2 Corinthians 13:7

Authorized King James Version

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εὐχόμαι

G2172

I pray

to wish; by implication, to pray to god

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν

G3588

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

θεὸν

G2316

God

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

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ποιῆτε

G4160

should do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὑμᾶς

G5209

that ye

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

κακὸν

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

#10

μηδέν

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

#11

οὐχ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#12

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#13

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#14

δόκιμοι

G1384

approved

properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved

#15

φανῶμεν

G5316

should appear

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

#16

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#17

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#18

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

καλὸν

G2570

that which is honest

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#21

ποιῆτε

G4160

should do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#22

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#23

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

#24

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#25

ἀδόκιμοι

G96

reprobates

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)

#26

ὦμεν

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?