2 Corinthians Chapter 3 · Verse 2
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
hearts
G2588
καρδίαις
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
9 of 16
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
γινωσκομένη
known
G1097
γινωσκομένη
known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
11 of 16
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.Philippians 1:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Historical Context
In the honor-shame culture of first-century Corinth, public reputation mattered immensely. Corinth was a cosmopolitan commercial hub where credibility determined success. Paul's metaphor of the "living letter" would resonate powerfully: just as merchants displayed letters authenticating their business relationships, Paul's converts displayed God's transforming power. The church at Corinth, founded by Paul around 50-51 AD during his eighteen-month stay (Acts 18), comprised both Jews and Gentiles, many from the lower social strata, whose moral transformation was dramatic and public.
Questions for Reflection
- If your life is a letter "known and read of all men," what message does it communicate about Christ?
- How does Paul's emphasis on relationship over credentials challenge transactional approaches to ministry?
- Who are the people "written on your heart" whose spiritual growth testifies to God's work through you?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: The Corinthians themselves are Paul's epistolē (ἐπιστολή)—not a letter of parchment but a living testimony. The phrase written in our hearts reverses the expected metaphor: rather than carrying a letter in his hands to show others, Paul carries the Corinthians in his heart. The Greek en tais kardiais hēmōn (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν) emphasizes the apostle's deep affection and spiritual connection with his converts.
Known and read of all men (Greek ginōskomenē kai anaginōskomenē, γινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη) employs a wordplay on "know" and "read" (both from the same root). The Corinthians' transformed lives were public testimony—legible to everyone. Unlike a sealed letter requiring authentication, their conversion was self-evidently genuine. Paul's ministry produced visible fruit that spoke louder than any formal credentials.