^13:10Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive¹² I may not have to deal harshly with you¹³ by using my authority—the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

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Footnotes

12 Grk “when I am present,” but in the context of Paul’s third (upcoming) visit to Corinth, this is better translated as “when I arrive.”
13 The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

NLTNew Living Translation

I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Because of this, I am writing these things although I am absent, in order that when I am present I may not have to act severely according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

KJV 1900King James Version

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

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