2 Corinthians 13:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 26
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
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μὴ
do
G3361
μὴ
do
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιῆτε
should do
G4160
ποιῆτε
should do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 26
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κακὸν
evil
G2556
κακὸν
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
9 of 26
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
δόκιμοι
approved
G1384
δόκιμοι
approved
Strong's:
G1384
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
φανῶμεν
should appear
G5316
φανῶμεν
should appear
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
15 of 26
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὸν
that which is honest
G2570
καλὸν
that which is honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ποιῆτε
should do
G4160
ποιῆτε
should do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
21 of 26
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
24 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.1 Timothy 2:2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures obsessed over public reputation and vindication. Paul radically subverts these values, willing to "lose face" (appear as reprobate) if it advances the gospel and sanctifies believers. This echoes Christ, who "made himself of no reputation" (Phil 2:7) and "despised the shame" of the cross (Heb 12:2).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about Paul's heart that he'd rather appear disqualified than see the Corinthians continue in sin?
- How do church leaders today fall into the trap of prioritizing their reputation over their people's holiness?
- What does 'doing that which is honest' (the noble/beautiful thing) mean for Christian ethics?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil—Paul's priority is their holiness, not his vindication. The Greek euchomai (εὔχομαι, "I pray") emphasizes earnest petition. His goal: that ye should do that which is honest (to kalon, τὸ καλόν, "the noble/good/beautiful thing")—ethical beauty reflecting God's character.
Not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates—Stunning statement: Paul would rather appear adokimos (ἀδόκιμος, "disqualified") himself if it means the Corinthians live righteously. If they repent before his arrival, he won't need to exercise discipline—thus appearing weak ("as reprobates" to those valuing power-displays), but achieving his true goal: their holiness. Pastoral ministry prioritizes flock's spiritual health over leader's reputation—the shepherd-heart of apostolic authority.