II Corinthians 1:13 · Bible study
2 Corinthians 1:13 Commentary: Read and Acknowledge
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine Paul's wordplay in 2 Cor 1:13 where he defends his integrity by appealing to what the Corinthians read and acknowledge.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul assures the Corinthians his writings are consistent with what they know of him from personal experience.
- Key words: ἀναγινώσκω (read/recognize), ἐπιγινώσκω (acknowledge/know thoroughly), with a deliberate wordplay.
- Main debate: Whether the reference is to reading Paul's letters or interpreting his life and conduct.
- Theological theme: Apostolic transparency and integrity as a fruit of God's grace.
- Best use: Defending against accusations of insincerity, encouraging trust in Christian leadership.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,
WEB World English Bible 2000
For we write no other things to you than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end—
KJV King James Version 1769
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
ASV American Standard Version 1901
For we write no other things unto you, than what ye read or even acknowledge, and I hope ye will acknowledge unto the end:
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
for no other things do we write to you, but what ye either do read or also acknowledge, and I hope that also unto the end ye shall acknowledge,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
For we do not write other things to you but what ye well know and recognise; and I hope that ye will recognise to the end,
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
For we write no other things to you than what you have read and known. And I hope that you shall know unto the end.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Porque no os escribimos otras cosas de las que leéis, ó también conocéis: y espero que aun hasta el fin las conoceréis:
Porque nenhuma outra coisa vos escrevemos, a não ser as que já sabeis, ou também entendeis; e espero que as entendereis por completo.
Nous ne vous écrivons pas autre chose que ce que vous lisez, et ce que vous reconnaissez. Et j’ espère que vous le reconnaîtrez jusqu’ à la fin,
Denn wir schreiben euch nichts anderes, als was ihr leset und auch befindet. Ich hoffe aber, ihr werdet uns auch bis ans Ende also befinden, gleichwie ihr uns zum Teil befunden habt.
Want wij schrijven u geen andere dingen, dan die gij kent, of ook erkent; en ik hoop, dat gij ze ook tot het einde toe erkennen zult;
Poiché noi non vi scriviamo altro se non quel che leggete o anche riconoscete;
Albowiem nic inszego wam nie piszemy, tylko to, co czytacie, albo też poznawacie, a spodziewam się, iż też aż do końca poznacie,
И мы пишем вам не иное, как то, что вы читаете или разумеете, и что, как надеюсь, до конца уразумеете,
我們現在寫 給你們 的話，並不 外乎 你們所念的、 所認識的，我也 盼望 你們到 底 還是要認識；
For in our letters we say no other things to you, but those which you are reading, and to which you give agreement, and, it is my hope, will go on doing so to the end:
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · II Corinthians 1:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that 2 Corinthians 1:13 is Paul's appeal to transparency and integrity. The key is the wordplay between ἀναγινώσκετε (you read / recognize) and ἐπιγινώσκετε (you acknowledge / know thoroughly). Vincent's Word Studies notes this play cannot be reproduced in English. Calvin explains that Paul is not boasting beyond what the Corinthians can verify from their own experience: they 'read' his life (or his letters) and 'acknowledge' the truth of his claims. Barnes similarly sees an appeal to their firsthand knowledge of his conduct, refuting accusations of fickleness. The present tense 'we write' includes the current letter, and the future 'you will acknowledge' expresses hope that their recognition will continue. The consensus is clear: Paul's ministry is open to public scrutiny, and he writes nothing that contradicts what they already know.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Paul appeals to the Corinthians' personal knowledge of him, asserting consistency between his writings and his conduct.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The meaning of the wordplay | Paul uses a play on the double meaning of ἀναγινώσκω (to read/to recognize) and the intensified ἐπιγινώσκω | Some commentators (e.g., Barnes, JFB) see it as referring to reading Paul's letters vs. recognizing his conduct; others (e.g., Calvin, Gill) interpret 'read' as recognizing his character. |
| The scope of 'the end' | The phrase 'to the end' likely refers to the future, whether eschatological or lifelong. | Some interpret it as the day of the Lord (v.14); others as the end of Paul's life (Barnes) or the consummation of the church age. |
| Paul's rhetorical strategy | Paul appeals to the Corinthians' firsthand knowledge to defend his integrity. | Some see a defense against accusations of ambiguous writing (Macknight via Barnes); others against charges of inconsistent conduct (Calvin). |
| Role of the Corinthians | The Corinthians are active witnesses to Paul's ministry, not passive recipients. | Whether they had fully acknowledged him 'in part' (v.14) or only partially, and what that partiality means. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in response to ongoing challenges to his apostolic authority at Corinth. False apostles had accused him of insincerity, particularly after he changed his travel plans (see 2 Corinthians 1:15, 17). In this context, Paul defends his integrity. The wordplay in verse 13 is part of that defense.
The verb ἀναγινώσκω could mean 'to read' (as in reading a letter aloud in the assembly) or 'to recognize / know accurately.' The compound verb ἐπιγινώσκω intensifies this: to know thoroughly, to acknowledge. Paul is likely playing on both senses: his writings are publicly read (the first Epistle was read aloud, 1 Thessalonians 5:27), and the Corinthians personally recognize the truth of his character. The phrase 'or even acknowledge' suggests a progression from public reading to personal assent. Calvin sees 'acknowledge' as meaning to 'own' or 'assent cordially.'
The phrase 'to the end' may refer to the day of the Lord Jesus (v. 14) or to the remainder of Paul's life. The surrounding context shows Paul relying on the Corinthians' partnership in prayer and their shared hope in Christ. This verse reassures them that his letters are fully consistent with his life, preparing for his subsequent defense of his apostolic ministry.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Greek text is stable across the major manuscripts, with the wordplay clearly preserved in the original.
Reception History
Early church fathers such as John Chrysostom interpreted this verse as Paul's defense of his sincerity, emphasizing that his life matched his teaching. In the medieval period it was cited in discussions of clerical integrity. The Reformation saw Calvin and the Geneva Bible highlighting the transparency of apostolic ministry as a model. Modern evangelical and Wesleyan traditions (Adam Clarke) stress the experiential knowledge of the truth that authentic Christian leadership invites.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Transparent communication. Paul writes nothing hidden; his words match his actions.
- Verified by the congregation. The Corinthians can read and acknowledge, publicly and personally, the truth of his character.
- Hope for lasting recognition. Paul prays they will continue to acknowledge him 'to the end,' grounded in Christ.
Five-point outline
- The source of integrity, grace of God, not fleshly wisdom (v. 12).
- The nature of Christian ministry, open before God and before people.
- The congregation as witnesses, they are not passive; they read and discern.
- The wordplay of reading and knowing, public proclamation leads to personal conviction.
- The goal, mutual boasting in the day of the Lord Jesus (v. 14).
Illustration hooks
- A pastor whose sermons match his private life builds deep trust over years of honest ministry.
- A public figure whose statements remain consistent across decades wins credibility even from skeptics.
- The experience of having a friend who is completely open, with no hidden agenda; their words always ring true.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Can I trust that Christian leaders are being honest with me?
- How do I tell if a teacher or pastor is genuine?
- What should I do when I doubt a leader's integrity?
Leading a Discussion
Paul's appeal to transparency invites us to consider our own consistency. This passage shows the health of a church where leaders and believers are mutually known and trusted. As you discuss, ask what it means to 'read' and 'acknowledge' one another in Christ.
Discussion questions
- What accusations was Paul facing, based on the surrounding verses?
- Why does Paul use the words 'read' and 'acknowledge' together? What does each contribute?
- How does his appeal to the Corinthians' firsthand knowledge function as a defense?
- What does this verse teach about the proper relationship between a pastor and a congregation?
- In what ways can we seek to live with such transparency in our own circles?
- What does Paul's hope 'to the end' tell us about his confidence in God and in them?
- How can this passage help build trust within our church community?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Corinthians 4:2 | But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. |
| II Corinthians 5:11 | Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God, and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences. |
| II Corinthians 13:6 | But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified. |
| Philemon 1:6 | that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that when Paul speaks of what the Corinthians have read or acknowledged, he is referring to the earlier letter he sent them. Paul regards that letter as the truth of God and expresses his hope that they will continue to hold to it, not allowing themselves to be turned away from the gospel's hope.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that Paul is defending his integrity by appealing to what the Corinthians already know from living with him. Rather than claiming his writing is simply clear, Paul points to his consistent character and conduct as proof that his promises and motives are genuine.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin draws a careful distinction between two Greek words: to read or recognize something and to truly acknowledge or own it as true. He argues that Paul is not merely claiming the Corinthians have read his words, but that they inwardly know and assent to them. This undercuts the false apostles who boast without such genuine recognition from their audience.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator points out a Greek wordplay in this verse: the word for "read" can also mean "recognize," so Paul is doing both at once. He writes nothing beyond what they can read in his letters and nothing beyond what they already know to be true, calling for full recognition.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note stresses that Paul writes nothing beyond what his readers already read and acknowledge about him. Paul trusts they will continue to acknowledge this consistency to the end, implying his message is open, honest, and already known to them.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that Paul's written defense matches exactly what the Corinthians observed in his conduct when he was with them. Paul appeals to their own memory rather than to new claims. Gill also notes Paul's trust that God's grace will sustain this consistent, transparent character to the very end.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB argues that Paul is defending his consistency — refuting any suspicion that he wrote one thing privately and another publicly. The apostle insists his letters match what is read aloud in the church and inwardly acknowledged by the Corinthians, right up to the end.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry emphasizes that Paul's rejoicing comes from his conscience testifying to his sincerity. He treats conscience as God's deputy in the soul, a witness that brings joy even under reproach. Henry notes that the testimony concerns the steady, consistent course of their life lived in simplicity and godly sincerity, not fleshly wisdom.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent points out a deliberate wordplay in the Greek text between the verb for "read" and the verb for "acknowledge." The two words sound similar, but this verbal echo is lost in English translation and cannot be reproduced.