2 Corinthians 5:13 BSB

2 Corinthians 5:13

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

BSB

Parallel translations (2) ▾

ASV

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

KJV

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

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Commentary

3 voices

Theophylact of Ohrid

Commentary on 2 Corinthians (1107)

If we say something lofty (this is what the apostle calls "being beside ourselves," or, in other places, "madness"), we do this for God, so that you, considering us weak, may not become proud and perish; but if we say something humbly and with self-abasement, …

The record, by era

The Puritans and the Awakening3 voices

John Gill

1697–1771

Exposition of the New Testament (1746-1748)

For whether we be besides ourselves,.... As some took them to be, and as Festus thought the Apostle Paul was, because of the doctrines they preached, and the self-commendation they were obliged to enter into through the calumnies of their adversaries; in which they did not so much seek their own reputation, as the honour and glory of God, which was struck at through them: it is to God; it is for his glory, and not our own, that we act this part, for which we are condemned as madmen.

John Wesley

1703–1791

Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)

For if we are transported beyond ourselves - Or at least, appear so to others, treated of, 2 Cor. v, 15-21, speaking or writing with uncommon vehemence. It is to God - He understands (if men do not) the emotion which himself inspires.

Matthew Henry

1662–1714

Commentary on the Whole Bible (1710)

But the apostle tells them, 1. It was for the glory of God, and the good of the church, that he was thus zealous and industrious: " Whether we be beside ourselves, or whether we be sober (whether you or others do think the one or the other), it is to God, and for his glory: and it is for your cause, or to promote your good,"

The Nineteenth Century1 voice

Albert Barnes

1798–1870

Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869)

For whether we be beside ourselves - This is probably designed to meet some of the charges which the false teachers in Corinth brought against him, and to furnish his friends there with a ready answer, as well as to show them the true principles on which he acted, and his real love for them. It is altogether probable that he was charged with being deranged; that many who boasted themselves of prudence, and soberness, and wisdom, regarded him as acting like a madman.

Voices on this verse

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Original language & word study

7 tagged words

Original	Transliteration	Meaning	Word study
εἴτε	eite	If	G1535 →
γὰρ	gar	for	G1063 →
ἐξέστημεν,	exestēmen	we are crazy,	G1839 →
θεῷ·	theō	[it is] for God;	G2316 →
εἴτε	eite	or if	G1535 →
σωφρονοῦμεν,	sōphronoumen	we are sober-minded	G4993 →
ὑμῖν.	humin	[it is] for you.	G4771 →

Rare words are the text's own signal of a deliberate thread: the fewer the occurrences, the more the places it appears belong together.

G1535eiteIf65×

The walk

The walk8

Where the connections lead

Follow this verse’s cross-references two steps out. Each card is a verse this one points to, and beneath it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several different paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it. Every stop shows its own words, and every stop is a page.

Through
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure…
leads to
- Galatians 6:3
  If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- Philippians 2:3–8
  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- Proverbs 26:12
  Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- 1 Peter 5:5
  Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Romans 12:16
  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
Through
2 Corinthians 11:1
I hope you will bear with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.
leads to
- 1 Corinthians 1:21
  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
- 2 Corinthians 11:4
  For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you…
Through
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…
leads to
- 2 Corinthians 11:16
  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.

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About 2 Corinthians

The Crown of Thorns — Gustave Doré (engraving, public domain)

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Continue: 2 Corinthians 5 →

01Commentary

The record, by era

Voices on this verse

02Original language & word study

03The walk

Where the connections lead

04Related verses

05Featured studies on this passage

06About 2 Corinthians

The record, by era

Where the connections lead

Commentary

Original language & word study

The walk

Related verses

Featured studies on this passage

About 2 Corinthians