2 Corinthians 2 7

2 Corinthians 2:7 kjv

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 nkjv

so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 niv

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 esv

so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 nlt

Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 7 Meaning

This verse instructs the Corinthian believers to shift from disciplining to forgiving and comforting the erring member, previously disciplined for a serious sin. The command arises from the concern that continued severe punishment and overwhelming grief might spiritually crush the individual, potentially leading to their utter destruction or despair, thereby playing into the adversary's schemes. It underscores that Christian discipline's ultimate purpose is redemptive restoration, not punitive annihilation, and demands compassion and grace from the community.

2 Corinthians 2 7 Context

This verse is nestled within Paul's emotional account of his interactions with the Corinthian church. Earlier, in 1 Corinthians, Paul commanded severe discipline for a specific unrepentant individual (likely the incestuous man in 1 Cor 5:1-5). Paul then wrote a "painful letter" (now lost, referenced in 2 Cor 2:3-4 and 7:8-12), causing great sorrow but also leading to repentance in the church and the offender. Having confirmed their repentance and the severity of the church's response, Paul now urgently shifts focus. The immediate preceding verses (2 Cor 2:5-6) confirm that the punishment inflicted by the majority was sufficient. Verse 7 pivots the congregation toward grace, emphasizing that the discipline has served its purpose and must now be replaced with restoration, lest the former discipline inadvertently lead to further harm rather than healing. This reflects the deeply pastoral heart of Paul, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and salvation of the individual over prolonged condemnation or punishment.

2 Corinthians 2 7 Word analysis

• So that on the contrary (hōste tounantion - ὥστε τοὐναντίον): This phrase indicates a stark reversal or opposite action is required. Having implemented a severe course of action (punishment), Paul now commands the opposite: kindness and comfort. It underscores a complete pivot in their communal stance towards the disciplined individual.
• you ought rather (mallon - μᾶλλον): This denotes preference, necessity, or even urgency. It implies that while discipline was correct at one stage, a greater or more appropriate course of action now exists and is imperative.
• to forgive (charisasthai - χαρίσασθαι): Derived from charis (grace), this word means to show grace, to pardon, to grant favor, to release a debt or offense. It is not merely forgetting an offense, but actively bestowing kindness and mercy, just as God grants grace to us. This points to a full restoration of the person's standing within the community, an active expression of unconditional goodwill.
• and comfort (parakalesai - παρακαλέσαι): From parakaleō, meaning to call alongside, console, exhort, or encourage. It's about bringing solace, support, and encouragement to alleviate distress and lift up the downcast. This reflects a practical, relational act of empathy and care, reassuring the disciplined one of their place and acceptance among the believers.
• him (touton - τοῦτον): This directly refers to the disciplined individual. It personalizes the command, focusing on the singular welfare of this one person.
• lest perhaps (mēpōs - μήπως): Expresses a genuine concern and apprehension about a negative, undesirable outcome. It highlights Paul's fear that if the current course of action (continued severe sorrow) persists, it could lead to detrimental results.
• such a one (ho toioutos - ὁ τοιοῦτος): A circumlocution for the offender, used to refer to him without explicitly naming him, perhaps for tact or emphasis on his situation as an example.
• should be swallowed up (katapothē - καταποθῇ): This verb means to be utterly consumed, submerged, overwhelmed, or devoured. It's a very strong and vivid term, conveying the idea of being utterly crushed or destroyed. The image suggests spiritual demise, complete despair, or even physical death stemming from grief. This aligns with Paul's concern about Satan's schemes in the following verse.
• with too much sorrow (tē perissoterā lupē - τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ): "Too much sorrow" refers to excessive or overwhelming grief, sorrow beyond measure. While a measure of godly sorrow leads to repentance (2 Cor 7:10), this refers to a disproportionate and destructive grief that overwhelms the spirit and potentially pushes the individual to despair or a total loss of hope, making them vulnerable.

2 Corinthians 2 7 Bonus section

This verse powerfully illustrates the telos (end or purpose) of Christian discipline within the church: it is ultimately redemptive, not merely punitive. The shift from disciplinary sorrow to comfort aligns with the concept of "godly sorrow" (2 Cor 7:10), which leads to repentance and salvation, versus "worldly sorrow," which brings death. The church, reflecting Christ's body, must ensure that disciplinary actions do not unintentionally become instruments of the enemy, who seeks to devour or spiritually destroy individuals through overwhelming despair. This necessitates discernment on the part of the community to recognize true repentance and respond with grace and affirmation, ensuring that the errant member's spiritual integrity is preserved and they are brought back into full fellowship, safeguarded from being consumed by shame or hopelessness.

2 Corinthians 2 7 Commentary

Paul's command in 2 Corinthians 2:7 signifies a crucial pivot in church discipline: from punitive exclusion to compassionate restoration. The "punishment" (likely excommunication or social ostracism) had served its purpose by bringing the erring individual and the church to repentance. Now, a continued stance of harshness risks greater damage. Paul urges the Corinthians to actively forgive, showing the same gracious pardon that God extends to repentant sinners, and comfort, providing solace and affirmation to heal the wounds of discipline. This is paramount, as the prolonged and excessive sorrow (perissoterā lupē) faced by the repentant individual could be spiritually fatal, causing them to be utterly swallowed up (katapothē) by despair. This destructive state would align with Satan's desire to utterly destroy a soul, diverting repentance into hopeless despair (as alluded to in 2 Cor 2:11). Thus, the church's ultimate goal in discipline is always restoration and spiritual well-being, reflecting God's redemptive heart, not vengeance or ongoing condemnation. It is a powerful lesson in balancing holiness with grace, ensuring that discipline serves to save, not to crush.

For instance, in practical usage, if a community member who has caused harm publicly repents and seeks reconciliation, the community's response must shift from necessary boundaries to active embrace. This means not just intellectual acknowledgment of their repentance, but extending concrete acts of grace, support, and reassurance, integrating them back into fellowship. Failure to do so might drive the repentant individual away from faith entirely.