corinth was tumultuous. His first visit established the church (Acts 18), a second "painful visit" addressed serious sin (2 Cor 2:1), and now this third visit approaches. The Corinthian church struggled with factionalism, sexual immorality, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, necessitating this final confrontation with judicial authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's appeal to 'two or three witnesses' demonstrate the biblical pattern for church discipline?
- What does Paul's persistence in visiting Corinth despite opposition teach about pastoral care?
- How should church leaders today balance patience with accountability when addressing persistent sin?
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Analysis & Commentary
This is the third time I am coming to you—Paul announces his impending third visit to Corinth, invoking the legal principle from Deuteronomy 19:15 that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. The Greek martyrōn (μαρτύρων, "witnesses") establishes judicial authority. Paul frames his apostolic visits themselves as witnesses against persistent sin—each visit providing testimony requiring action.
The threefold pattern echoes Christ's three predictions of His death and Peter's three denials, suggesting both judgment and restoration. Paul's application of Torah legal standards to church discipline demonstrates continuity between Old and New Covenant authority structures, with apostolic authority carrying judicial weight comparable to Mosaic courts.