2 Corinthians 13:10

Authorized 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὰ
G1223
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#2
τοῦτο
G5124
Therefore
that thing
#3
ταῦτα
G5023
these things
these things
#4
ἀπὼν
G548
being absent
to be away
#5
γράφω
G1125
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#6
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#7
παρὼν
G3918
being present
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
#8
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
ἀποτόμως
G664
sharpness
abruptly, i.e., peremptorily
#10
χρήσωμαι
G5530
I should use
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
#11
κατὰ
G2596
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#12
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
to the power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#14
ἣν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
ἔδωκέν
G1325
hath given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#16
μοι
G3427
me
to me
#17
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
κύριος
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#19
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
οἰκοδομὴν
G3619
edification
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#23
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#24
καθαίρεσιν
G2506
destruction
demolition; figuratively, extinction

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection