Why does Scripture repeat the same thing several times in a short span?
When Scripture repeats the same statement several times within a short span, the repetition serves as emphasis. The Holy Spirit led the writer to repeat it so readers would take special note of the truth being stressed. Such repetition is not accidental; it marks a point God wants understood and remembered.
Les teaches that in 2 Corinthians, Paul repeats similar statements three times within the space of a chapter because the Holy Spirit led him to do so. Paul uses the word “fool” not out of pride or ego, but because the Corinthians’ constant resistance to his authority compelled him to come back and prove his apostleship. He says, “I am become a fool in glorying, you have compelled me,” meaning they caused him to say all this by refusing to believe him. He notes he ought to have been commended by them, since he is not behind the very chiefest apostles—Peter, James, and John, the inner three of the twelve—but is even ahead of them. Les reminds us that ever since Genesis, when Scripture repeats something several times in a rather short span, it is there for emphasis, and we better take note of it.
More Questions
Why does the Bible repeat things several times in a short passage?
When the Bible repeats something two, three, or four times in short order, it is intentionally emphasizing that point, so readers should sit up and take notice.