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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 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/13-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/47_2Co_13_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 13:1 - Examine Yourselves" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is the third time I am coming to you. 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Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter will be established." <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/13.htm">King James Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/13.htm">New King James Version</a> This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This is the third time that I am coming to you. ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER SHALL BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> This is the third time I am coming to you. BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER SHALL BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is the third time that I am visiting you. EVERY FACT SHALL BE SUSTAINED and CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am on my way to visit you for the third time. And as the Scriptures say, "Any charges must be proved true by at least two or three witnesses." <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is the third time that I'll be visiting you. Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. "Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses"--as the scripture says. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> This will be the third time I am coming to you. "Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses." <a href="/net/2_corinthians/13.htm">NET Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to visit you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be established. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses will every word be established." <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This is the third time I am coming to you: By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This intended visit of mine is my third visit to you. "On the evidence of two or three witnesses every charge shall be sustained."<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” <a href="/web/2_corinthians/13.htm">World English Bible</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I come to you this third time; on the mouth of two or three witnesses will every saying be established; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter will be established." <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> This third time do I come unto you; on the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every saying be established; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This third I come to you. By mouth of two witnesses, and three, shall every word be established.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Behold, this is the third time that I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall stand. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/13.htm">New American Bible</a> This third time I am coming to you. “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a fact shall be established.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THIS is the third time I am ready to come to you, for by the mouth of two or three witnesses every charge is sustained. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The third time am I coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every matter shall be established. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> This the third time I am coming to you: in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THIS third time I am coming to you: by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every charge be established. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This intended visit of mine is my third visit to you. "On the evidence of two or three witnesses every charge shall be sustained." <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses, and of three, shall every word be established. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This, I say, is the third time I am coming to you: and at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/13-1.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=2432" 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/13.htm">Examine Yourselves</a> 1<a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This is</a> <a href="/greek/5154.htm" title="5154: Triton (Adj-ANS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">the third time</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To come, go. ">I am coming</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">“Every</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēma (N-NNS) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">matter</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: stathēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">must be established</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: Epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">by</a> <a href="/greek/4750.htm" title="4750: stomatos (N-GNS) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">the testimony</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-GMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">of two</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/5140.htm" title="5140: triōn (Adj-GMP) -- Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; three.">three</a> <a href="/greek/3144.htm" title="3144: martyrōn (N-GMP) -- A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a martyr.">witnesses.”</a> 2I 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,…<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="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a> But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ <a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a> Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a> Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a> Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. <a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10</a> But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” <a href="/john/5-31.htm">John 5:31-32</a> If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. / There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. <a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Acts 10:43</a> All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” <a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Revelation 11:3</a> And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">1 John 5:7-8</a> For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. <a href="/matthew/26-60.htm">Matthew 26:60-61</a> But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” <a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Mark 14:56-59</a> For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’” ... <a href="/luke/24-48.htm">Luke 24:48</a> You are witnesses of these things. <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.the third.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">2 Corinthians 12:14</a> Behold, 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.In.<a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a> At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-6.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Established</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-11.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/luke/1-54.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Third</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-8.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-15.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Established</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-37.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/revelation/4-7.htm">Third</a> <a href="/galatians/1-18.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 13</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners.</a> 5. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">And, advising them to a trial of their faith,</a> 7. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">and to a reformation of their sins before his coming,</a> 11. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer.</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/13.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/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>This is the third time I am coming to you. Paul's statement indicates his persistent commitment to the Corinthian church. The mention of a third visit underscores the seriousness of the issues he is addressing. In the context of the early church, travel was arduous, and repeated visits were significant. This reflects Paul's pastoral care and his desire to resolve ongoing problems within the church. Historically, Corinth was a major city in Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, which posed challenges for the early Christians there. Paul's repeated visits highlight his dedication to guiding the church through these challenges.“Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” This phrase is a direct reference to <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>, which establishes a legal principle in Jewish law requiring multiple witnesses to confirm a matter. This principle was intended to ensure fairness and prevent false accusations. In the context of the Corinthian church, Paul applies this standard to address accusations and disputes within the community. It emphasizes the importance of truth and justice in church discipline. This principle is echoed in the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a>, where He instructs His followers on resolving conflicts. The use of this Old Testament law in the New Testament context shows the continuity of God's standards for justice and truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, addressing the Corinthian church. He is preparing for his third visit to Corinth. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced various issues, including divisions and moral lapses. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers struggling with internal conflicts and the need for spiritual discipline. 4. <a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a> Refers to the principle of establishing truth through multiple testimonies, rooted in Jewish law. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_previous_visits.htm">Paul's Previous Visits</a> Paul's earlier visits to Corinth, which were marked by both teaching and addressing issues within the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_accountability.htm">The Importance of Accountability</a> Paul emphasizes the need for accountability within the church. Just as in legal matters, spiritual issues should be addressed with careful consideration and corroboration. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_truth.htm">The Role of Community in Truth</a> The principle of two or three witnesses highlights the communal aspect of discerning truth. Believers are called to support one another in maintaining integrity and righteousness. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_correction.htm">Preparation for Correction</a> Paul’s mention of his third visit serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared to address issues within the church. Leaders and members alike should be ready to confront sin with love and truth. <a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_leadership.htm">Consistency in Leadership</a> Paul’s consistent approach to visiting and addressing the Corinthian church demonstrates the importance of steadfast leadership. Leaders should be persistent in guiding their communities towards spiritual maturity. <a href="/topical/b/biblical_foundations_for_church_discipline.htm">Biblical Foundations for Church Discipline</a> The reference to witnesses provides a biblical foundation for church discipline, ensuring that actions are taken justly and with proper evidence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 13</a> <a href="/q/why_is_evidence_lacking_for_paul's_visits.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 – If Paul visited Corinth multiple times, why does historical and archeological evidence seem insufficient to confirm these repeated visits? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_josephus'_jesus_mention_disputed.htm">Why does Josephus’ reference to Jesus appear to be a later Christian interpolation?</a> <a href="/q/what_supports_jesus's_resurrection.htm">What evidence supports Jesus Christ's resurrection?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_hereditary_spirits_in_the_bible.htm">How many witnesses are needed, two or three?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XIII.(1) This is the third time I am coming to you.--The words may point either to three actual visits--(1) that of <a href="/acts/18-1.htm" title="After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;">Acts 18:1</a>; (2) an unrecorded visit (of which, however, there is no trace), during St. Paul's stay at Ephesus; and (3) that now in contemplation--or (1) to one actual visit, as before; (2) the purposed visit which had been abandoned (see Notes on <a href="/2_corinthians/1-16.htm" title="And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.">2Corinthians 1:16</a>); and (3) that which he now has in view. The latter interpretation falls in best with the known facts of the case, and is in entire accordance both with his language in <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm" title="Behold, 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.">2Corinthians 12:14</a>, and with his mode of expressing his intentions, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/16-5.htm" title="Now I will come to you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.">1Corinthians 16:5</a>.In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.--There seems no adequate reason for not taking these words in their simple and natural meaning. The rule, quoted from <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm" title="Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.">Numbers 35:30</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" title="At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" title="One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>, was of the nature of an axiom of Jewish, one might almost say of natural, law. And it had received a fresh prominence from our Lord's reproduction of it in giving directions as for the discipline of the society which He came to found. (See Note on <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm" title="But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.">Matthew 18:16</a>.) What more natural than that St. Paul should say, "When I come, there will be no more surmises and vague suspicions, but every offence will be dealt with in a vigorous and full inquiry"? There seems something strained, almost fantastic, in the interpretation which, catching at the accidental juxtaposition of "the third time" and the "three witnesses," assumes that the Apostle personifies his actual or intended visits, and treats them as the witnesses whose testimony was to be decisive. It is a fatal objection to this view that it turns the judge into a prosecutor, and makes him appeal to his own reiteration of his charges as evidence of their truth. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - This is the third time I am coming to you. I have thrice formed the intention, though the second time I had to forego my plan (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm">2 Corinthians 1:15-17</a>). In the mouth of two or three witnesses. The quotation is from <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>. It has been explained as a reference to examinations which he intended to hold on his arrival at Corinth. It is much more probable that St. Paul is representing his separate visits as separate attestations to the truths which he preaches. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>This [is] τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. [the] third [time] Τρίτον (Triton) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. I am coming ἔρχομαι (erchomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you. ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. “Every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <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. matter ῥῆμα (rhēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. must be established σταθήσεται (stathēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. by Ἐπὶ (Epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. [the] testimony στόματος (stomatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. of two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. or καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. three τριῶν (triōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5140.htm">Strong's 5140: </a> Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'. witnesses.” μαρτύρων (martyrōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3144.htm">Strong's 3144: </a> A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 13:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 13:2" /></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>