What does it mean to be of good comfort (2 Corinthians 13:11)?

The phrase “be of good comfort” appears in 2 Corinthians 13:11 in both the King James Version (KJV) and the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. The KJV says, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” When the KJV was published in the seventeenth century, the word comfort conveyed the idea of encouragement. The context of this passage and similar instructions from the apostle Paul help clarify the full meaning of “be of good comfort.”

Paul’s letter of 2 Corinthians addresses, among other issues, the influence of false apostles who sought to undermine his ministry at the church (2 Corinthians 11:13). Although Paul speaks humbly about himself, he also defends his God-given authority as an apostle. He warns the Corinthians that he can be just as bold in person as he appears in his letters (2 Corinthians 10:8–11).

Some members of the church had responded poorly to Paul and questioned his ministry. They were influenced by false teachers who presented themselves as superior to him (2 Corinthians 11:4–5, 12–15). Paul also had concerns about the Corinthians fulfilling their commitment to give generously to needy believers (2 Corinthians 8—9). He responds by appealing to them in love while expressing concern about their spiritual condition. As a result, 2 Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal and passionate letters.

Despite the weighty content of 2 Corinthians, Paul closes the letter in hope. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, he calls the believers to “become complete,” “be of good comfort,” “be of one mind,” and “live in peace” (NKJV). The English Standard Version translates the corresponding phrase as “comfort one another” and refers to “restoration” in the passage (2 Corinthians 13:9, 11). Paul desires the Corinthians to respond to his correction by pursuing spiritual maturity, encouraging one another, and living in unity. He hopes they will comply, so when he visits, he can build them up rather than discipline them (2 Corinthians 13:10).

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28, Paul gives encouragement like that found in 2 Corinthians 13:11–14. Although Paul speaks more positively about the Thessalonian church, he still instructs its members about godly behavior and attitudes. He tells them to be patient, not to quench the Spirit, to reject evil, and to pursue what is good for everyone. These instructions parallel his call for unity in Corinth. Paul also tells the Thessalonians to “be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13, NKJV), similar to his appeal in 2 Corinthians 13:11.

Although the phrase “be of good comfort” does not appear in 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28, the passage emphasizes encouragement among believers. Paul tells the Thessalonians to “comfort the fainthearted” and “uphold the weak” (verse 14, NKJV). Such encouragement helps believers persevere in patience, righteousness, unity, and peace.

In other letters, Paul also encourages actions that promote love and unity within churches. For instance, he tells the Corinthians to “greet one another with a holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:20, NKJV). In 1 Timothy 6:17–18, Paul instructs Timothy to teach “those who are rich in this present age” to be “rich in good works” and “willing to share” (NKJV). Paul also warns the Romans to avoid those who “cause divisions and offenses” contrary to apostolic teaching (Romans 16:17–18, NKJV). These instructions show Paul’s concern that believers encourage one another, pursue unity, and avoid division.

The phrase “be of good comfort” is not common today, but its meaning remains important for believers. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, the phrase refers to encouragement. Paul calls the Corinthians to respond to correction by pursuing spiritual maturity, unity, and peace. Christians likewise should strengthen and encourage one another as they seek to live faithfully in Christ.