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

The Apostle Paul, in this verse, expresses a sense of satisfaction, not for causing pain, but for the positive transformation that sorrow can bring when it aligns with God's will. His initial grief upon hearing about the Corinthians' conduct was significant, but he now rejoices because that grief led them to repentance and a change of heart, demonstrating a genuine turning toward God.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended defense of his apostleship and ministry to the church in Corinth. Following his previous letter, which Paul refers to as a "severe letter" (2 Corinthians 7:8, cf. 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 7:12), Paul heard reports of the positive impact this letter had on the Corinthian believers. They had repented and shown sorrow for their past wrongdoings, particularly concerning immorality and a defiant attitude towards Paul's apostolic authority. Paul’s initial grief in writing the severe letter was profound, knowing it would cause pain. However, his present joy is not diminished by that past sorrow, but rather amplified by the resultant godly repentance it produced in the Corinthians. This chapter serves as a testament to the effectiveness of corrective discipline when administered with love and leading to genuine spiritual transformation.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Word Analysis

• "For though I made you sorry with a letter":

  • Though (εἰ καί) - Introduces a concessive clause. It acknowledges the sorrow caused.
  • I made (ἐλύπησα) - First person singular, aorist active indicative of λυπέω (lupeo), meaning to cause grief or pain. This was an intentional act by Paul.
  • you sorry (ὑμᾶς λύπην) - hypas (you plural) and lypen (sorrow, grief). The sorrow was directed towards the Corinthians.
  • with a letter (ἐπιστολῇ) - epistole (letter, epistle). Refers to Paul's previous letter, commonly identified as 1 Corinthians or a lost intermediate letter.

• "I regret":

  • I regret (μεταμέλομαι) - First person singular, present indicative of μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai), meaning to feel regret, to repent of something done. This verb can sometimes imply regret over actions taken, but here it's qualified by the reason for the lack of regret. It implies Paul's concern, but ultimately, his sorrow for having to cause pain is superseded by the positive outcome.

• "though I did regret":

  • though ( εἰ καί) - Again, concession. Paul is saying even if there was a cause for regret (and implicitly, there was at the moment of sending the letter).
  • I did regret (ἐμεμελήθην) - This is the aorist passive subjunctive of the same verb metamelomai. However, the common understanding and manuscripts reflect a contrast, with some textual variations suggesting Paul initially regretted the pain caused. Most scholarly interpretations understand this phrase in the sense of "even if I did feel some regret" or "although I was the cause of your regret." The nuance is about the effectiveness of his regret over causing sorrow.

• "for that letter":

  • for that letter (ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἐπιστολῇ) - en (in, with), autei (that very), tei epistole (the letter). Emphasizes the specific letter Paul had sent.

• "I see that the letter did cause sorrow":

  • I see (βλέπω) - First person singular, present indicative of βλέπω (blepo), meaning to see, perceive, observe. It's a visual or perceptive insight.
  • that the letter (ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολή) - hoti (that), he epistole (the letter). Directs the clause to the object of Paul's observation.
  • did cause sorrow (ἐλύπησεν) - Third person singular, aorist active indicative of λυπέω (lupeo) again, "it caused sorrow." This confirms the effect of the letter.

• "though only for a while":

  • though only (εἰ καὶ πρὸς ὥραν) - ei kai (even if, although), pros horan (for an hour, for a time). It tempers the duration of the sorrow, indicating it was temporary. The sorrow was not meant to be perpetual but a means to an end.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • The repetition of "sorrow" (lupeo and lypen) and "regret" (metamelomai) highlights the emotional tension and purpose behind Paul's communication.
  • The phrase "made you sorry... I regret... though I did regret" underscores Paul's pastoral heart. He deeply felt the necessity of causing pain, yet his regret was tempered by his primary objective: the Corinthians' spiritual well-being. His regret was not about the act of disciplining, but the pain it initially induced.
  • The contrast between the "letter" and the "sorrow" emphasizes causality. The written word of correction was the instrument for the resulting emotion.
  • The qualification "though only for a while" is crucial. It shows that the sorrow was a transient, means-to-an-end element, not a final state. This is paralleled by the concept of godly sorrow in the next verse.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Bonus Section

The word "metamelomai" (μεταμέλομαι) in Greek, while translated as "regret," carries a slightly different connotation than modern English "regret." It often implies repenting of an action, but in the context of "though I did regret," Paul uses it to indicate his acknowledgment of the sorrow he caused, not a change of heart about his pastoral duty or the efficacy of his disciplinary action. It is this nuance that allows his subsequent rejoicing; his momentary "regret" over causing pain does not outweigh his gladness at the resulting repentance. This also connects to the broader theme in the New Testament where true godly repentance leads to joy, as explored in the following verse. Paul’s satisfaction comes from seeing God’s purpose fulfilled through his painful correction.

2 Corinthians 7 8 Commentary

Paul expresses a profound pastoral wisdom here. His initial grief stemmed from having to administer strong discipline, knowing it would hurt. He did indeed feel some regret over causing such pain. However, his "regret" in this context is not a repentance of his actions, but rather an acknowledgment of the unpleasantness and temporary distress the Corinthians experienced. His true "joy" or lack of regret comes from the outcome of that sorrow. He perceived that the painful sting of his letter was brief and ultimately instrumental in bringing about genuine repentance and spiritual renewal in the Corinthians. His apostolic authority was exercised not for punitive purposes, but for the redemptive and restorative benefit of the church. This highlights that sometimes, tough love or necessary correction, while causing temporary hurt, is the most loving action.

Practical Usage Examples:

• A parent firmly correcting a child’s disobedient behavior, causing tears, but knowing this firm discipline is necessary for their character development.
• A leader giving constructive criticism that initially upsets an employee, but ultimately leads to improved performance and growth.
• A friend offering a difficult truth to another, risking offense, because they see a destructive pattern of behavior that needs to be addressed for the friend's ultimate good.