2 Corinthians 7 8

2 Corinthians 7:8 kjv

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

2 Corinthians 7:8 nkjv

For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.

2 Corinthians 7:8 niv

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it?I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while?

2 Corinthians 7:8 esv

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it ? though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.

2 Corinthians 7:8 nlt

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 8 Meaning

Paul reflects on the emotional impact of his previous, "severe" letter to the Corinthians. He openly admits to an initial feeling of regret over causing them sorrow, acknowledging the pain his strong admonitions inflicted. However, this regret was temporary because he witnessed that their transient grief ultimately led to a constructive, Spirit-prompted change of heart and action, known as godly repentance. The verse highlights Paul's pastoral sensitivity while underscoring the purposeful, albeit painful, nature of divine correction.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Context

This verse is embedded in Paul's profound and highly personal second letter to the church in Corinth, following a period of intense distress, difficult communication, and strained relationships. Chapters 1-7 particularly emphasize Paul's emotional anguish, the challenges to his apostleship, and his deep affection for the Corinthians. Paul had previously sent a "severe letter" (possibly a now lost letter or parts of 1 Corinthians) which was intended to address serious issues of immorality, division, and rebellion against his authority within the church. This previous letter, delivered by Titus, caused significant grief and pain to the Corinthian believers, but Paul eventually received a report from Titus that this sorrow had led them to repentance and renewed affection for him. Paul is now reflecting on this process, vindicating his harsh words by their positive outcome, leading into his explanation of godly sorrow and worldly sorrow in the following verses.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Word analysis

• For (Καὶ γὰρ - Kai gar): A strong connective "for even" or "indeed." It reinforces the explanation of Paul's feelings related to his previous statement in verse 7 about his comfort and joy at Titus's report.
• even if (εἰ καὶ - ei kai): This phrase introduces a concession, acknowledging a fact despite it leading to a difficult situation. It sets up the hypothetical scenario, "even if this were true," which in Paul's mind, it was initially.
• I made you grieve (ἐλύπησα ὑμᾶς - elupēsa humas): Elupēsa (from lupē) means to cause sorrow, distress, or grief. Paul directly acknowledges his active role in causing their emotional pain. It's a statement of fact, not an apology for wrong-doing but for the unpleasantness inflicted.
• with my letter (ἐν τῇ ἐπιστολῇ - en tē epistolē): Refers to the "severe letter." This wasn't merely a casual message, but an official apostolic correspondence with authority and weighty content. The preposition en signifies the means or instrument through which the grief was conveyed.
• I do not regret it (οὐ μεταμέλομαι - ou metamelomai): Metamelomai (from meta "after" and melō "to care") denotes regret, a change of feeling, or sorrow after a past action. Paul states he no longer regrets sending the letter because of the positive results. This is crucial as it signifies a retrospective evaluation and approval. It differs from metanoia (repentance), which is a complete change of mind leading to a change of direction, towards God. Paul's metamelomai was temporary, a human emotional reaction, which evaporated when he saw their metanoia.
• though I did regret it (εἰ καὶ μετεμελόμην - ei kai metamelomēn): This clause, usually rendered as an imperfect tense, means "even if I was regretting it" or "indeed, I was regretting it at one time." It is a profound, honest confession of Paul's personal struggle and emotional vulnerability as an apostle. It shows his deep love and concern for the Corinthians.
• for I see (βλέπω γὰρ - blepō gar): Bleō (to see, perceive, understand) indicates a direct, present perception of the outcome. Paul's regret vanished once he saw the evidence of their repentance. The "for" (gar) introduces the reason for his changed sentiment.
• that the letter grieved you (ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη ἐλύπησεν ὑμᾶς - hoti hē epistolē ekeinē elupēsen humas): He reiterates that the letter was the cause of their sorrow, confirming its impactful nature. Ekeinē ("that") points to the specific previous letter, emphasizing its particular and known severity.
• though only for a while (πρὸς ὥραν - pros hōran): This is a key phrase. Pros hōran literally means "towards an hour" or "for a season/time." It indicates the temporary nature of their grief. This brevity made the sorrow acceptable and indeed productive, transforming from a potential harm into a vehicle for good.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Bonus section

The distinction between metamelomai (regret/sorrow about an action, a feeling-based response) and metanoia (repentance, a complete change of mind and direction in life) is vital for understanding this verse. Paul's metamelomai was his own emotional response to inflicting pain; it ceased once he saw their metanoia, which was their transformative response to the truth of the letter. This shows that true biblical discipline is often uncomfortable, yet it aims for restoration rather than destruction, aligning with God's character who delights in the turning of a sinner from his way rather than his death. The effectiveness of the severe letter highlights Paul's inspired discernment, knowing precisely when gentle persuasion or direct confrontation was needed for the health of the church.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Commentary

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 7:8 offer a transparent glimpse into his apostolic heart, blending human emotion with divine purpose. He confesses to having experienced a transient, human regret (metamelomai) for causing sorrow with his previous letter, a sentiment that might have otherwise seemed uncharacteristic for an apostle wielding divine authority. This admission, however, doesn't undermine his authority but rather accentuates his profound pastoral love and relational approach. The turning point from regret to vindication occurred upon perceiving that their temporary sorrow (lupē for pros hōran) yielded genuine, godly repentance (metanoia). This illustrates a vital biblical principle: God's painful corrective measures, when received in faith, are not meant to cause permanent damage, but to refine, restore, and draw individuals closer to Him, bringing about a deeper spiritual flourishing. Paul models an effective, albeit difficult, ministry, demonstrating that tough love, when driven by pure motives, can produce lasting positive change.