2 Corinthians 4:13

Authorized King James Version

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We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Original Language Analysis

ἔχοντες We having G2192
ἔχοντες We having
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 1 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
δὲ G1161
δὲ
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 19
but, and, etc
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ the same G846
αὐτὸ the same
Strong's: G846
Word #: 4 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πνεῦμα spirit G4151
πνεῦμα spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 5 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστεως of faith G4102
πίστεως of faith
Strong's: G4102
Word #: 7 of 19
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
κατὰ according as G2596
κατὰ according as
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 8 of 19
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγραμμένον it is written G1125
γεγραμμένον it is written
Strong's: G1125
Word #: 10 of 19
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
πιστεύομεν I believed G4100
πιστεύομεν I believed
Strong's: G4100
Word #: 11 of 19
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
διὸ and therefore G1352
διὸ and therefore
Strong's: G1352
Word #: 12 of 19
through which thing, i.e., consequently
λαλοῦμεν have I spoken G2980
λαλοῦμεν have I spoken
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 13 of 19
to talk, i.e., utter words
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμεῖς we G2249
ἡμεῖς we
Strong's: G2249
Word #: 15 of 19
we (only used when emphatic)
πιστεύομεν I believed G4100
πιστεύομεν I believed
Strong's: G4100
Word #: 16 of 19
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
διὸ and therefore G1352
διὸ and therefore
Strong's: G1352
Word #: 17 of 19
through which thing, i.e., consequently
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 18 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαλοῦμεν have I spoken G2980
λαλοῦμεν have I spoken
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 19 of 19
to talk, i.e., utter words

Analysis & Commentary

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written (echontes de to auto pneuma tēs pisteōs kata to gegrammenon, ἔχοντες δὲ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον)—Paul quotes Psalm 116:10 (LXX 115:1), linking his ministry to the Psalmist's testimony amid suffering. Pneuma tēs pisteōs (πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως, 'spirit of faith') is not the Holy Spirit per se but the disposition or attitude of faith that both Psalmist and Apostle share.

I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (Episteusa, dio elalēsa, kai hēmeis pisteuomen, dio kai laloumen, Ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα, καὶ ἡμεῖς πιστεύομεν, διὸ καὶ λαλοῦμεν)—faith compels speech. Paul cannot be silent about what he believes. This is the prophetic imperative: belief demands testimony regardless of consequences (Jer 20:9, Acts 4:20). Speaking flows from believing; authentic witness is overflow, not performance.

Historical Context

Psalm 116 describes distress, near-death experience, and God's deliverance—a perfect parallel to Paul's situation. By quoting it, Paul places himself in Israel's scriptural tradition of suffering-yet-faithful servants. This also answers critics who questioned why he preached if it brought such suffering: he cannot help but speak what he believes, just as the Psalmist couldn't remain silent.

Questions for Reflection

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