2 Corinthians 7:3
I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
this to
G4314
πρὸς
this to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
2 of 17
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,
λέγω·
I speak
G3004
λέγω·
I speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
προείρηκα
I have said before
G4280
προείρηκα
I have said before
Strong's:
G4280
Word #:
5 of 17
used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict
γὰρ
you for
G1063
γὰρ
you for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
hearts
G2588
καρδίαις
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 17
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναποθανεῖν
die
G4880
συναποθανεῖν
die
Strong's:
G4880
Word #:
15 of 17
to decease (literally) in company with, or (figuratively), similarly to
Historical Context
Ancient friendship literature (e.g., Aristotle's Ethics, Cicero's De Amicitia) emphasized loyalty unto death as the highest friendship ideal. Paul appropriates this cultural value but grounds it in Christ's self-giving love. His 'severe letter' (v. 8) risked the relationship but demonstrated true agapē—love that tells costly truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do I distinguish between godly correction (that seeks restoration) and ungodly condemnation (that seeks destruction)?
- Who has God placed 'in my heart' with such covenantal commitment that I'd risk the relationship to speak truth?
- Do I receive correction from spiritual leaders as evidence of their love or attack on my dignity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I speak not this to condemn you—Pros katakrisin ou legō (πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω, "I do not speak for condemnation"). Paul clarifies his self-defense isn't counter-accusation. Katakrisis (κατάκρισις) means judicial condemnation or sentencing—Paul refuses to turn reconciliation into litigation.
For I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you—En tais kardiais hēmōn este (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε, "you are in our hearts"). The phrase eis to synapothanein kai syzēn (εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συζῆν, "unto dying together and living together") echoes marriage covenant language and military loyalty oaths. Paul's affection isn't sentimental but covenantal—he's bound to the Corinthians in life and death. This pastoral love constrains his correction: he wounds to heal, not to destroy.