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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 7:3 I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/7-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/47_2Co_07_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 7:3 - Paul's Joy in the Corinthians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/7-3.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/7-3.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/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad1.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/7-2.htm" title="2 Corinthians 7:2">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 7:3 <a href="/2_corinthians/7-4.htm" title="2 Corinthians 7:4">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </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/7.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/7.htm">New International Version</a> I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> I’m not saying this to condemn you. I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I do not speak for condemnation; for I have before said that you are in our hearts for us to die together and to live together. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/2_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a> I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I do not speak to condemn you; for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are [nested] in our hearts [and you will remain there] to die together and to live together [with us]. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I don’t say this to condemn you, since I have already said that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I don&#8217t say this to condemn you, for I have already said that you are in our hearts, to live together and to die together. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am not saying this to be hard on you. But, as I have said before, you will always be in our thoughts, whether we live or die. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I'm not saying this to condemn you. I've already told you that you are in our hearts so that we will live and die together. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> I do not say this to condemn you; for, as I have said before, you are so dear to us that we are always together, whether we live or die. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> I am not saying this to condemn you. I told you before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a> I do not say this to condemn you, for I told you before that you are in our hearts so that we die together and live together with you. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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="/wey/2_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I do not say this to imply blame, for, as I have already said, you have such a place in our hearts that we would die with you or live with you. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a> I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and live together. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I do not say [it] to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I do not speak for condemnation; for I have before said that you are in our hearts for us to die together and to live together. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> not to condemn you do I say it, for I have said before that in our hearts ye are to die with and to live with; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I speak not to condemnation: for I have said before, ye are in our hearts to die together, and live together.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I speak not this to your condemnation. For we have said before, that you are in our hearts, to die together, and to live together. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I am not saying this to your condemnation. For we have told you before that you are in our hearts: to die together and to live together. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a> I do not say this in condemnation, for I have already said that you are in our hearts, that we may die together and live together. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I do not say this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts, to die and live with you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> It was not to condemn you that I spoke previously, for I said that you are in our heart to die and to live as one.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I do not say this to condemn you; for I have said before, that you are in our hearts, so that we could die with you, and live with you. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I do not speak for castigation: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die with you and to live with you. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I speak not for your condemnation, for I have already said, that ye are in our hearts to die and live together. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I speak not this to your reproach: for I have already assured you, that I am so heartily well affected to you, I could live and die with you. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I do not say this to imply blame, for, as I have already said, you have such a place in our hearts that we would die with you or live with you. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I say it not with the view to your condemnation; for I have said before that ye are in our hearts to die together and to live together. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I speak not this to condemn you: for I said before that ye are so much in our hearts that we could live and die with you. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1139" 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/7.htm">Paul's Joy in the Corinthians</a> …2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3<a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I do not say this</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/2633.htm" title="2633: katakrisin (N-AFS) -- Condemnation, censure. From katakrino; sentencing adversely.">condemn you.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/4302.htm" title="4302: proeirēka (V-RIA-1S) -- To tell (say) beforehand, forewarn, declare, tell plainly. From pro and lego; to say beforehand, i.e. Predict, forewarn.">I have said before</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</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.">you so occupy</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."></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/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4800.htm" title="4800: syzēn (V-PNA) -- To live together with. From sun and zao; to continue to live in common with, i.e. Co-survive.">we live</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4880.htm" title="4880: synapothanein (V-ANA) -- To die together with. From sun and apothnesko; to decease in company with, or, similarly to.">die together with you.</a> 4Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.…<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="/2_corinthians/6-11.htm">2 Corinthians 6:11-13</a> We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. / It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. / As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4</a> For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a> And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? <a href="/2_corinthians/1-6.htm">2 Corinthians 1:6-7</a> If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. / And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-11.htm">2 Corinthians 11:11</a> Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:8</a> We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a> It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a> My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1-3</a> I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. / I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. / For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a> Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a> Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.to condemn.<a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">2 Corinthians 7:12</a> Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.<a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4,5</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you… <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a> Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.for.<a href="/2_corinthians/6-11.htm">2 Corinthians 6:11,12</a> O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged… ye.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2</a> Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:<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.to die.<a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16,17</a> And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: … <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:8</a> So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm">Already</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">Imply</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-13.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-6.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/james/5-6.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">Imply</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-18.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 7</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">He proceeds in exhorting them to purity of life;</a> 2. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">and to bear him like affection as he does to them.</a> 3. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">Whereof lest he might seem to doubt, he declares what comfort he took in his afflictions </a> 6. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-6.htm">by the report which Titus gave of their godly sorrow, </a> 8. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">which his former epistle had wrought in them;</a> 13. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm">and of their loving-kindness and obedience toward Titus, answerable to his former boastings of them.</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>I do not say this to condemn you The Apostle Paul begins this verse with a reassurance to the Corinthian believers. The Greek word for "condemn" here is "κατακρίνω" (katakrino), which means to judge against or to pronounce guilty. Paul is emphasizing that his previous admonitions were not meant to pass judgment or to make them feel guilty, but rather to correct and guide them in love. This reflects the heart of a shepherd who desires the spiritual growth and well-being of his flock, rather than their condemnation.I have said before Paul reminds the Corinthians of his previous statements, indicating consistency in his message. The phrase suggests a continuity and a reinforcement of what he has communicated earlier. This is a common rhetorical technique used by Paul to remind his readers of his teachings and to emphasize the importance of his message. It also shows his commitment to transparency and honesty in his relationship with the Corinthian church.that you so occupy our hearts The phrase "occupy our hearts" is deeply relational and affectionate. The Greek word "καρδία" (kardia) for "hearts" is often used in Scripture to denote the center of human emotion and will. Paul is expressing the deep emotional bond and affection he has for the Corinthians. This is not a superficial or distant relationship; rather, it is one of deep love and concern, akin to that of a parent for their children.that we live and die together with you This phrase underscores the depth of Paul's commitment to the Corinthians. The idea of living and dying together is a powerful expression of solidarity and unity. It reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, bound together in Christ. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers shared not only their resources but also their lives. Paul is expressing a willingness to share in both the joys and sufferings of the Corinthian believers, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Christian love and fellowship.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) I speak not this to condemn you.--Better, I do not speak as condemning. There is no "you" in the Greek, and the form of expression seems intentionally vague, as leaving it an open question whether his words might refer to his readers or to others. We trace here a sudden revulsion of feeling. What he had just said seemed to imply that he condemned them for even listening to the calumnies which had been circulated against him, for joining in any measure even of outward friendship with men of evil lives; and then there rushes on his memory the recollection of all the good news which Titus had brought. Indignation and jealous sensitiveness are swallowed up in the overflowing thankfulness to which those tidings had given birth at the time, and which were now renewed.I have said before . . .--He had not used the form of expression before, as far as this letter is concerned, but the fact was implied in what he had said in <a href="/2_corinthians/6-11.htm" title="O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.">2Corinthians 6:11</a> : "Our heart is enlarged." The words that follow are partly an almost proverbial expression for strong attachment, as in Horace (Odes, iii. 9): "Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens"--"With thee I fain would live,With thee I fain would die;"partly with a profounder meaning, that, whether in death or life (the order of the words throws us back on "dying, but behold, we live," in <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm" title="As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;">2Corinthians 6:9</a>), his heart and prayers would be with them and for them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - I speak not this to condemn you. "Not by way of condemnation am I speaking." My object is to maintain the old love between us; what I say, therefore, is merely to defend myself, not to complain of you (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a>). I have said before. He has not said it in so many words, but has implied it in <a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2, 3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/6-11.htm">2 Corinthians 6:11-14</a>. Ye are in our hearts. So he says to his beloved Philippians, "I have you in my heart" (<a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a>). To die and live with you. Similarly he tells the Thessalonians that he was ready to give them even his own life (<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:8</a>). This is no mere conventional expression of deep affection, like Horace's, "Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens;" nor is it the description of some compact for life and death like that of the Theban Band. It has the deeper meaning which was involved by the words "life" and "death" on the lips of a Christian (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">2 Corinthians 4:11</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">2 Corinthians 6:9</a>). And one whose life was, for Christ's sake, a daily death, naturally mentions death first. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I do not say this λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. 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. condemn [you]. κατάκρισιν (katakrisin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2633.htm">Strong's 2633: </a> Condemnation, censure. From katakrino; sentencing adversely. I have said before προείρηκα (proeirēka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4302.htm">Strong's 4302: </a> To tell (say) beforehand, forewarn, declare, tell plainly. From pro and lego; to say beforehand, i.e. Predict, forewarn. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you {so} occupy 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. 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. that εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. we live συζῆν (syzēn) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4800.htm">Strong's 4800: </a> To live together with. From sun and zao; to continue to live in common with, i.e. Co-survive. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. die together [with you]. συναποθανεῖν (synapothanein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4880.htm">Strong's 4880: </a> To die together with. From sun and apothnesko; to decease in company with, or, similarly to. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">2 Corinthians 7:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 7:3 I say this not to condemn you (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 7:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 7:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 7:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 7:4" /></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>