2 Corinthians 2 3

2 Corinthians 2:3 kjv

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 2:3 nkjv

And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 2:3 niv

I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy.

2 Corinthians 2:3 esv

And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 2:3 nlt

That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won't be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 3 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 2:3, the Apostle Paul explains the compassionate, pastoral motivation behind his previous "severe letter" (likely a now-lost letter written between 1 and 2 Corinthians). He sent this letter with strong rebukes not to cause the Corinthians unnecessary pain, but precisely so that upon his next personal visit, he would not experience sorrow from the very people who should naturally bring him joy. He states his firm belief and understanding that his own spiritual joy is intrinsically linked to and dependent on the spiritual well-being, repentance, and obedience of the entire Corinthian church. His disciplinary action was a loving, preventative measure designed to ensure future joyful communion, rather than enduring grief over their unresolved issues.

2 Corinthians 2 3 Context

Chapter 2 of 2 Corinthians is part of Paul's explanation for his recent change of travel plans and the nature of his interaction with the Corinthian church after a period of considerable tension. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:1, Paul clarifies that he deliberately delayed a painful visit to Corinth, opting instead to write a severe letter. This specific letter (referred to as the "letter of tears" or "painful letter" by scholars, often believed to be lost or contained within a later part of 2 Corinthians) had delivered sharp rebuke regarding an issue, possibly the incestuous man mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, or defiance of Paul's authority. Verse 3 is a crucial component of Paul's defense of his pastoral motives, explaining that the harshness of the letter was a deliberate and loving act. His intent was restorative: to address their issues through writing so that his next personal visit could be filled with the anticipated joy of a reconciled community, rather than burdened by unaddressed sin and mutual sorrow. The context therefore underscores Paul's deep pastoral care, his commitment to reconciliation, and his belief in the spiritual interdependence between himself and the believers he shepherded.

2 Corinthians 2 3 Word analysis

• And (δὲ, de): A transitional particle, linking this explanation to the preceding reasons for his changed plans (2 Cor 1:23-2:2). It continues the logical flow of Paul's argument about his previous conduct and decisions concerning the Corinthians.
• I wrote (ἔγραψα, egraphsa): Aorist active indicative. This signifies a completed past action, referring to the "severe letter." The definitive nature of "I wrote" emphasizes Paul's intentionality and authority in sending the communication.
• this very thing (αὐτὸ τοῦτο, auto touto): Emphatic demonstrative pronoun. It directly points to the painful or stern content of the previous letter mentioned, stressing its specific purpose.
• to you (ὑμῖν, hymin): Dative plural pronoun, indicating the recipients of the letter, the Corinthian believers.
• so that (ἵνα, hina): A purpose clause introducer. This key Greek conjunction specifies the deliberate intention and desired outcome of Paul's action. It clearly states the why behind sending the stern letter.
• when I came (ἐλθών, elthōn): Aorist active participle, modifying Paul (the subject). It refers to his anticipated visit. The choice of participle connects the action of his coming with the purpose expressed.
• I would not have (ἔχω, echō): Present active subjunctive with a negative, indicating a potential future state to be avoided. The subjunctive implies Paul's deliberate design to prevent this negative outcome.
• sorrow (λύπην, lypēn): Means grief, pain, distress. Paul explicitly wanted to avoid this negative emotional state during his visit. This sorrow would not be self-pity, but deep grief over their sin and disunity.
• from (ἀφ᾽ ὧν, aph’ hōn): "From those by whom." Indicates the source of the potential sorrow.
• who ought to make me rejoice (ἔδει με χαίρειν, edei me chairein): Impersonal verb (ἔδει, edei, "it was necessary/fitting") indicating what should naturally happen. The very people who, by their spiritual health and faithful conduct, should be a source of joy for Paul, were instead the potential cause of sorrow.
• knowing (εἰδώς, eidōs): Perfect active participle. Conveys Paul's certain and deeply settled knowledge or conviction. This is not a guess or a hope, but an established fact in his understanding.
• my joy (ἡ χαρά ἡ ἐμή, hē chara hē emē): Paul's personal spiritual joy.
• is the joy of you all (πάντων ὑμῶν χαρά ἐστιν, pantōn hymōn chara estin): Literally, "the joy of all of you it is." This highly significant phrase reveals the deep, interdependent spiritual bond between Paul and the Corinthians. His joy (in their well-being) is their joy (a shared spiritual reality).

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And I wrote this very thing to you, so that": Establishes Paul's intentional and strategic pastoral action. He didn't write out of anger or whim, but with a specific, loving objective in mind, directing a focused message to them.
• "when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice": This phrase encapsulates Paul's deep pastoral sensitivity. It highlights the unnatural and distressing scenario of finding grief where he anticipated joy. The "ought" underscores their spiritual responsibility and the proper relationship dynamic. Paul preferred to experience temporary grief by writing a harsh letter rather than compounding the grief of seeing their unrepentant state in person.
• "knowing that my joy is the joy of you all": This reveals the core of Paul's pastoral philosophy and affection. It's a statement of spiritual reciprocity and profound interdependence. Paul's joy wasn't independent; it was profoundly tied to the Corinthians' spiritual state. If they flourished in the Lord, he rejoiced; if they stumbled, he sorrowed. This bond means their spiritual thriving was his joy, and conversely, his joy for them would also become their joy as they witnessed his delight in their repentance.

2 Corinthians 2 3 Bonus section

• The identity of the "severe letter" is a subject of scholarly debate. The main views include: 1) A lost letter, now unpreserved. 2) 1 Corinthians itself, though parts of 1 Corinthians don't feel "severe" enough for the strong reaction Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 7. 3) 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13, a section many scholars believe was originally a separate, stern letter that was later appended to the earlier, reconciliatory part (chapters 1-9). This final view has gained significant traction due to the sudden shift in tone in chapter 10. Regardless of its exact identity, the letter served its purpose of evoking "sorrow leading to repentance."
• Paul's phrase "my joy is the joy of you all" (ἡ χαρά ἡ ἐμὴ πάντων ὑμῶν χαρά ἐστιν) underscores the concept of corporate identity and interconnectedness within the Body of Christ. It reflects a mutual investment: the apostle is invested in the church's spiritual state, and their responsiveness in turn completes his joy. It's not a transactional relationship but an organic, living bond.
• This verse highlights the emotional cost of spiritual leadership. Paul's pastoral concern was not detached or clinical; it was deeply personal and emotionally invested. He felt their struggles as his own and his emotional state was intrinsically linked to theirs.

2 Corinthians 2 3 Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:3 provides insight into Paul's profound pastoral heart and his strategic approach to church leadership. His "severe letter" was not born of malice or personal offense, but from a deliberate, compassionate calculus. The primary motivation was to correct their errant behavior and attitudes before his visit. This allowed the unpleasant work of discipline to be handled through writing, preventing the more distressing experience of him having to deliver such harsh rebukes face-to-face.

The verse clarifies that Paul's concern was not simply for his own feelings, but for the collective spiritual health of the community. His "sorrow" would be born of witnessing their sin and disunity, a state which would preclude genuine fellowship and joy. Conversely, his "joy" stemmed from their repentance and return to proper conduct. The declaration, "my joy is the joy of you all," is key. It signifies that true spiritual leaders find their greatest delight in the spiritual flourishing of those they serve. Their well-being directly contributes to the leader's joy, forming a reciprocal bond where shared repentance leads to shared joy. Paul willingly experienced a measure of sorrow in writing the painful letter, confident that this momentary grief would pave the way for a deeper, more enduring joy for both him and the Corinthians. This passage offers a powerful lesson on the loving purpose behind corrective ministry and the deep, shared experience of joy in a healthy Christian community.