2 Corinthians 13:5

Authorized King James Version

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
your own selves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#2
πειράζετε
G3985
Examine
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
#3
εἰ
G1487
whether
if, whether, that, etc
#4
ἐστε
G2075
ye be
ye are
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πίστει
G4102
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#8
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
your own selves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#9
δοκιμάζετε·
G1381
prove
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
#10
ἢ
G2228
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#11
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
ἐπιγινώσκετε
G1921
Know ye
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
#13
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
your own selves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#14
ὅτι
G3754
how that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#16
Χριστὸς
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#17
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#19
ἐστίν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#20
εἰ
G1487
whether
if, whether, that, etc
#21
μή
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#22
τι
G5100
some or any person or object
#23
ἀδόκιμοί
G96
reprobates
unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)
#24
ἐστε
G2075
ye be
ye are

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection