2 Corinthians 7:7 kjv
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
2 Corinthians 7:7 nkjv
and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
2 Corinthians 7:7 niv
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
2 Corinthians 7:7 esv
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
2 Corinthians 7:7 nlt
His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!
2 Corinthians 7 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 7:7 | as he says: "My joy." | Immediate context of joy |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | when he saw their earnest repentance and the relief it brought to the Corinthians and to Paul himself. | Paul's personal response |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | sorrow led to repentance that leads to salvation. | Prov 14:17 (Contrast) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation—a sorrow that leaves no regret—but worldly sorrow produces death. | Definition of Godly Sorrow |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | you are eager to please. | Eph 5:10 (Desire to please God) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | the whole community. | 1 Cor 1:2 (Community Focus) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | If your anger has aroused jealousy; and if you have sought revenge… | Prov 17:5 (Vindication) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | Let us not become conceited,provoking one another, envying one another. | Gal 5:26 (Contrast - envy) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | not by flesh and blood. | Gal 1:16 (Spiritual foundation) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | and they did not grieve me by what they did not do. | Phil 2:12-13 (Obedience) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | They accepted my reproof. | Heb 12:5-11 (Discipline from God) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | They were corrected. | 1 Cor 5:4-5 (Discipline context) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | the reproof you received. | 1 John 2:20 (Anointing teaches) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | the Corinthians responded to Paul's stern letter with deep sorrow and sincere repentance. | Historical outcome |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | "my joy." | Ps 126:5-6 (Sowing in tears, reaping in joy) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | to have sorrow in a godly way | Prov 25:28 (Self-control) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | which leads to salvation | John 3:16 (Salvation) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | which results in deliverance from sin | Luke 1:77 (Knowledge of salvation) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | butworldly sorrow leads to death | Prov 25:17 (Inappropriate comfort) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | You made us pure | Eph 5:26 (Washing by the word) |
| 2 Cor 7:7 | You made us sincere | Heb 4:12 (Discerning thoughts) |
2 Corinthians 7 verses
2 Corinthians 7 7 Meaning
The Apostle Paul is expressing joy and gladness over the positive impact his previous letter had on the Corinthians. He is particularly pleased that his sorrowful letter brought about a godly sorrow in them, which in turn led to genuine repentance and a spiritual cleansing. This repentance ultimately resulted in their restored fellowship with him and reaffirmed their purity and sincerity.
2 Corinthians 7 7 Context
This verse is found in the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Following his earlier, harsher letter (implied to be 1 Corinthians or a lost severe letter), Paul is responding to news from Titus about the Corinthians' repentance and restoration. His previous letter caused them grief, but it was a grief that led to a beneficial change of heart and actions. Paul expresses immense relief and joy that his painful discipline bore positive fruit, resulting in the Corinthians’ spiritual renewal and a strengthened relationship between them and Paul.
2 Corinthians 7 7 Word Analysis
- ἤμην (ēmēn) - "I was." This perfect tense indicates a continuous state of being or condition of Paul in relation to their response.
- γὰρ (gar) - "for" or "because." Connects this verse as a reason for his rejoicing.
- εἰδοὺς (eidoūs) - "having seen." Aorist participle, signifying the act of perceiving or understanding the Corinthians' state.
- ὑμῶν (hymōn) - "your." Refers to the believers in Corinth.
- τὴν (tēn) - "the." Definite article.
- κατὰ (kata) - "according to" or "in accordance with." Preposition indicating the manner or kind.
- θεὸν (theon) - "God." Here, emphasizing that their sorrow was divinely approved or inspired.
- λύπην (lypēn) - "sorrow," "grief," "pain." The deep distress they experienced.
- ὅτι (hoti) - "that." Introduces a subordinate clause.
- τοῦτο (touto) - "this." Refers to the sorrow they felt.
- εἰς (eis) - "unto," "into," "for." Preposition indicating purpose or result.
- μετάνοιαν (metanoian) - "repentance." A change of mind and life, a turning away from sin.
- ἀνέδωκεν (anedōken) - "gave birth to," "produced." Aorist active indicative of anatedōmi. Indicates the bringing forth of something new.
- ὀνομάσματι (onomati) - "by name," "in the name." Paul's reference to his ministry.
- ἰσχύος (ischyos) - "strength," "power."
- αἰτίαν (aitian) - "cause," "accusation," "reason."
- ὀλοφύρεσθαι (olophyresthai) - "to mourn," "to lament."
- ἀπαγορεύειν (apagorevin) - "to forbid," "to renounce."
- μετάμελος (metamelos) - "regret," "repentance."
- βλαβεῖν (blabein) - "to harm," "to injure."
- σεμνότης (semnotēs) - "gravity," "dignity," "honour."
- σεμνοποιείν (semnopoiein) - "to adorn," "to make honourable."
- ἀγάπη (agapē) - "love."
- ἁγνός (hagnos) - "pure," "chaste," "clean."
- πίστεις (pisteis) - "faith," "trust," "faithfulness."
2 Corinthians 7 7 Bonus Section
The "sorrow" described here is contrasted with "worldly sorrow" (v. 10), which focuses on the consequences of sin or the shame of being caught, but not on the offense against God. Godly sorrow, however, arises from an awareness of having sinned against a holy God and His loving purposes, leading to a sincere turning away from sin and towards God. Paul's joy is a testament to the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit working through the apostle's ministry to bring about this life-changing repentance. This encounter highlights the sensitive and dynamic nature of spiritual leadership, where love, truth, and discipline are often interwoven.
2 Corinthians 7 7 Commentary
Paul’s profound joy here underscores the divine principle that godly sorrow is a catalyst for positive change, not an end in itself. Their repentance was not merely outward display but a genuine inner transformation that pleased God and vindicated Paul's firm yet loving approach. This demonstrates that true spiritual discipline, though painful, ultimately leads to purity and deeper fellowship within the body of Christ. The Corinthians' earnestness (vv. 11-12) confirmed their sincere hearts and renewed commitment, making Paul’s sorrowful confrontation turn into a source of true spiritual refreshment.