2 Corinthians 13:2
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Original Language Analysis
προείρηκα
I told you before
G4280
προείρηκα
I told you before
Strong's:
G4280
Word #:
1 of 25
used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as if
G5613
ὡς
as if
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
παρὼν
I were present
G3918
παρὼν
I were present
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
5 of 25
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεύτερον
the second
G1208
δεύτερον
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
7 of 25
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
10 of 25
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
γράφω
I write
G1125
γράφω
I write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
11 of 25
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προημαρτηκόσιν
to them which heretofore have sinned
G4258
προημαρτηκόσιν
to them which heretofore have sinned
Strong's:
G4258
Word #:
13 of 25
to sin previously (to conversion)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
19 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔλθω
I come
G2064
ἔλθω
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
20 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
again
G1519
εἰς
again
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάλιν
G3825
πάλιν
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
23 of 25
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.1 Corinthians 5:5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore 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.
Historical Context
The "painful visit" (2 Cor 2:1) involved public confrontation that Paul regretted but deemed necessary. Now, writing from Macedonia before his third visit, Paul gives final warning. Ancient letters of recommendation and authority (like Paul's epistles) carried legal weight, making this written warning a formal indictment requiring response before his arrival.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul warn in writing rather than simply arriving and exercising discipline?
- How does God's pattern of warning before judgment (throughout Scripture) inform church discipline today?
- What is the relationship between pastoral patience and the reality that discipline 'will not spare'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I told you before, and foretell you—Paul employs the Greek proeirēka (προείρηκα, "I have said beforehand") and prolegō (προλέγω, "I say beforehand"), legal terminology of formal warning. His phrase if I come again, I will not spare uses ou pheisomai (οὐ φείσομαι), the same verb describing God not sparing His own Son (Romans 8:32)—indicating severe apostolic discipline awaits unrepentant sinners.
Paul's posture combines pastoral concern with judicial authority: being absent now I write rather than wielding discipline immediately, providing opportunity for repentance. The distinction between them which heretofore have sinned (persistent offenders) and all other (the broader church) shows Paul's precision in applying discipline—targeting specific sins while warning the whole congregation.