2 Corinthians 13:11

Authorized King James Version

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Λοιπόν

G3063

Finally

something remaining (adverbially)

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

χαίρετε

G5463

farewell

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καταρτίζεσθε

G2675

Be perfect

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

παρακαλεῖσθε

G3870

be of good comfort

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτὸ

G846

be of one

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

φρονεῖτε

G5426

mind

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

εἰρηνεύετε

G1514

live in peace

to be (act) peaceful

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

θεὸς

G2316

the God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἀγάπης

G26

of love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

εἰρήνης

G1515

peace

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

#17

ἔσται

G2071

shall be

will be

#18

μεθ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#19

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?