2 Corinthians 5:13

13 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.

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2 Corinthians 5:13 in Other Translations

KJV

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

ESV

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

NLT

13 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.

MSG

13 If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you.

CSB

13 For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we have a sound mind, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:13 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:13

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.

Or whether we be sober;
think and speak meanly of ourselves, and behave with all modesty and lowliness of mind: it is for your cause; for your instruction and imitation. The glory of God, and the good of his churches, were what concerned them in every part of life. Some refer this to the apostle's being, or not being, in an ecstasy or rapture. Others to his speaking, either of the more sublime doctrines of the Gospel, on account of which he was reckoned mad, though in the delivering of them he had nothing else but the glory of God in view; or of the lower and easier truths of it, which were more accommodated to meaner capacities; in doing which he sought their edification and advantage.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

2 Corinthians 5:13 In-Context

11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.

12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

13 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.

14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.