2 Corinthians 13:3

Authorized King James Version

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπεὶ
Since
thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)
#2
δοκιμὴν
a proof
test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness
#3
ζητεῖτε
ye seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#4
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
ἐμοὶ
me
to me
#7
λαλοῦντος
speaking
to talk, i.e., utter words
#8
Χριστοῦ
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
ὃς
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
ὑμᾶς
you-ward
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#12
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
ἀσθενεῖ
is
to be feeble (in any sense)
#14
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#15
δυνατεῖ
is mighty
to be efficient (figuratively)
#16
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection