2 Corinthians 5:13 (DRB)

Passage

For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for you.

Nearby Context

2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men: but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest.

2 Corinthians 5:12 We commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory in our behalf: that you may have somewhat to answer them who glory in face, and not in heart.

2 Corinthians 5:13 For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one died for all, then all were dead.

2 Corinthians 5:15 And Christ died for all: that they also who live may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "whether", "transported", "mind", and "sober". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "whether" and "transported", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 12's "We commend not ourselves again to you..." into verse 14's "For the charity of Christ presseth us...", so "whether" and "transported" belong inside that flow. In 2 Corinthians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "whether" and "transported" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.