2 Corinthians 13:1
New International Version
This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

New Living Translation
This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).

English Standard Version
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Berean Literal Bible
This third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter will be established."

King James Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

New King James Version
This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

New American Standard Bible
This is the third time that I am coming to you. ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER SHALL BE CONFIRMED.

NASB 1995
This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.

NASB 1977
This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.

Legacy Standard Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER SHALL BE CONFIRMED.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

American Standard Version
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.

Contemporary English Version
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."

English Revised Version
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is the third time that I'll be visiting you. Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
This will be the third time I am coming to you. "Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses."

Majority Standard Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

NET Bible
This is the third time I am coming to visit you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be established.

New Heart English Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses will every word be established."

Webster's Bible Translation
This is the third time I am coming to you: By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Weymouth New Testament
This intended visit of mine is my third visit to you. "On the evidence of two or three witnesses every charge shall be sustained."

World English Bible
This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I come to you this third time; on the mouth of two or three witnesses will every saying be established;

Berean Literal Bible
This third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter will be established."

Young's Literal Translation
This third time do I come unto you; on the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every saying be established;

Smith's Literal Translation
This third I come to you. By mouth of two witnesses, and three, shall every word be established.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, this is the third time that I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall stand.

New American Bible
This third time I am coming to you. “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a fact shall be established.”

New Revised Standard Version
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
This is the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
The third time am I coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every matter shall be established.

Godbey New Testament
This the third time I am coming to you: in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.

Haweis New Testament
THIS third time I am coming to you: by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every charge be established.

Mace New Testament
This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Weymouth New Testament
This intended visit of mine is my third visit to you. "On the evidence of two or three witnesses every charge shall be sustained."

Worrell New Testament
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses, and of three, shall every word be established.

Worsley New Testament
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Examine Yourselves
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 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,…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:15
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.

Matthew 18:16
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.’

John 8:17
Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

1 Timothy 5:19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10:28
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Numbers 35:30
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.

1 Kings 21:10
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.”

John 5:31-32
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.

Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

Revelation 11:3
And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

1 John 5:7-8
For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.

Matthew 26:60-61
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.’”

Mark 14:56-59
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.’” ...

Luke 24:48
You are witnesses of these things.

Acts 1:8
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

2 Corinthians 12:14
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.

Numbers 35:30
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.

Deuteronomy 17:6
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 19:15
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.

Jump to Previous
Charge Confirmed Established Evidence Fact Intended Matter Mouth Sustained Testimony Third Three Time Visit Witnesses Word
Jump to Next
Charge Confirmed Established Evidence Fact Intended Matter Mouth Sustained Testimony Third Three Time Visit Witnesses Word
2 Corinthians 13
1. Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners.
5. And, advising them to a trial of their faith,
7. and to a reformation of their sins before his coming,
11. he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer.














This is the third time
The Apostle Paul begins this verse by emphasizing the number of visits he has made to the Corinthian church. The Greek word for "third" is "tritos," which underscores the importance of repeated efforts and the seriousness with which Paul approaches the issues in Corinth. Historically, this reflects Paul's dedication and pastoral concern for the church, as he is willing to make multiple journeys to address their spiritual needs and correct their errors.

I am coming to you
The phrase indicates Paul's imminent visit, showing his personal commitment to the Corinthian believers. The Greek verb "erchomai" (to come) suggests not just physical arrival but also the intention of bringing spiritual guidance and authority. This reflects the apostolic responsibility Paul feels, as he seeks to shepherd the church in person, reinforcing the importance of direct, personal ministry.

Every matter must be established
Here, Paul refers to the principle of establishing truth and justice. The Greek word "histemi" (to establish) conveys the idea of setting something firmly in place. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament law, specifically Deuteronomy 19:15, which emphasizes the need for reliable testimony. It highlights the importance of truth and integrity within the church community.

by the testimony of two or three witnesses
This phrase is a direct reference to the legal standards found in Jewish law, where the testimony of multiple witnesses was required to confirm a matter. The Greek word "martus" (witness) is crucial here, as it underscores the need for credible and corroborated evidence. In the context of the Corinthian church, Paul is advocating for fairness and accountability, ensuring that accusations and issues are handled justly and with due process.

XIII.

(1) This is the third time I am coming to you.--The words may point either to three actual visits--(1) that of Acts 18:1; (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 2Corinthians 1:16); 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 2Corinthians 12:14, and with his mode of expressing his intentions, as in 1Corinthians 16:5.

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 Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15, 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 Matthew 18:16.) 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. . . .

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 (2 Corinthians 1:15-17). In the mouth of two or three witnesses. The quotation is from Deuteronomy 19:15. 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
This [is]
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[the] third [time]
Τρίτον (Triton)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5154: 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
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: 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
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

“Every
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: 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
Strong's 4487: 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
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

by
Ἐπὶ (Epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] testimony
στόματος (stomatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

of two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

or
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

three
τριῶν (triōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

witnesses.”
μαρτύρων (martyrōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144: A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.


Links
2 Corinthians 13:1 NIV
2 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
2 Corinthians 13:1 ESV
2 Corinthians 13:1 NASB
2 Corinthians 13:1 KJV

2 Corinthians 13:1 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 13:1 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 13:1 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 13:1 French Bible
2 Corinthians 13:1 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 12:21
Top of Page
Top of Page