2 Corinthians 13:10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
G1223
διὰ
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
γράφω
I write
G1125
γράφω
I write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
5 of 24
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
παρὼν
being present
G3918
παρὼν
being present
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
7 of 24
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
χρήσωμαι
I should use
G5530
χρήσωμαι
I should use
Strong's:
G5530
Word #:
10 of 24
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαν
to the power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
to the power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
13 of 24
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκέν
hath given
G1325
ἔδωκέν
hath given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 24
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
18 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἰκοδομὴν
edification
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
edification
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
20 of 24
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:8For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.Titus 1:13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;1 Corinthians 4:21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?2 Corinthians 13:8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.2 Corinthians 10:2But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
Historical Context
Paul's authority was contested throughout his ministry, especially by "super-apostles" in Corinth who valued displays of power. Paul consistently reframes authority as service, discipline as corrective love, and power as means to building up the body. This letter writing before arrival was strategic pastoral care, maximizing opportunity for repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does warning in advance (writing 'being absent') demonstrate pastoral wisdom before exercising discipline?
- What does it mean that church authority is given 'for edification, not destruction'—how does this apply today?
- When might severe discipline ('sharpness') actually serve the goal of edification rather than contradict it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness—Paul's letter provides opportunity for repentance before his arrival. The word apotomōs (ἀποτόμως, "sharpness/severity") suggests cutting, decisive discipline. By writing being absent (apōn, ἀπών), Paul gives time for response, preferring repentance to confrontation—mercy preceding judgment.
According to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction—Paul's apostolic exousia (ἐξουσία, "authority/power") is purposeful: to edification (eis oikodomēn, εἰς οἰκοδομήν, "for building up"), not to destruction (ouk eis katharesin, οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν, "not for tearing down"). Even severe discipline aims at restoration, not mere punishment. This principle (stated in 2 Cor 10:8) governs all use of authority—power exists for construction, and even demolition (of sin, false teaching) serves ultimate edification.