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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/3-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/47_2Co_03_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 3:2 - Ministers of a New Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/3-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/3-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm" title="2 Corinthians 3:1">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 3:2 <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm" title="2 Corinthians 3:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/3.htm">New International Version</a> You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You are our letter, having been inscribed in our hearts, being known and being read by all men, <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all people, <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You are our letter, having been written in our hearts, known and read by all men, <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But you are our letter, and you are in our hearts for everyone to read and understand. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You're our letter of recommendation written in our hearts that everyone knows and reads. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> You yourselves are the letter we have, written on our hearts for everyone to know and read. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts and known and read by everyone. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone, <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by everyone; <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men: <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Our letter of recommendation is yourselves--a letter written on our hearts and everywhere known and read. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> You are our letter, having been written in our hearts, known and read by all men, <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You are our letter, having been inscribed in our hearts, being known and being read by all men, <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> our letter ye are, having been written in our hearts, known and read by all men, <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and acknowledged by all men:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You are our epistle, written in our hearts, which is known and read by all men: <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You are our Epistle, written in our hearts, which is known and read by all men. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all, <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You are our epistle written in our hearts, well-known and read by all men: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But you are our letter written in our heart and known and read by everyone.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> You are our letter, having been written in our hearts, known and read of all men, <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye are our letter written in our hearts, acknowledged and read of all men: <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you are my epistle, your conversion being writ in, my heart, known and read by all men: <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Our letter of recommendation is yourselves--a letter written on our hearts and everywhere known and read. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye are our epistle, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by all men: <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=416" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/3.htm">Ministers of a New Covenant</a> 1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2<a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1992.htm" title="1992: epistolē (N-NFS) -- A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.">letter,</a> <a href="/greek/1449.htm" title="1449: engegrammenē (V-RPM/P-NFS) -- To write, inscribe. From en and grapho; to engrave, i.e. Inscribe.">inscribed</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">on</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiais (N-DFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskomenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">known</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anaginōskomenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">read</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone.</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> 3It is clear 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/ezekiel/11-19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19-20</a> And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Proverbs 3:3</a> Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. <a href="/proverbs/7-3.htm">Proverbs 7:3</a> Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a> These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ... <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Exodus 24:12</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.” <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7</a> Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. <a href="/psalms/40-8.htm">Psalm 40:8</a> I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a> I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Hebrews 8:10</a> For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/hebrews/10-16.htm">Hebrews 10:16</a> “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.” <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15</a> So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Romans 6:17</a> But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Romans 7:6</a> But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read of all men:are.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10</a> According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1,2</a> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? … in.<a href="/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3</a> I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-11.htm">2 Corinthians 11:11</a> Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a> And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.known.<a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Romans 1:8</a> First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2</a> If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.<a href="/1_thessalonians/1-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:8</a> For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm">Epistle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-22.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">Open</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm">Read</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">Recommendation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Written</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Epistle</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-23.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Open</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Read</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">Recommendation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Written</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 3</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory, </a> 2. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">he shows the faith of the Corinthians to be a sufficient commendation of his ministry.</a> 6. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-6.htm">Whereupon entering a comparison between the ministers of the law and of the gospel,</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">he proves that his ministry is so far the more excellent, </a> 17. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">as the gospel of life and liberty is more glorious than the law of condemnation.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You yourselves are our letter This phrase emphasizes the personal and relational nature of Paul's ministry. In the ancient world, letters were a primary means of communication, often carrying authority and authenticity. Here, Paul suggests that the lives of the Corinthian believers serve as a living testament to his apostolic work. This concept aligns with the idea that Christians are to be living epistles, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel (cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2</a>). The metaphor of believers as a letter underscores the visible and tangible evidence of God's work in their lives.inscribed on our hearts The imagery of inscription suggests permanence and deep affection. In biblical times, inscriptions were often made on stone or metal, signifying durability. By saying the Corinthians are inscribed on his heart, Paul conveys a profound emotional and spiritual connection. This echoes the Old Testament idea of God's law being written on the hearts of His people (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>), indicating an internalized and personal relationship with God. It also reflects the deep pastoral care and concern Paul has for the church.known and read by everyone This phrase highlights the public nature of the believers' testimony. The transformation in the lives of the Corinthians was evident to all, serving as a witness to the power of the Gospel. In a cultural context where reputation and public perception were significant, the visible change in the believers' lives would have been a powerful testimony to both Jews and Gentiles. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>, where believers are called to be the light of the world, visible to all. The idea of being "read by everyone" suggests that the believers' lives were an open book, demonstrating the authenticity and impact of their faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is emphasizing the authenticity of his ministry and the transformation of the believers as evidence of his apostolic work. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the believers in Corinth, are being reminded of their role as living testimonies of the gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/a/apostolic_ministry.htm">Apostolic Ministry</a> The broader context involves Paul defending his ministry against false apostles and affirming the legitimacy of his work through the transformed lives of the Corinthians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/living_testimonies.htm">Living Testimonies</a> As believers, our lives should reflect the gospel so clearly that others can "read" the message of Christ through our actions and character. <a href="/topical/h/heart_transformation.htm">Heart Transformation</a> True conversion is evidenced by a change of heart, which is visible to others. This transformation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/p/public_witness.htm">Public Witness</a> Our faith is not a private matter but a public testimony. We are called to live in such a way that others see Christ in us. <a href="/topical/a/authenticity_in_ministry.htm">Authenticity in Ministry</a> Just as Paul’s ministry was authenticated by the lives of the Corinthians, our ministries should be validated by the fruit they produce in others. <a href="/topical/c/community_impact.htm">Community Impact</a> The church collectively serves as a letter to the world, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ through unity and service.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'letter_kills,_spirit_gives_life'_mean.htm">What does "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'our_sufficiency_is_of_god'_mean.htm">What does "Our sufficiency is of God" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_lifestyle_evangelism.htm">What defines lifestyle evangelism?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_joseph_franklin_rutherford.htm">How can you speak with grace and thoughtfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Ye are our epistle written in our hearts.--This is an answer. They, the Corinthian converts, are written on his heart. In his thoughts and prayers for them he finds his true commendatory letter, and this a letter which is patent to the eyes of all men. In "known and read" we find the familiar play on the two words, epiginoskein and anaginoskein. (See Note on <a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm" title="For we write none other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end;">2Corinthians 1:13</a>.) All who knew St. Paul could read what was there written.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Ye are our epistle. Their very existence as a Church was the most absolute "commendatory letter" of St. Paul, both from them and to them (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2</a>, "The seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord "). Written in our hearts. The expression has no connection with the fact that the high priest bore the names of Israel graven on the jewelled Urim, which he wore upon his breast. St. Paul means that others may bring their "letters of commendation" in their hands. His letter of commendation is the very name and existence of the Church of Corinth written on his heart. Known and read of all men. The metaphor is subordinated to the fact. All men may recognize the autograph, and in it were read the history of the Corinthian converts, which was written on the apostle's heart, and which therefore rendered the notion of any other letter of commendation to or from them superfluous and even absurd. The play on words (epigignosko and anagignosko) is similar to that in <a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm">2 Corinthians 1:13</a>. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You yourselves ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. letter, ἐπιστολὴ (epistolē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message. inscribed ἐνγεγραμμένη (engegrammenē) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1449.htm">Strong's 1449: </a> To write, inscribe. From en and grapho; to 'engrave', i.e. Inscribe. on ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. hearts, καρδίαις (kardiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. known γινωσκομένη (ginōskomenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. read ἀναγινωσκομένη (anaginōskomenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). everyone. πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 3:2 You are our letter written in our (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 3:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 3:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 3:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 3:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>