2 Corinthians 13:13

Context

This is the final verse of 2 Corinthians, the letter Paul sent to the church at Corinth. In the first part of chapter 13, Paul warns the church to examine itself ahead of his coming third visit. He then exhorts the believers to be comforted and to be of one mind (13:11), sends greetings (13:12), and closes the letter with this benediction. Korean Bibles and critical editions of the Greek text number this verse 13:13, while most English Bibles number it 13:14. The difference arises solely from whether the preceding greeting is counted as one verse or divided into two; the content is the same.

Interpretation

• Trinitarian reading: Denominations that confess the doctrine of the Trinity regard this verse as an early witness that places the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit side by side in a single sentence. Many scholars describe it not as a formulated doctrine but as an expression naming the three persons together, one that later served as a basis for the development of the doctrine. That the grace of Christ is mentioned first is sometimes taken to mean that it is through grace that one comes to know the love of God.
• The meaning of "communion": The word translates the Greek koinonia (sharing, partnership). Some read it as the fellowship the Holy Spirit creates among believers; others read it as believers' shared participation in the Holy Spirit. Still others hold that both senses are intended. The New Korean Standard Version renders the term sagwim ("fellowship"). The concept is frequently cited in discussions of the communion of saints.

Debates and Issues

There is no major dispute over the meaning of the text. Most of the issues concern its use as a benediction.

• The closing verb form: Korean churches have long debated whether the benediction should end with isseuljieoda ("shall be with you") or chugwonhaomnaida ("we humbly pray"). The former is understood as a declaration of blessing in the name of God; the latter, as a prayer asking for blessing.
• Who pronounces it: Most denominations reserve the benediction for an ordained pastor. For this reason, gatherings without a pastor often close with the Lord's Prayer.

In Korean Churches

Most public services, including Sunday worship, conclude with the pastor raising both hands and pronouncing the benediction using this verse. Phrases such as "now and forevermore" are sometimes added. Some churches use the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:22–27 instead of or alongside it. The phrase "the communion of the Holy Spirit" in the New Korean Revised Version is widely known as the wording of the benediction.

Related Passages

• Numbers 6:24–26 — The Aaronic blessing
• Matthew 28:19 — Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 — The same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God
• 1 Corinthians 1:9 — Called unto the "fellowship" of Christ
• Ephesians 4:4–6 — One Spirit, one Lord, one God