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2 Corinthians 2:1-17 King James Version (KJV)

1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

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

8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 But G1161 I determined G2919 this G5124 with myself, G1683 that I would G2064 not G3361 come G2064 again G3825 to G4314 you G5209 in G1722 heaviness. G3077

2 For G1063 if G1487 I G1473 make G3076 you G5209 sorry, G3076 who G5101 is he G2076 then G2532 that maketh G2165 me G3165 glad, G2165 but G1508 the same which is made sorry G3076 by G1537 me? G1700

3 And G2532 I wrote G1125 this G5124 same G846 unto you, G5213 lest, G3363 when I came, G2064 I should have G2192 sorrow G3077 from G575 them of whom G3739 I G3165 ought G1163 to rejoice; G5463 having confidence G3982 in G1909 you G5209 all, G3956 that G3754 my G1699 joy G5479 is G2076 the joy of you G5216 all. G3956

4 For G1063 out of G1537 much G4183 affliction G2347 and G2532 anguish G4928 of heart G2588 I wrote G1125 unto you G5213 with G1223 many G4183 tears; G1144 not G3756 that G2443 ye should be grieved, G3076 but G235 that G2443 ye might know G1097 the love G26 which G3739 I have G2192 more abundantly G4056 unto G1519 you. G5209

5 But G1161 if any G1536 have caused grief, G3076 he hath G3076 not G3756 grieved G3076 me, G1691 but G235 in G575 part: G3313 that G3363 I may G1912 not G3363 overcharge G1912 you G5209 all. G3956

6 Sufficient G2425 to such a man G5108 is this G3778 punishment, G2009 which G3588 was inflicted of G5259 many. G4119

7 So G5620 that contrariwise G5121 ye G5209 ought rather G3123 to forgive G5483 him, and G2532 comfort G3870 him, lest G3381 perhaps G4458 such a one G5108 should be swallowed up G2666 with overmuch G4055 sorrow. G3077

8 Wherefore G1352 I beseech G3870 you G5209 that ye would confirm G2964 your love G26 toward G1519 him. G846

9 For G1063 to G1519 this end G5124 also G2532 did I write, G1125 that G2443 I might know G1097 the proof G1382 of you, G5216 whether G1487 ye be G2075 obedient G5255 in G1519 all things. G3956

10 G1161 To whom G3739 ye forgive G5483 any thing, G5100 I G1473 forgive also: G2532 for G2532 G1063 if I G1473 forgave G5483 any thing, G1536 to whom G3739 I forgave G5483 it, for your sakes G1223 G5209 forgave I it in G1722 the person G4383 of Christ; G5547

11 Lest G3363 Satan G5259 G4567 should get an advantage of us: G4122 for G1063 we are not G3756 ignorant G50 of his G846 devices. G3540

12 Furthermore, G1161 when I came G2064 to G1519 Troas G5174 to G1519 preach Christ's G5547 gospel, G2098 and G2532 a door G2374 was opened G455 unto me G3427 of G1722 the Lord, G2962

13 I had G2192 no G3756 rest G425 in my G3450 spirit, G4151 because I G3165 found G2147 not G3361 Titus G5103 my G3450 brother: G80 but G235 taking my leave G657 of them, G846 I went from thence G1831 into G1519 Macedonia. G3109

14 Now G1161 thanks G5485 be unto God, G2316 which always G3842 causeth G2358 us G2248 to triumph G2358 in G1722 Christ, G5547 and G2532 maketh manifest G5319 the savour G3744 of his G846 knowledge G1108 by G1223 us G2257 in G1722 every G3956 place. G5117

15 For G3754 we are G2070 unto God G2316 a sweet savour G2175 of Christ, G5547 in G1722 them that are saved, G4982 and G2532 in G1722 them that perish: G622

16 To G3739 the one G3303 we are the savour G3744 of death G2288 unto G1519 death; G2288 and G1161 to the other G3739 the savour G3744 of life G2222 unto G1519 life. G2222 And G2532 who G5101 is sufficient G2425 for G4314 these things? G5023

17 For G1063 we are G2070 not G3756 as G5613 many, G4183 which corrupt G2585 the word G3056 of God: G2316 but G235 as G5613 of G1537 sincerity, G1505 but G235 as G5613 of G1537 God, G2316 in the sight G2714 of God G2316 speak we G2980 in G1722 Christ. G5547

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 American Standard (ASV)

1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorry, who then is he that maketh me glad but he that is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is `the joy' of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love that I have more abundantly unto you.

5 But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

6 Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was `inflicted' by the many;

7 so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.

8 Wherefore I beseech you to confirm `your' love toward him.

9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

10 But to whom ye forgive anything, I `forgive' also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes `have I forgiven it' in the presence of Christ;

11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

13 I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

14 But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

15 For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

16 to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And I decided this to myself, not again to come in sorrow unto you,

2 for if I make you sorry, then who is he who is making me glad, except he who is made sorry by me?

3 and I wrote to you this same thing, that having come, I may not have sorrow from them of whom it behoved me to have joy, having confidence in you all, that my joy is of you all,

4 for out of much tribulation and pressure of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not that ye might be made sorry, but that ye might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you.

5 And if any one hath caused sorrow, he hath not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all;

6 sufficient to such a one is this punishment, that `is' by the more part,

7 so that, on the contrary, `it is' rather for you to forgive and to comfort, lest by over abundant sorrow such a one may be swallowed up;

8 wherefore, I call upon you to confirm love to him,

9 for, for this also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether in regard to all things ye are obedient.

10 And to whom ye forgive anything -- I also; for I also, if I have forgiven anything, to whom I have forgiven `it', because of you -- in the person of Christ -- `I forgive it,'

11 that we may not be over-reached by the Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant.

12 And having come to Troas for the good news of the Christ, and a door to me having been opened in the Lord,

13 I have not had rest to my spirit, on my not finding Titus my brother, but having taken leave of them, I went forth to Macedonia;

14 and to God `are' thanks, who at all times is leading us in triumph in the Christ, and the fragrance of His knowledge He is manifesting through us in every place,

15 because of Christ a sweet fragrance we are to God, in those being saved, and in those being lost;

16 to the one, indeed, a fragrance of death to death, and to the other, a fragrance of life to life; and for these things who is sufficient?

17 for we are not as the many, adulterating the word of God, but as of sincerity -- but as of God; in the presence of God, in Christ we do speak.

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 But I have judged this with myself, not to come back to you in grief.

2 For if *I* grieve you, who also [is] it that gladdens me, if not he that is grieved through me?

3 And I have written this very [letter] [to you], that coming I may not have grief from those from whom I ought to have joy; trusting in you all that my joy is [that] of you all.

4 For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you.

5 But if any one has grieved, he has grieved, not me, but in part (that I may not overcharge [you]) all of you.

6 Sufficient to such a one [is] this rebuke which [has been inflicted] by the many;

7 so that on the contrary ye should rather shew grace and encourage, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with excessive grief.

8 Wherefore I exhort you to assure him of [your] love.

9 For to this end also I have written, that I might know, by putting you to the test, if as to everything ye are obedient.

10 But to whom ye forgive anything, *I* also; for I also, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, [it is] for your sakes in [the] person of Christ;

11 that we might not have Satan get an advantage against us, for we are not ignorant of *his* thoughts.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the [publication of the] glad tidings of the Christ, a door also being opened to me in [the] Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit at not finding Titus my brother; but bidding them adieu, I came away to Macedonia.

14 But thanks [be] to God, who always leads us in triumph in the Christ, and makes manifest the odour of his knowledge through us in every place.

15 For we are a sweet odour of Christ to God, in the saved and in those that perish:

16 to the one an odour from death unto death, but to the others an odour from life unto life; and who [is] sufficient for these things?

17 For we do not, as the many, make a trade of the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, before God, we speak in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 World English Bible (WEB)

1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but he who is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn't have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.

6 Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;

7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.

8 Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him.

9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.

10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the Gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord,

13 I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn't find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.

15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish;

16 to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:1-17 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 But it was my decision for myself, not to come again to you with sorrow.

2 For if I give you sorrow, who then will make me glad, but he who is made sad by me?

3 And I said this very thing in my letter, for fear that when I came I might have sorrow from those from whom it was right for me to have joy; being certain of this, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much trouble and pain of heart and much weeping I sent my letter to you; not to give you sorrow, but so that you might see how great is the love which I have to you.

5 But if anyone has been a cause of sorrow, he has been so, not to me only, but in some measure to all of you (I say this that I may not be over-hard on you).

6 Let it be enough for such a man to have undergone the punishment which the church put on him;

7 So that now, on the other hand, it is right for him to have forgiveness and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great.

8 For which cause my desire is that you will make your love to him clear by your acts.

9 And for the same reason I sent you a letter so that I might be certain of your desire to do my orders in all things.

10 But if you give forgiveness to anyone, I do the same: for if I have given forgiveness for anything, I have done it because of you, in the person of Christ;

11 So that Satan may not get the better of us: for we are not without knowledge of his designs.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the good news of Christ, and there was an open door for me in the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit because Titus my brother was not there: so I went away from them, and came into Macedonia.

14 But praise be to God who makes us strong to overcome in Christ, and makes clear through us in every place the value of the knowledge of him.

15 For we are a sweet perfume of Christ to God in those who are getting salvation and in those who are going to destruction;

16 To the one it is a perfume of death to death; to the other a perfume of life to life. And who is enough for such things?

17 For we are not like the great number who make use of the word of God for profit: but our words are true, as from God, being said as before God in Christ.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 2

In this chapter the apostle proceeds in the account of the reasons why he did not come to Corinth (v. 1-4). Then he writes concerning the incestuous person who lay under censure; and gives direction for restoring him, together with the reasons for their so doing (v. 5-11), and afterwards informs them of his labours and success in preaching the gospel in several places (v. 12-17).

2Cr 2:1-4

In these verses,

  • 1. The apostle proceeds in giving an account of the reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected; namely, because he was unwilling to grieve them, or be grieved by them, v. 1, 2. He had determined not to come to them in heaviness, which yet he would have done had he come and found scandal among them not duly animadverted upon: this would have been cause of grief both to him and them, for their sorrow or joy at meeting would have been mutual. If he had made them sorry, that would have been a sorrow to himself, for there would have been none to have made him glad. But his desire was to have a cheerful meeting with them, and not to have it embittered by any unhappy occasion of disagreeing.
  • 2. He tells them it was to the same intent that he wrote his former epistle, v. 3, 4.
    • (1.) That he might not have sorrow from those of whom he ought to rejoice; and that he had written to them in confidence of their doing what was requisite, in order to their benefit and his comfort. The particular thing referred to, as appears by the following verses, was the case of the incestuous person about whom he had written in the first epistle, ch. 5. Nor was the apostle disappointed in his expectation.
    • (2.) He assures them that he did not design to grieve them, but to testify his love to them, and that he wrote to them with much anguish and affliction in his own heart, and with great affection to them. He had written with tears, that they might know his abundant love to them. Note,
      • [1.] Even in reproofs, admonitions, and acts of discipline, faithful ministers show their love.
      • [2.] Needful censures, and the exercise of church-discipline towards offenders, are a grief to tender-spirited ministers, and are administered with regret.

2Cr 2:5-11

In these verses the apostle treats concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here observe,

  • 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved him in part; and that he was grieved also with a part of them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them, were puffed up and had not mourned, 1 Co. 5:2. However, he was unwilling to lay too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially seeing they had cleared themselves in that matter by observing the directions he had formerly given them.
  • 2. He tells them that the punishment which had been inflicted upon this offender was sufficient, v. 6. The desired effect was obtained, for the man was humbled, and they had shown the proof of their obedience to his directions.
  • 3. He therefore directs them, with all speed, to restore the excommunicated person, or to receive him again to their communion, v. 7, 8. This is expressed several ways. He beseeches them to forgive him, that is, to release him from church-censures, for they could not remit the guilt or offence against God; and also to comfort him, for in many cases the comfort of penitents depends upon their reconciliation not only with God, but with men also, whom they have scandalized or injured. They must also confirm their love to him; that is, they should show that their reproofs and censures proceeded from love to his person, as well as hatred to his sin, and that their design was to reform, not to ruin him. Or thus: If his fall had weakened their love to him, that they could not take such satisfaction in him as formerly; yet, now that he was recovered by repentance, they must renew and confirm their love to him.
  • 4. He uses several weighty arguments to persuade them to do thus, as,
    • (1.) The case of the penitent called for this; for he was in danger of being swallowed up with over-much sorrow, v. 7. He was so sensible of this fault, and so much afflicted under his punishment, that he was in danger of falling into despair. When sorrow is excessive it does hurt; and even sorrow for sin is too great when it unfits for other duties, and drives men to despair.
    • (2.) They had shown obedience to his directions in passing a censure upon the offender and now he would have them comply with his desire to restore him, v. 9.
    • (3.) He mentions his readiness to forgive this penitent, and concur with them in this matter. "To whom you forgive I forgive also, v. 10. I will readily concur with you in forgiving him.' And this he would do for their sakes, for love to them and for their advantage; and for Christ's sake, or in his name, as his apostle, and in conformity to his doctrine and example, which are so full of kindness and tender mercy towards all those who truly repent.
    • (4.) He gives another weighty reason (v. 11): Lest Satan get an advantage against us. Not only was there danger lest Satan should get an advantage against the penitent, by driving him to despair; but against the churches also, and the apostles or ministers of Christ, by representing them as too rigid and severe, and so frightening people from coming among them. In this, as in other things, wisdom is profitable to direct, so to manage according as the case may be that the ministry may not be blamed, for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Note, Satan is a subtle enemy, and uses many stratagems to deceive us; and we should not be ignorant of his devices: he is also a watchful adversary, ready to take all advantages against us, and we should be very cautious lest we give him any occasion so to do.

2Cr 2:12-17

After these directions concerning the excommunicated person the apostle makes a long digression, to give the Corinthians an account of his travels and labours for the furtherance of the gospel, and what success he had therein, declaring at the same time how much he was concerned for them in their affairs, how he had no rest in his spirit, when he found not Titus at Troas (v. 13), as he expected, from whom he hoped to have understood more perfectly how it fared with them. And we find afterwards (ch. 7:5-7) that when the apostle had come into Macedonia he was comforted by the coming of Titus, and the information he gave him concerning them. So that we may look upon all that we read from this second chapter, v. 12, to ch. 7:5, as a kind of parenthesis. Observe here,

  • I. Paul's unwearied labour and diligence in his work, v. 12, 13. He travelled from place to place, to preach the gospel. He went to Troas from Philippi by sea (Acts 20:6), and thence he went to Macedonia; so that he was prevented from passing by Corinth, as he had designed, ch. 1:16. But, though he was prevented in his design as to the place of working, yet he was unwearied in his work.
  • II. His success in his work: A great door was opened to him of the Lord, v. 12. He had a great deal of work to do wherever he came, and had good success in his work; for God made manifest the savour of his knowledge by him in every place where he came. He had an opportunity to open the door of his mouth freely, and God opened the hearts of his hearers, as the heart of Lydia (Acts 16:14), and the apostle speaks of this as a matter of thankfulness to God and of rejoicing to his soul: Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ. Note,
    • 1. A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. In ourselves we are weak, and have neither joy nor victory; but in Christ we may rejoice and triumph.
    • 2. True believers have constant cause of triumph in Christ, for they are more than conquerors through him who hath loved them, Rom. 8:37.
    • 3. God causeth them to triumph in Christ. It is God who has given us matter for triumph, and hearts to triumph. To him therefore be the praise and glory of all.
    • 4. The good success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing.
  • III. The comfort that the apostle and his companions in labour found, even when the gospel was not successful to the salvation of some who heard it, v. 15-17. Here observe,
    • 1. The different success of the gospel, and its different effects upon several sorts of persons to whom it is preached. The success is different; for some are saved by it, while others perish under it. Nor is this to be wondered at, considering the different effects the gospel has. For,
      • (1.) Unto some it is a savour of death unto death. Those who are willingly ignorant, and wilfully obstinate, disrelish the gospel, as men dislike an ill savour, and therefore they are blinded and hardened by it: it stirs up their corruptions, and exasperates their spirits. They reject the gospel, to their ruin, even to spiritual and eternal death.
      • (2.) Unto others the gospel is a savour of life unto life. To humble and gracious souls the preaching of the word is most delightful and profitable. As it is sweeter than honey to the taste, so it is more grateful than the most precious odours to the senses, and much more profitable; for as it quickened them at first, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life.
    • 2. The awful impressions this matter made upon the mind of the apostle, and should also make upon our spirits: Who is sufficient for these things? v. 16. Tis hikanos-who is worthy to be employed in such weighty work, a work of such vast importance, because of so great consequence? Who is able to perform such a difficult work, that requires so much skill and industry? The work is great and our strength is small; yea, of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. Note, If men did seriously consider what great things depend upon the preaching of the gospel, and how difficult the work of the ministry is, they would be very cautious how they enter upon it, and very careful to perform it well.
    • 3. The comfort which the apostle had under this serious consideration,
      • (1.) Because faithful ministers shall be accepted of God, whatever their success be: We are, if faithful, unto God a sweet savour of Christ (v. 15), in those who are saved and in those also who perish. God will accept of sincere intentions, and honest endeavours, though with many they are not successful. Ministers shall be accepted, and recompensed, not according to their success, but according to their fidelity. Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, Isa. 49:5.
      • (2.) Because his conscience witnessed to his faithfulness, v. 17. Though many did corrupt the word of God, yet the apostle's conscience witnessed to his fidelity. He did not mix his own notions with the doctrines and institutions of Christ; he durst not add to, nor diminish from, the word of God; he was faithful in dispensing the gospel, as he received it from the Lord, and had no secular turn to serve; his aim was to approve himself to God, remembering that his eye was always upon him; he therefore spoke and acted always as in the sight of God, and therefore in sincerity. Note, What we do in religion is not of God, does not come from God, will not reach to God, unless it be done in sincerity, as in the sight of God.