2 Corinthians 1:23

Translations

Modern

I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Traditional

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

Literal

But I call God as witness upon my soul, that sparing you I did not yet come to Corinth.

Latin

Ego autem testem Deum invoco in animam meam, quod parcens vobis, non veni ultra Corinthum: non quia dominamur fidei vestæ, sed adjutores sumus gaudii vestri: nam fide statis.

Original

Greek

English

I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Notes

2 Corinthians 1:23–2:2

God as my witness: This mild oath shows he is telling the truth (see 1 Samuel 12:5; 20:12; Job 16:19; compare Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 2 Samuel 3:35; 1 Kings 2:23; Jeremiah 42:5). Paul changed his travel plans to avoid giving them a severe rebuke (2 Corinthians 1:23) and to prevent another painful visit (2:1).

2 Corinthians 1:15–2:2

Paul had changed his travel plan. In 1 Corinthians 16:5, he hoped to visit Corinth after going through Macedonia. He had promised to visit Corinth earlier (perhaps in his “severe letter,” 2 Corinthians 7:8) on his way north. Now, he had to return to the original plan, and the earlier visit, which would have brought a double blessing, would not happen after all.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

Galatians 1:20
I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie.
1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Romans 1:9
God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
Philippians 1:8
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 10:6–11
And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
2 Corinthians 2:1–3
So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
2 Corinthians 1:18
But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
2 Corinthians 11:11
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
Romans 9:1
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.

Places

Corinth: Ancient Greek city; recipient of Paul's epistles

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Oath Second Letter to the Corinthians Soul

Topics

Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Oaths: Expressions Used as I Call God for a Record

2 Corinthians 1:23

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