2 Corinthians 2 6

2 Corinthians 2:6 kjv

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

2 Corinthians 2:6 nkjv

This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man,

2 Corinthians 2:6 niv

The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.

2 Corinthians 2:6 esv

For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough,

2 Corinthians 2:6 nlt

Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 6 Meaning

This verse signifies that the disciplinary measure applied to the repentant offender was sufficient and had achieved its purpose. Paul here validates the church's prior communal action against a specific individual, likely the incestuous man from 1 Corinthians 5. It confirms that the censure was adequate and that the next step should be forgiveness and comfort, indicating a transition from discipline to restoration. The "punishment" was not vindictive but corrective, aimed at spiritual purification and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 2 6 Context

The second chapter of 2 Corinthians finds Paul explaining the reason for his change of travel plans, which caused some misunderstanding and grief among the Corinthians. Central to this section (2:5-11) is his pastoral concern for a specific individual, whom he had previously instructed the church to discipline (1 Cor 5:1-5). Paul reveals that the discipline administered by the church had the desired effect: the offender repented, and his sin caused "grief" among the Corinthian believers, leading to their collective sorrow and eventual corrective action (2 Cor 7:8-12 elaborates on this). Verse 6 marks a pivot point; Paul acknowledges that the previous censure was effective and sufficient. He then transitions to urge them to forgive the repentant man and offer him comfort, fearing that excessive sorrow might overwhelm him, thus playing into Satan's hands (2 Cor 2:7-11). The historical context reveals that the Corinthian church was facing internal struggles with sin, spiritual pride, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, all of which necessitated strong correction, followed by gracious restoration. The church's action reflects a nascent form of ecclesiastical discipline, intended not for destruction, but for purification and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 2 6 Word analysis

• Sufficient (Greek: Hikanos - ἱκανός): This term conveys adequacy or fitness. It means "enough" or "suitable." Paul asserts that the degree of punishment (censure or excommunication) meted out by the church was neither too lenient nor too harsh; it was precisely what was needed to achieve its corrective purpose for the individual. This term points to God's providence, indicating that God works through communal church actions to bring about repentance and spiritual growth.
• For such a one (Greek: Tō toioutō - τῷ τοιούτῳ): This phrase specifically refers to the individual who was the object of the church's discipline. While Paul avoids naming him directly, the audience in Corinth would have known exactly who it was—the man living in incest (1 Cor 5:1-5). The anonymous reference serves to prevent public shaming after repentance and directs focus on the principle of church action rather than personal identification.
• Is this punishment (Greek: hē epitimia autē - ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη): Epitimia refers to a public penalty, censure, or rebuke. It implies a legal or formal imposition of a sentence or judgment. In this context, it was not physical punishment but spiritual and communal separation, such as excommunication from the assembly. Unlike kolasis (retributive punishment) or timoria (vengeance), epitimia has a milder connotation of social disgrace or ecclesiastical rebuke, reinforcing its aim as restorative rather than destructive.
• Which was inflicted (implied in the Greek structure, meaning "having been inflicted"): The passive voice indicates that the punishment was administered by someone. The context clearly shows it was carried out by the church body, acting on Paul's prior instruction (1 Cor 5).
• By the majority (Greek: hupo tōn pleionōn - ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων): This phrase emphasizes that the disciplinary action was not the decision of a single individual (like Paul) or a small group, but was a collective judgment and action of the church body. "The majority" means the larger part or most of the assembly. This highlights the democratic aspect of early church governance in matters of discipline and reinforces the legitimacy and weight of the judgment as representing the consensus of the community. It also implicitly counters any idea that the minority opinion should rule in such grave matters, or that the process lacked communal buy-in.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Sufficient for such a one is this punishment": This phrase underlines that the specific measure taken against the individual has achieved its desired effect. It's an affirmation of the discipline's effectiveness and signals that its continuation would be counterproductive. It speaks to proportionality – the punishment fits the repentant state of the person.
• "which was inflicted by the majority": This emphasizes the communal authority and broad agreement within the Corinthian church regarding the discipline. It legitimizes the action and highlights that it was a church-wide decision, reflecting their repentance for their prior inaction and their obedience to apostolic instruction. It signifies corporate responsibility in maintaining the purity of the church body.

2 Corinthians 2 6 Bonus section

The mention of "the majority" (τῶν πλειόνων) is significant because it highlights the importance of collective, communal action in early church discipline, rather than authoritarian decree by one leader. This practice underscores a democratic element in spiritual decisions, affirming that the church, as a body, exercises the authority of Christ (Matt 18:18). Furthermore, the careful description of the "punishment" as epitimia suggests a type of disciplinary action that is inherently corrective and remedial, focusing on restoration. It differentiates church discipline from state-level legal punishments that may carry heavier physical or civil penalties. The true success of the discipline is not in merely punishing the offender, but in leading him to such genuine repentance that the very act of discipline, no matter how severe, becomes "sufficient."

2 Corinthians 2 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:6 confirms that the church's painful disciplinary action against the sinful man was divinely appointed and effective, having brought him to repentance. The "punishment" (ecclesiastical censure and exclusion) administered "by the majority" of the Corinthian believers had served its purpose of correction, not destruction. Paul’s commendation of the "sufficiency" of this rebuke implies that it brought about the desired sorrow leading to repentance. The verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent plea for forgiveness and restoration (2 Cor 2:7-8). This balance of firm discipline followed by gracious restoration is a vital principle for maintaining holiness and demonstrating love within the Body of Christ. The emphasis on the "majority" underscores the communal nature and authority inherent in church discipline, acting in unity under God’s guidance to correct an erring member for his salvation and the church's purity. It prevents an individual from being indefinitely burdened by guilt when repentance has occurred, safeguarding them from Satan's schemes to plunge them into despair.