2 Corinthians 2 2

2 Corinthians 2:2 kjv

For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

2 Corinthians 2:2 nkjv

For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

2 Corinthians 2:2 niv

For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?

2 Corinthians 2:2 esv

For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained?

2 Corinthians 2:2 nlt

For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 2 Meaning

Paul conveys his deep desire to avoid causing the Corinthian believers sorrow, because their well-being and joy are the very source of his own joy. He reasons that if he were to make them grieve through harsh rebuke or disciplinary action, then he would essentially be destroying his own source of gladness, as the very people who bring him joy would then be sorrowful. His love for them dictates his actions, prioritizing their joy, which in turn ensures his own.

2 Corinthians 2 2 Context

2 Corinthians 2:2 is part of Paul's explanation for his change in travel plans and his reason for sending a "sorrowful letter" (likely the severe letter mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8, 12). He had decided against a "painful visit" to Corinth. In chapter 1, he assures them that his decision was not fickle but made with their spiritual welfare in mind. Here in chapter 2, he explains why such a painful visit would have been detrimental: his aim was not to inflict pain but to restore joy and order. The Corinthians were a church facing significant internal issues—divisions, immorality, and questioning of Paul's apostolic authority. Paul, despite their failings, had a deep, pastoral affection for them. He considered them his spiritual children and a primary source of his apostolic joy. This verse underscores Paul's sensitive pastoral heart and the relational theology central to his ministry: his joy was intricately linked to the spiritual health and happiness of the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 2 2 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation. It signals that what follows is Paul's justification for his preceding actions, specifically his reluctance to make a painful visit.
• if (εἰ - ei): Introduces a conditional clause. It sets up a hypothetical scenario, a direct and undesirable outcome that Paul sought to avoid.
• I (ἐγώ - egō): Emphatic first-person pronoun, stressing Paul's personal responsibility and agency in this relational dynamic.
• make you (ὑμᾶς - hymas) sorrowful (λυπῶ - lupō):
  • λυπῶ (lupō): The verb "to grieve," "to make sorrowful," or "to cause pain." It reflects the emotional distress that Paul's corrective discipline or a stern visit would have inflicted upon them. This sorrow is not presented as an end in itself, but a necessary step for repentance (compare 2 Cor 7:9-10).
  • The phrase captures the direct cause-and-effect: Paul's action leading to their grief.
• who (τίς - tis) is then (ἄρα - ara) the one who makes (ὁ εὐφραίνων - ho euphrainōn) me glad (ἐμὲ - eme)?:
  • τίς (tis) ἄρα (ara): Rhetorical question expressing Paul's predicament. Ara conveys logical inference, akin to "consequently then" or "as a result."
  • εὐφραίνων (euphrainōn): Present participle of the verb "to make joyful," "to cheer up," or "to gladden." It speaks of bringing active joy.
  • This rhetorical question highlights the irony: the very act of causing them sorrow would remove Paul's own source of joy.
• but (εἰ μὴ - ei mē) he (ὁ - ho) who is made sorrowful by me (λυπούμενος - lupoumenos)?:
  • εἰ μὴ (ei mē): A strong exception or exclusion, meaning "except" or "but."
  • ὁ λυπούμενος (ho lupoumenos): "The one being grieved/made sorrowful." This phrase uses the passive present participle, referring back to the Corinthians who would be grieved by Paul. Paul’s point is circular: his joy comes from them, so if they are grieved, they cannot be his joy; rather, their grief becomes his grief, and his source of joy is eradicated.

Words-group analysis:

• "if I make you sorrowful, who is then the one who makes me glad?": This establishes a direct link between Paul's emotional state and that of the Corinthians. It's a statement of spiritual interdependency. His joy is derivative of their well-being.
• "but he who is made sorrowful by me?": This concludes the rhetorical question with a poignant truth. The source of his gladness (the Corinthians) would become the very source of his sorrow if he had caused their sorrow. This reveals a deep empathetic bond and highlights Paul's desire to avoid a situation where he would cause himself pain by hurting those he loved.

2 Corinthians 2 2 Bonus section

The concept expressed in 2 Corinthians 2:2 speaks to the highly relational nature of Christian ministry and community. Paul's approach demonstrates that even necessary correction or discipline should be undertaken with the ultimate goal of restoring joy and fellowship. It wasn't about Paul's personal comfort, but about the spiritual health of the entire Body of Christ. Paul endured much personal suffering and distress (2 Cor 11:23-29), yet he desired the joy of the churches he served. His spiritual parenting was such that their condition directly impacted his inner state, highlighting a profound spiritual and emotional investment that transcended mere duty. This verse reveals Paul as not just an apostle of doctrine, but a shepherd with a deeply affectionate and empathetic heart.

2 Corinthians 2 2 Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:2 is a profound expression of Paul's pastoral heart and his intimate relationship with the Corinthian believers. He articulates a spiritual paradox: if he were to act in a way that caused them sorrow—likely referring to a stern, corrective visit—he would simultaneously destroy his own source of joy. Paul’s joy was inextricably linked to their spiritual health, maturity, and well-being. The essence of the verse is that Paul found his gladness and gratification not in their perfect obedience, but in their eventual repentance and restored fellowship, which allowed for their joy.

He recognized that if he delivered a painful rebuke without restoring their relationship, he would be causing grief to the very people who were his spiritual delight. His previous "painful letter" was sent to cause them sorrow, but a godly sorrow that would lead to repentance and, ultimately, to joy for both them and for him (2 Cor 7:8-10). This verse explains his aversion to inflicting unnecessary, non-redemptive pain. It underscores that true spiritual leadership seeks to uplift and restore joy, not merely to condemn or bring misery. It reflects the truth of the body of Christ, where the joy and sorrow of one member affects all (1 Cor 12:26).

Examples for practical usage:

• A parent's joy is often tied to their children's happiness. If a parent constantly brings unhappiness to their child, it drains their own joy from the relationship.
• In ministry, a shepherd's delight is the flock's flourishing. A shepherd who only causes grief to his flock misses the ultimate reward of shared joy.
• In any relationship, mutual joy requires avoiding actions that inflict undue sorrow, especially when the other person is a significant source of one's own happiness.