2 Corinthians 13:1 Meaning and Explanation
“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul announces a third visit and invokes the law's standard that every charge must be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
What Does 2 Corinthians 13:1 Mean?
Paul opens his closing chapter by naming his coming visit, the third, and reaching back to the rule of Deuteronomy that no accusation stands on a single voice. The Corinthians have questioned his authority, and he answers not with raw force but with the fairness Scripture itself requires.
By binding himself to the law of witnesses, Paul shows that genuine authority submits to truth rather than ruling by whim. He will not act on rumor or impulse; he will deal justly. The same God who set this standard for His people calls every leader and every believer to weigh matters carefully, in the light, before passing judgment.
2 Corinthians 13:1 in the Original Language
martys (μάρτυς), 'witness' -- one who testifies to what is true, the root behind the English word martyr.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 13:1
What does 2 Corinthians 13:1 mean?
Paul announces a third visit and invokes the law's standard that every charge must be confirmed by two or three witnesses.