2 Corinthians 7:3

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 7:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I say it not to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I say it not to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.
2 Corinthians 7:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3I say it not to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I speak not this to condemn you, etc..] Referring either to the exhortations before given, to have no sinful conversation with unbelievers, and to cleanse themselves from all impurity, external and internal; and to go on in a course of holiness, in the fear of God, to the end of life; or to the account just given of himself and fellow ministers; and his sense is this, the exhortations I have given must not be so understood, as though I charged and accused you with keeping company with unbelievers, or as though you were not concerned for purity of life and conversation; or when I remove the above mentioned things from myself and others, I mean not to lay them upon you, as if I thought that…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In excusing myself, I do not accuse you, as though you suspected me of such things [MENOCHIUS], or as though you were guilty of such things; for I speak only of the false apostles [ESTIUS and Greek commentators]. Rather, "as though you were ungrateful and treacherous" [BEZA]. I have said before--in Co2 6:11-12; compare Phi 1:7. die and live with you--the height of friendship. I am ready to die and live with you and for you (Phi 1:7, Phi 1:20, Phi 1:24; Phi 2:17-18). Compare as to Christ, Joh 10:11.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I speak not this to condemn you - I do not speak this with any desire to reproach you. I do not complain of you for the purpose of condemning, or because I have a desire to find fault, though I am compelled to speak in some respect of your lack of affection and liberality toward me. It is not because I have no love for you, and wish to have occasion to use words implying complaint and condemnation. For I have said before - 2 Corinthians 7:11-12. That ye are in our hearts - That is, we are so much attached to you; or you have such a place in our affections. To die and live with you - If it were the will of God, we would be glad to spend our lives among you, and to die with you; an expression…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I speak not to condemn you - Not as if I accused you of laying this to my charge. I am so far from thinking so unkindly of you, that ye are in our hearts, to live and die with you - That is, I could rejoice to spend all my days with you. 2 Corinthians 7:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to condemn: Co2 7:12, Co2 2:4, Co2 2:5, Co2 13:10; Co1 4:14, Co1 4:15 for: Co2 6:11, Co2 6:12 ye: Co2 3:2, Co2 11:11, Co2 12:15; Phi 1:8, Phi 1:9 to die: Rut 1:16, Rut 1:17; Th1 2:8 2 Corinthians 7:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification