2 Corinthians 13:7 Meaning: Paul’s Prayer for Your Good
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we may seem to have failed.
Now 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.
Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.
and I pray before God that ye do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is right, and we may be as disapproved;
But we pray to God that ye may do nothing evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do what is right, and we be as reprobates.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul prays that you do no evil, not to prove himself but for your holiness. A look at selfless love that prefers your good over reputation.
Context
Paul is finishing his second letter to the Corinthians. The whole book has been a defense of his apostleship, but now he turns from defending himself to praying for them. He has just told them to examine their own faith. Then he writes this prayer, not that he might look good, but that they might do what is right, even if that makes him look like a failure. It is the heart of a shepherd who cares more for the flock than for his own name.
Key Words
The Greek word for “pray” here is euchomai, not a casual wish but a deliberate, earnest prayer directed to God. Paul is not just hoping; he is bringing their conduct before the throne. Then two contrasting words stand out: dokimos (“approved”) and adokimos (“unapproved” or “reprobate”). These come from testing metals, a coin that passes the test is dokimos; a counterfeit is adokimos. Paul says he would rather appear counterfeit in people’s eyes than have them do evil. The third key term is kalon, translated “honorable” or “right.” It means what is beautiful, noble, intrinsically good. Paul’s deepest desire is not to be vindicated but for them to live kalon lives, even if that leaves him looking like a failed coin.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators across traditions see the same selfless heart here. John Wesley says Paul does not desire to appear approved by punishing them, but rather that they do good even if he looks like a reprobate. Calvin emphasizes that Paul cares nothing for his own honor, only for their advantage. The Cambridge Bible notes that Paul carries his self-denial a step further, he is content to be regarded as rejected if they do what is right. Different traditions highlight different angles, but all agree: Paul’s love for the Corinthians outweighs his concern for his own reputation.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse as Paul praying that he himself would do no evil, as if he is worried about his own conduct. In fact, the Greek makes clear: “I pray that you do no evil.” Paul is not questioning his own integrity; he is interceding for their holiness. His prayer is for them, not for himself.
Living This Out
This week, you might face a situation where someone else’s failure could make you look right or powerful. A coworker messes up, and you can prove you were correct, but at their expense. Or a loved one is heading toward a wrong choice, and you could step in with sharp correction that shows your authority. Paul shows another way: pray for them to do what is right, even if that means you never get to prove yourself. Ask God for the grace to want their holiness more than your vindication.
Main takeaway: True love for others prays for their holiness even at the cost of being misunderstood or counted as a failure.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul prayed that his friends would do what is right. He didn’t care about looking good himself; he just wanted them to be good. You can pray for your friends like that too.
For ages 9, 12
Paul was ready to look like he had failed if it meant the Corinthians would do what is right. That is real love. Think about someone you want to win an argument with, what if instead you prayed for them to do the right thing, even if you never get to be the one who was right?
Questions People Ask
What does “approved” mean in this verse?
The Greek word dokimos originally described a coin that passed the test for purity. Paul uses it like a seal of apostolic authority. He would rather be seen as “unapproved” (a counterfeit coin) than have the Corinthians sin and force him to prove his authority by punishing them.
Does Paul really not care about his reputation?
Paul does care about his reputation, but only because it affects the gospel’s credibility. Here he says he is willing to lose that reputation if it means the Corinthians stay holy. It is not indifference; it is a deeper love that puts their good first.
Is Paul praying that he himself would do no evil?
No. The Greek is clear: “I pray that you (plural) do no evil.” Paul is interceding for the Corinthians, not expressing doubt about his own behavior. Some older English translations can be confusing, but the original text shows it is a prayer for them.
What does “reprobate” mean in older translations like the KJV?
The KJV uses “reprobate” to translate adokimos, someone who fails the test, is disqualified, or counterfeit. Paul says he is willing to be seen that way if it means the Corinthians do what is honorable. It is extreme self-denial for their good.
How does this verse connect to the rest of 2 Corinthians 13?
In the same chapter, Paul warns that Christ speaks through him and that he has authority for building up, not tearing down. Verse 7 shows the heart behind that authority: he does not want to have to use it. He would rather they repent and he appear weak than they persist in evil and he demonstrate his power.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study