2 Corinthians 5:13
New International Version
If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

New Living Translation
If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.

English Standard Version
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Berean Standard Bible
If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Berean Literal Bible
For if we are beside ourselves, it is to God; or if we are sober-minded it is for you.

King James Bible
For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

New King James Version
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

New American Standard Bible
For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

NASB 1995
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

NASB 1977
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Legacy Standard Bible
For if we are out of our mind, it is for God, or if we are of right mind, it is for you.

Amplified Bible
If we are out of our mind [just unstable fanatics as some critics say], it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit.

Christian Standard Bible
For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we have a sound mind, it is for you.

American Standard Version
For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.

Contemporary English Version
If we seem out of our minds, it is between God and us. But if we are in our right minds, it is for your good.

English Revised Version
For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So if we were crazy, it was for God. If we are sane, it is for you.

Good News Translation
Are we really insane? It is for God's sake. Or are we sane? Then it is for your sake.

International Standard Version
So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you.

Majority Standard Bible
If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

NET Bible
For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

New Heart English Bible
For if we are out of control, it is for God. If we are in a reasonable way, it is for you.

Webster's Bible Translation
For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we are sober, it is for your cause.

Weymouth New Testament
For if we have been beside ourselves, it has been for God's glory; or if we are now in our right senses, it is in order to be of service to you.

World English Bible
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for whether we were beside ourselves, [it was] to God; whether we be of sound mind, [it is] to you,

Berean Literal Bible
For if we are beside ourselves, it is to God; or if we are sober-minded it is for you.

Young's Literal Translation
for whether we were beside ourselves, it was to God; whether we be of sound mind -- it is to you,

Smith's Literal Translation
For whether we be beside ourselves, to God: or be of sound mind, to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God; or whether we be sober, it is for you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For if we are excessive in mind, it is for God; but if we are sober, it is for you.

New American Bible
For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are rational, it is for you.

New Revised Standard Version
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For if we go wrong, we answer to God, and if we go straight, it is for you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For if we are insane, it is for God, and if we are conventional, it is for you.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For if we be beside our selves, it is for God; or, if we be of sound mind, it is for you.

Godbey New Testament
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we have our right minds, it is for you.

Haweis New Testament
For if we are transported out of ourselves, it is for God; or if we are sober-minded, it is for your sake.

Mace New Testament
for if I glory even to transport, my glorying is in God: if I am moderate, my glorying is for your service.

Weymouth New Testament
For if we have been beside ourselves, it has been for God's glory; or if we are now in our right senses, it is in order to be of service to you.

Worrell New Testament
For whether we were beside ourselves, it was to God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is for you.

Worsley New Testament
For whether we be in extasies, it is to God: or if we be composed, it is for your benefit.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ambassadors for Christ
12We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.…

Cross References
Acts 26:24-25
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” / But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

2 Corinthians 11:1
I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.

2 Corinthians 11:16-17
I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. / In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.

2 Corinthians 12:6
Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,

2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

Mark 3:21
When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.”

John 10:20
Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?”

Acts 2:13
But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”

Acts 17:32
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

we be beside.

2 Corinthians 11:1,16,17
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me…

2 Corinthians 12:6,11
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me…

See on

Acts 26:24,25
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad…

1 Corinthians 4:10-13
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised…

1 Thessalonians 2:3-11
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: …

it is to.

2 Samuel 6:21,22
And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD…

sober.

Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

for.

2 Corinthians 7:12
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.

Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

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2 Corinthians 5
1. That in his assured hope of immortal glory,
9. and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;
12. not that he may boast of himself,
14. but as one that, having received life from Christ,
17. endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,
18. and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.














If we are out of our mind
The phrase "out of our mind" comes from the Greek word "exestēmen," which can mean to be beside oneself or to be in a state of ecstasy. In the context of Paul's ministry, this could refer to the intense spiritual experiences or fervor that might appear irrational to outsiders. Historically, early Christians were often misunderstood and accused of madness due to their fervent faith and counter-cultural practices. Paul acknowledges that their passionate devotion might seem irrational, but it is a testament to their commitment to God. This phrase challenges believers to consider how their faith might appear to the world and to embrace a God-centered life that might defy worldly logic.

it is for God
This phrase emphasizes the motivation behind any perceived irrationality. The Greek word "Theou" (for God) indicates that any actions or states of being that seem out of the ordinary are dedicated to God. This reflects a deep commitment to living a life that prioritizes divine approval over human understanding. Historically, this aligns with the early church's willingness to endure persecution and misunderstanding for the sake of their faith. It serves as an inspiration for modern believers to prioritize their relationship with God, even when it leads to actions that the world might not understand.

if we are of sound mind
The phrase "of sound mind" translates from the Greek "sōphronoumen," meaning to be of sober mind or self-controlled. Paul contrasts the ecstatic experiences with a rational, controlled demeanor, suggesting that both states serve a purpose in the Christian life. The historical context of Corinth, a city known for its philosophical debates and diverse religious practices, would have required a balance of fervor and reason to effectively communicate the Gospel. This phrase encourages believers to maintain a balance between spiritual passion and rational thought, ensuring that their witness is both heartfelt and understandable.

it is for you
The phrase "for you" indicates that the rational, controlled aspect of Paul's ministry is intended for the benefit of the Corinthian believers. The Greek "hymin" (for you) underscores the pastoral care and responsibility Paul feels towards the church. Historically, this reflects the apostolic mission to nurture and guide early Christian communities, ensuring their growth and stability. This phrase inspires believers to consider how their actions and demeanor can serve and edify others within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual edification in the Christian faith.

(13) For whether we be beside ourselves.--The recollection of one sneer leads on to another. This also had been said of him, and the intense sensitiveness of his nature made him wince under it. Some there were at Corinth who spoke of his visions and revelations, his speaking with tongues as in ecstasy, his prophecies of future judgment, as so many signs of madness. "He was beside himself." (Comp. Agrippa's words in Acts 26:24, and Note there.) Others, or, perhaps, the same persons, pointed to his tact, becoming all things to all men, perhaps even insinuated that he was making money by his work (2Corinthians 9:12; 2Corinthians 12:10): "he was shrewd enough when it served his turn." He answers accordingly both the taunts. What people called his "madness"--the ecstasy of adoration, the speaking with tongues (1Corinthians 14:18-23)--that lay between himself and God, and a stranger might not intermeddle with it. What people called his "sober-mindedness"--his shrewd common sense, his sagacity--that he practised not for himself, but for his disciples, to win them to Christ, remove difficulties, strengthen them in the faith.

Verse 13. - For whether we be beside ourselves; rather, for whether we were mad. Evidently some person or some faction had said of St. Paul, "He is beside himself," just as Festus said afterwards, "Paul, thou art mad," and as the Jews said of Paul's Lord and Master (John 10:20). The fervour of the apostle, his absorption in his work, his visions and ecstasies, his "speaking with tongues more than they all," his indifference to externals, his bursts of emotion, might all have given colour to this charge, which he here ironically accepts. "Mad or self controlled -all was for your sakes." It is to God; rather for God. My "enthusiasm," "exaltation," or, if you will, my "madness," was but a phase of my work for him. We be sober. The word "sober" (sophron) is derived from two words which mean" to save the mind." It indicates wise self control, such as was represented also by the many-sided Latin word frugi. It is the exact antithesis to madness (Acts 26:25). What you call my "madness" belongs to the relation between my own soul and God; my practical sense and tact are for you. For your sakes; literally, for you.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
Εἴτε (Eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

we are out of our mind,
ἐξέστημεν (exestēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1839: From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.

[it is] for God;
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

if
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

we are of sound mind,
σωφρονοῦμεν (sōphronoumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4993: To be of sound mind, be sober-minded, exercise self-control. From sophron; to be of sound mind, i.e. Sane, moderate.

[it is] for you.
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:13 For if we are beside ourselves it (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 5:12
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