2 Corinthians 7 11

2 Corinthians 7:11 kjv

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

2 Corinthians 7:11 nkjv

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

2 Corinthians 7:11 niv

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

2 Corinthians 7:11 esv

For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

2 Corinthians 7:11 nlt

Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 11 Meaning

This verse emphasizes the intense and passionate emotions Paul experienced as a result of the Corinthians' repentance. He experienced distress because of their sin, but now rejoices in their changed hearts, leading to his own profound joy and comfort. This emotional upheaval for Paul mirrors the positive outcome he desired for the church.

2 Corinthians 7 11 Context

In this section of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing a deeply troubled church in Corinth. There had been significant conflict, with some members questioning Paul's apostleship and authority. Paul had previously sent a severe letter (likely referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:3-11 and perhaps 1 Corinthians) which caused sorrow among the Corinthians, but ultimately led to repentance and purification.

This chapter is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of godly sorrow and the immense relief and joy it brings to the apostle who deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of those under his care. The "godly sorrow" produced repentance that "without regret." This verse highlights the emotional journey Paul experienced from the distress caused by their sin to the exultant joy stemming from their corrected behavior.

2 Corinthians 7 11 Word Analysis

• γὰρ (gar): "for," "because." A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. It links Paul's current joy and comfort to the effects of their repentance.
• νῦν (nun): "now." Indicates a shift in time and circumstance, contrasting with Paul's previous state of distress. It highlights the present reality of his relief.
• εἰ (ei): "if." A conditional particle, setting forth the premise for his rejoicing – if their sorrow had the desired outcome.
• ἐλυπήθητε (elupēthēte): "you were saddened," "you grieved." From the verb lupeō, meaning to cause grief, to make sorrowful. This refers to the sorrow the Corinthians experienced due to Paul's stern message.
• καὶ (kai): "and." Connects the clauses, indicating a sequence or addition of thoughts.
• ἐν (en): "in," "by," "with." A preposition indicating the means or manner.
• εἰς (eis): "to," "into," "for." A preposition indicating purpose or result.
• μετάνοιαν (metanoian): "repentance." From metanoeō, to change one's mind or direction. It signifies a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. This was the core desired outcome.
• ἐν (en): "in," "by," "with."
• εἰς (eis): "to," "into," "for."
• μετάνοιαν (metanoian): "repentance."
• γὰρ (gar): "for."
• γὰρ (gar): "for," introducing the reason for the "if."
• ἐποιησεν (epoiēsen): "you made," "you wrought," "you accomplished." From the verb poieō, to do, make, produce. It signifies that their sorrow produced repentance.
• ὑμᾶς (humas): "you" (plural). Refers to the church community in Corinth.
• οὐκ (ouk): "not." Negates the following verb.
• ἀναλῶσαι (analōsai): "to consume," "to destroy," "to waste away." From anaō, to consume or waste. Refers to a destructive, dissipating sorrow that leads to ruin.
• ἀλλ’ (all’): "but." A contrasting conjunction.
• εἰς (eis): "to," "into."
• μετάνοιαν (metanoian): "repentance."
• ἀμεταμέλητον (ametamelēton): "without regret," "unregretted." A negative adjective. True godly sorrow does not lead to regret over the decision to repent, only regret over the sin itself.
• σώζοντα (sōzontas): "saving." From the verb sōzō, to save, deliver, preserve. It implies that this kind of repentance is life-preserving and beneficial.
• οὐ (ou): "not."
• γὰρ (gar): "for," introducing the reason for his current state.
• ἐγὼ (ego): "I." Emphasizes Paul's personal involvement.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• χαιρῶ (chairō): "I rejoice." Present tense, continuous state of joy.
• οὐκ (ouk): "not."
• ἐλυπήθην (elupēthēn): "I was grieved," "I was saddened." Past tense of lupeō. Refers to Paul's sorrow when he first wrote to them.
• ἀλλ’ (all’): "but."
• εἰ (ei): "if."
• ὅτι (hoti): "that."
• ἐλυπήθητε (elupēthēte): "you were saddened."
• τῇ (tē): "the" (feminine definite article).
• μετάνοιαν (metanoian): "repentance."
• ἀλλ’ (all’): "but."
• εἰς (eis): "to," "unto."
• χαρὰν (charan): "joy," "gladness." From chara, indicating rejoicing and gladness.
• εἰς (eis): "to," "unto."
• συντελοῦσαν (suntelesousan): "accomplishing," "bringing to completion," "concluding." From sunteleō, to bring to an end, to complete. It describes a joy that results in a fuller spiritual life.
• ἐν (en): "in," "by," "with."
• τῇ (tē): "the."
• ὑμῖν (hymin): "you" (plural).

Word Group Analysis:The phrase "godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of" (translated from the Greek) encapsulates the core message. Godly sorrow isn't characterized by regret over repenting, but by deep remorse for the sin itself. It's a sorrow that, when fostered by God's Spirit, leads to a transformation and a resulting joy that doesn't turn back into sadness or regret. Paul's declaration, "now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved into repentance" shows that his ultimate desire was their spiritual recovery, not their continued sorrow.

2 Corinthians 7 11 Bonus Section

The concept of "godly sorrow" versus "worldly sorrow" is a crucial distinction in Christian understanding. Worldly sorrow, as described in some interpretations and echoing themes in verses like Hebrews 12:17, focuses on the consequences or the shame of sin rather than the offense against God. It leads to despair and often a hardening of the heart. Godly sorrow, however, is characterized by grief over the violation of God's commands and a sincere desire to please Him. This is why their repentance is "without regret" – they do not regret turning from sin. The joy Paul experiences is thus a reflection of God's own joy when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7). Paul’s personal emotional response is a profound example of apostolic love and genuine concern for the flock.

2 Corinthians 7 11 Commentary

Paul rejoices because the sorrow he inflicted upon the Corinthians resulted in their positive repentance. This repentance was "without regret," meaning it was genuine and not something they would later wish they hadn't done. This godly sorrow led them away from destructive regret over their past actions to a constructive path of renewal. Paul's personal sorrow for their sin is now replaced by joy because their repentance signifies their restoration and closer walk with God. This demonstrates the principle that while discipline may cause temporary sadness, its ultimate purpose is to produce spiritual fruit and deeper joy.

• Example: A father disciplines his child for misbehavior. The child feels sorrow and regret for what they did. If this sorrow leads them to confess, apologize, and change their behavior (repentance), then the father rejoices, not in the child's initial sadness, but in the positive outcome that leads to their growth.