2 Corinthians 2 10

2 Corinthians 2:10 kjv

To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

2 Corinthians 2:10 nkjv

Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

2 Corinthians 2:10 niv

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven?if there was anything to forgive?I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,

2 Corinthians 2:10 esv

Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,

2 Corinthians 2:10 nlt

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit,

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 10 Meaning

This verse states Paul's alignment with the Corinthian church's decision to forgive the repentant individual who caused them sorrow. Paul assures them that his own forgiveness of this person mirrors theirs. His primary motivation for this act of forgiveness, or any previous disciplinary actions taken, was always for the spiritual well-being and benefit of the Corinthian community. Crucially, this act was undertaken and confirmed in the very presence of Christ, implying divine authorization, approval, and accountability.

2 Corinthians 2 10 Context

This verse is nestled within Paul’s instructions regarding the restoration of a disciplined member of the Corinthian church, commonly believed to be the incestuous man from 1 Corinthians 5. In the preceding verses (2 Cor 2:5-9), Paul urged the church to forgive and comfort this individual now that he had repented. The punishment inflicted by the majority (likely excommunication or exclusion from fellowship) had served its purpose, leading to genuine sorrow and repentance. Paul’s readiness to forgive and restore the individual validates the church’s previous action while encouraging a spirit of compassion. Historically, there may have been some reluctance within the church to accept the repentant one, or concerns about Paul's initial strictness. Paul’s words here serve to unite the church in merciful action, ensuring they do not let sorrow overwhelm the individual, and preventing Satan from gaining an advantage. This context highlights the tension between necessary discipline and gracious restoration within the early Christian community.

2 Corinthians 2 10 Word analysis

• Now whom (ᾧ δὲ καί - hō de kai): This introduces a logical progression from the previous thought. "Whom" refers specifically to the repentant individual, likely the man disciplined in 1 Corinthians 5. Paul addresses their concern directly regarding this person.

• you forgive (τι ἐχαρίσασθε - ti echarisasthe): "Echarisasthe" is a past tense, aorist, middle voice form of charizomai (χαρίζομαι), meaning to graciously give, show favor, remit, or forgive out of grace and kindness. It signifies a completed action by the Corinthian church – they have already shown or decided to show forgiveness. This is a communal act of remission.

• anything (τι - ti): The pronoun ti (anything/something) serves to generalize or encompass whatever specific offense was committed, affirming that the principle of forgiveness applies broadly.

• I also forgive (καγώ - kagō [I too]): "Kagō" is a contraction of "kai egō" (and I). It emphasizes Paul’s solidarity and concurrence with their decision. This demonstrates his spiritual authority aligns with and confirms the church's proper exercise of discipline and grace.

• For indeed what I have forgiven (καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ ὃ κεχάρισμαι - kai gar egō ho kecharismai): Kechárismai is a perfect tense form of charizomai, indicating an action completed in the past with ongoing results. Paul stresses that whatever action he took regarding this issue, it was also one of gracious giving/forgiving.

• if I have forgiven anything (εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι - ei ti kecharismai): This "if" (εἰ - ei) is not indicative of doubt but functions as a conditional particle in the sense of "if it is the case that I have forgiven anything" or "in whatever case I have forgiven." It acknowledges the situation and applies the principle, encompassing his prior strong pronouncements which ultimately aimed for restoration.

• for your sakes (δι᾽ ὑμᾶς - di’ hymas): This reveals Paul’s primary motivation. His actions, both disciplinary and restorative, were never self-serving. They were consistently undertaken for the sake of the Corinthians’ spiritual well-being, the purity of the church, and its corporate health. This counters any possible accusation of harshness or personal animosity.

• I did it (πεποίημαι - pepoiēmai): A perfect tense verb, poieō (ποιέω - to do/make), stressing a completed action with lasting effect. Paul’s prior judgment and current forgiveness are firmly established actions.

• in the presence of Christ (πρὸς προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ - pros prosōpō Christou): This is a powerful phrase.

  • Prosōpon (πρόσωπον) literally means "face" or "presence."
  • Pros (πρός) means "towards," "in front of," or "in the view of."
  • The phrase indicates:
    • Divine witness: Christ was a direct observer of Paul’s actions and decisions.
    • Divine authorization/approval: Paul's actions were aligned with Christ's will and endorsed by Him.
    • Accountability: Paul acted under the direct gaze of Christ, knowing his motivations and methods would be scrutinized by the Lord Himself.
    • Representation: Paul acts as an agent of Christ, mirroring Christ's own character and intentions for the church. It strongly counters any notion that Paul was acting autonomously or based on human wisdom, lending supreme spiritual weight to his words.

• "whom you forgive anything, I also forgive.": This phrase establishes the unity between the congregation's forgiveness and Paul's apostolic endorsement. It signifies that the local church's authority to act (bind and loose) is ratified by the Apostle. There is no contradiction between local church action and apostolic decree when both are guided by Christ.

• "For indeed what I have forgiven... for your sakes I did it in the presence of Christ.": This segment clarifies Paul's foundational motive and authority. Any disciplinary action or subsequent forgiveness on Paul’s part was motivated not by personal vindictiveness or gain, but by deep love and concern for the Corinthian believers' spiritual health and integrity. The solemn phrase "in the presence of Christ" underscores the divine backing and moral purity of his actions, asserting that he acted under Christ’s direct oversight and alignment. This counters potential criticisms that Paul was merely asserting personal power.

2 Corinthians 2 10 Bonus section

The strong affirmation "in the presence of Christ" functions not only as an assertion of Paul's authority but also as a defense against potential detractors. These could be Judaizers questioning his apostleship, or even some within the Corinthian church who saw him as dictatorial or vacillating. By invoking Christ's immediate presence, Paul nullifies such accusations, indicating that his decisions are not arbitrary but divine mandates. It's a veiled polemic against any who might accuse him of merely human, self-interested motivation. This statement reinforces Paul's authority being purely derived from and exercised under Christ.

2 Corinthians 2 10 Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:10 powerfully demonstrates the delicate balance between church discipline and redemptive forgiveness. Paul affirms that the church's collective act of forgiving the repentant individual aligns perfectly with his own apostolic grace. His willingness to forgive mirrors theirs, preventing divisions and reinforcing their unity in Christ. The pivotal insight is Paul's motive: his actions, whether punitive or merciful, were always "for your sakes," prioritizing the spiritual well-being and health of the Corinthian congregation. Furthermore, acting "in the presence of Christ" underscores the profound divine authorization and accountability of Paul's ministry. It meant Christ was his witness, his authority, and the ultimate judge of his sincerity. This elevates the act of forgiveness from a mere human sentiment to a sacred, Christ-centered imperative.

For practical usage, this verse exemplifies:

1. Unity in Discernment: Leaders and congregations should align in applying discipline and offering grace.
2. Love-Driven Motivation: All church actions, even difficult ones, should stem from a selfless desire for the spiritual good of the believers.
3. Accountability to Christ: Believers and leaders perform their duties with the understanding that they are always "before the face of Christ."