2 Corinthians 1:13

Verse

For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,

American Standard Version (1901)

For we write no other things unto you, than what ye read or even acknowledge, and I hope ye will acknowledge unto the end:

Bible in Basic English

For in our letters we say no other things to you, but those which you are reading, and to which you give agreement, and, it is my hope, will go on doing so to the end:

Douay-Rheims 1899

For we write no other things to you than what you have read and known. And I hope that you shall know unto the end:

Free Bible Version

For we are not writing anything complicated that you can't read and understand. I hope you'll understand in the end,

Geneva Bible 1599

For wee write none other thinges vnto you, then that ye reade or els that ye acknowledge, and I trust ye shall acknowledge vnto ye end.

King James (Authorized) Version

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

Translation for Translators

I say that because in all my letters to you I have always written [LIT] clearly in a way that you can easily and completely understand when you read them.

Unlocked Literal Bible

We write to you nothing that you cannot read and understand. I expect that,

Noah Webster Bible

For we write no other things to you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye will acknowledge even to the end;

World English Bible

For we write no other things to you than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end—

Young's Literal Translation

for no other things do we write to you, but what ye either do read or also acknowledge, and I hope that also unto the end ye shall acknowledge,

Context

Paul’s Change of Plans

¹²And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.¹³For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely, ¹⁴as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.

Summary

In this verse, Paul expresses his confidence that the Corinthians will understand the message he is sharing with them. He reassures them that what he writes to them is not confusing or ambiguous but clear and straightforward. Paul's desire is for the Corinthians to fully comprehend the teachings he imparts, reflecting his sincerity and transparency in his communication. This verse underscores the importance of clarity and understanding in conveying spiritual truths within the Christian community. It also highlights the value of effective communication in fostering unity and edification among believers.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Than what ye read - Viz. In the first epistle which he had sent them. Or acknowledge - To be the truth of God; and which he hoped they would continue to acknowledge, and not permit themselves to be turned aside from the hope of the Gospel.