I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Greeting to Corinth and Achaia
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:
2Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The God of All Comfort
3Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
5For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
7And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Despair in Asia and Deliverance
8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.
9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
9Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
A Clear Conscience Toward Corinth
12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
12Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God's grace.
13For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
13For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that,
14As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
14as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Why Paul Changed His Travel Plans
15And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
15Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice.
16And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
16I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.
17When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
17Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
18But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No."
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."
20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
21Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Sparing Corinth a Painful Visit
23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
23I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
24Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Letter Written in Tears
1But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
1So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.
2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?
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.
3I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy.
4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
4For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Forgive the Offender
5But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
5If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.
6Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
6The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.
7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
9Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
10To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
10Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
No Rest at Troas
12Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,
13I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
13I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
The Fragrance of Christ
14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.
15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
15For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
16To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?
17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Living Letters of Recommendation
1Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
2Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.
3Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Competence That Comes From God
4And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
4Such confidence we have through Christ before God.
5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant
7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
7Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was,
8How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
9If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
10For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
10For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.
11For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
11And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
The Veil Removed in Christ
12Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
13And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.
14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.
18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Light Shining Out of Darkness
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
5For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Treasure in Clay Jars
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Faith That Speaks
13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,
14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.
15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Outward Decay, Inward Renewal
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Building From God
1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
1For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,
3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
5Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Walking by Faith, Facing Judgment
6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
7For we live by faith, not by sight.
8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Constrained by the Love of Christ
11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
13If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Now Is the Day of Salvation
1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
1As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
The Marks of a True Minister
3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and distresses;
5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger;
6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
6in purity, understanding, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
8By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;
9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;
10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
An Open Heart Seeks a Response
11O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
11We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.
12Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.
13Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Do Not Be Mismatched With Unbelievers
14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
17Therefore, "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
18And, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Cleansing and Holiness
1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
1Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Make Room for Us
2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
3I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
4I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
Comfort Through the Coming of Titus
5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
5For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within.
6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance
8For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—
9Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
12So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
13Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
13By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
Confidence Restored
14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.
15And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
16I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Macedonian Example
1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people.
5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
Excel in This Grace Too
6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
6So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
7But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Finish What You Began
10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
10And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.
11Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,
15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
15as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little."
Titus and the Trusted Brothers
16But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
16Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.
17For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
17For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
18And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.
19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
19What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.
20Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
20We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.
21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
21For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
22In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
23As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
24Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Be Ready Before We Arrive
1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
1There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord's people.
2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
2For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
3Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
3But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
4Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
4For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Sowing and Cheerful Giving
6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
7Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
8And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
9As it is written: "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever."
10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
11You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Giving That Produces Thanksgiving
12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
13Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
14And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Weapons Not of the Flesh
1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
1By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away!
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.
2I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Presence and Letters Agree
7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
7You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
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:
8So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
9That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.
10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
10For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
11Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
11Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
Boasting Within God's Measure
12For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
13But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
13We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.
14For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
14We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
15Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
15Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,
16To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.
17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
17But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Godly Jealousy for the Church
1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
1I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!
2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.
3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
5I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles."
6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
6I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Free Preaching and False Apostles
7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
7Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?
8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
8I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
9And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine.
11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
12And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
13For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
15It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Speaking as a Fool
16I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
16I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting.
17That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
17In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
18Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast.
19For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
19You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!
20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
20In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face.
21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
21To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.
The Catalog of Sufferings
22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I.
23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Boasting in Weakness at Damascus
30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.
32In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
32In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me.
33And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
33But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Visions and Revelations
1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.
3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—
4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
4was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
5I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.
6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,
Strength in Weakness
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The Signs of an Apostle
11I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
11I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
12I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders, and miracles.
13For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
13How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
Not a Burden, Not a Con
14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
14Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
15So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
16But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
16Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!
17Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
17Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you?
18I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
18I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?
Fears for the Coming Visit
19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
19Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
20For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
21And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
21I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery in which they have indulged.
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Warning Before the Third Visit
1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
1This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
2I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,
3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Examine Yourselves
5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
7Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
10Therefore 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.
10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Farewell and Benediction
11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
11Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with an holy kiss.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All the saints salute you.
13All God's people here send their greetings.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.