2 Corinthians 2:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For if I cause you pain, who is left to make me happy except the people I have pained?

Berean Standard Bible

For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 2:2, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound principle of pastoral care, emphasizing the intricate connection between his emotional well-being and the spiritual state of the Corinthian believers. He explains that if his actions were to cause them sorrow, then his own joy could only be restored by their subsequent repentance and restoration, which would transform their sorrow into gladness. This verse underscores Paul's deep affection and his desire for genuine spiritual reconciliation and mutual joy over punitive confrontation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's explanation for his revised travel plans to Corinth, following a previous "painful letter" (likely 1 Corinthians or another lost letter) that had caused the Corinthians considerable grief. Paul had initially planned a third visit, but then decided against it to avoid another potentially sorrowful encounter, as he states in [2 Corinthians 2:1](/2_corinthians/2-1 "2 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Decision to Avoid a Painful Visit"). His aim was not to inflict pain for its own sake, but to bring about repentance and healing. This verse, therefore, serves as a rhetorical justification for his decision to delay his visit, highlighting his pastoral heart and his desire to ensure that when he *did* come, it would be a visit of joy, not sorrow. It sets the stage for his discussion of forgiveness and restoration in the subsequent verses of [2 Corinthians 2](/2_corinthians/2 "2 Corinthians 2 - Forgiveness and Comfort").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex community, grappling with various issues including immorality, divisions, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul had previously written a severe letter (often referred to as the "sorrowful letter") addressing these problems, which had caused significant grief among the Corinthians. This letter, though painful, was intended to lead them to repentance. In the Greco-Roman world, public honor and shame were paramount. Paul, as an apostle, was concerned not only for the spiritual health of the church but also for the integrity of his ministry and the gospel message. His approach in this passage reflects a pastoral strategy that prioritizes restoration and reconciliation over mere assertion of authority, understanding that true spiritual health requires a willing and joyful heart, not just outward compliance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes present in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - The Comfort of God and Paul's Ministry"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Paul's **Pastoral Heart and Empathy**. He is not a detached disciplinarian but a shepherd whose own emotional state is deeply intertwined with that of his flock. His desire is for their spiritual flourishing, even if it means enduring temporary pain. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Reciprocal Joy and Sorrow** in Christian community and ministry. Paul's gladness is directly contingent upon the Corinthians' spiritual health and joy, demonstrating that true joy in ministry is found in seeing those served thrive. This reciprocity underscores the interconnectedness of believers. Finally, it speaks to the **Purpose of Godly Correction**, showing that any sorrow inflicted by Paul's previous letter was not punitive but restorative, aiming to produce the "godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation without regret," as he elaborates in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorry (Greek, _lypéō_):** This verb means "to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad." In this context, it refers to the grief or pain Paul might cause the Corinthians through a confrontational visit or through the stern rebukes of his previous letter. It signifies a state of emotional distress or sorrow, often associated with repentance or conviction of sin. Paul's use of this word indicates his awareness of the emotional impact of his ministry and his desire to avoid unnecessary or counterproductive sorrow.
* **glad (Greek, _euphraínō_):** Derived from "eu" (good) and "phrēn" (mind), this verb means "to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e. rejoice." It signifies a state of joy, cheerfulness, or merriment. Paul's use of this word stands in stark contrast to "sorry," highlighting the desired outcome of his pastoral efforts: not just a cessation of sorrow, but a positive, active state of spiritual joy and well-being, which in turn brings him joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if I make you sorry,"**: Paul begins with a conditional statement, acknowledging the potential for his presence or words to cause grief. This refers to the possibility of a confrontational visit or the effect of his previous stern letter, which had indeed caused them sorrow. He is not denying his capacity to inflict pain, but rather setting up the premise for his argument about the purpose of such pain.
* **"who is he then that maketh me glad,"**: This is a rhetorical question, implying a strong negative answer: "No one!" Paul is asserting that if he is the one causing them sorrow, then no one else could possibly bring him joy. His joy is inextricably linked to their spiritual state. He cannot be truly glad if those he loves and serves are in a state of grief or unrepentance due to his actions.
* **"but the same which is made sorry by me?"**: This clause provides the answer to the rhetorical question, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their relationship. Only the very people he has caused sorrow—those who have now repented and found restoration—can be the source of his gladness. This highlights that Paul's ultimate goal in causing sorrow was not punishment, but restoration, so that mutual joy could be experienced.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Corinthians 2:2 is a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul poses a question ("who is he then that maketh me glad?") not to elicit information, but to make a forceful assertion: only the Corinthians, once restored, can bring him joy. This technique engages the reader directly and underscores the depth of Paul's emotional investment. Furthermore, the verse employs **Antithesis**, juxtaposing "sorry" (λυπέω) with "glad" (εὐφραίνω). This stark contrast highlights the emotional spectrum Paul is navigating and the transformative journey he desires for the Corinthians—from grief over sin to the joy of repentance. There is also an element of **Reciprocity**, where Paul's emotional state (gladness) is directly dependent on the Corinthians' emotional and spiritual state (their sorrow leading to restoration and joy). This creates a powerful sense of mutual dependence and shared spiritual destiny between the apostle and the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's articulation in 2 Corinthians 2:2 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of true pastoral ministry and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. It demonstrates that genuine love and leadership are willing to inflict necessary pain for the sake of ultimate healing and joy. This "godly sorrow" is not an end in itself, but a means to repentance, reconciliation, and renewed fellowship, both with God and with one another. Paul's personal joy is not self-centered but is found in the spiritual flourishing of those he serves, reflecting the heart of God who rejoices over the repentance of a sinner. This principle underscores that Christian relationships, particularly those between leaders and congregants, are meant to be characterized by mutual care and shared spiritual well-being, where the joy of one contributes to the joy of all.

* [2 Corinthians 7:8-9](/2_corinthians/7-8-9 "2 Corinthians 7:8-9 - Paul's Joy Over Their Godly Sorrow")
* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Who Repents")
* [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Paul's Desire for Their Unity and Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for both spiritual leaders and every believer within the Christian community. For leaders, it serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate goal of discipline or correction is always restoration and joy, not punishment or condemnation. A shepherd's heart grieves when the flock is hurting or straying, and finds its greatest gladness when they are brought back to health and flourishing. This means that difficult conversations or necessary rebukes must always be bathed in love and aimed at genuine repentance that leads to renewed joy. For individuals, the verse encourages us to embrace the process of godly sorrow. When conviction over sin brings grief, we should not resist it, but allow it to lead us to repentance, knowing that on the other side of that sorrow lies the profound, lasting joy of reconciliation with God and others. It fosters an environment where truth can be spoken and received, knowing that the ultimate aim is always mutual spiritual flourishing and shared gladness in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's willingness to experience sorrow for the sake of the Corinthians' joy challenge my own understanding of leadership or relationships?**
* **When have I experienced "godly sorrow" in my life, and how did it ultimately lead to a deeper joy or reconciliation?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to the mutual joy and spiritual well-being of my Christian community, even through difficult truths?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about making the Corinthians "sorry"?**

Answer: Paul's concern stemmed from his deep pastoral love and his understanding of the purpose of sorrow. He had previously sent a "painful letter" (likely 1 Corinthians or another lost letter) that caused them grief, but this grief was intended to lead to repentance and restoration. He wanted to avoid a second visit that would cause *unnecessary* sorrow, preferring to visit them when their hearts were already prepared for joy and reconciliation. His aim was not to inflict pain but to ensure that any sorrow served a redemptive purpose, ultimately leading to a shared gladness in the Lord. He knew that if he were to cause them sorrow again without a clear path to resolution, it would hinder his ability to truly rejoice with them, as his own joy was tied to their spiritual health.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 2:2 speaks of Paul's pastoral heart and the reciprocal nature of joy and sorrow in ministry, it profoundly foreshadows and reflects the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of this principle. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, willingly endured the ultimate sorrow and grief—the suffering on the cross—not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity, so that through His sorrow, we might experience eternal gladness and reconciliation with God. He "was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows. Yet, "for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). His sorrow was the prerequisite for our joy. Just as Paul's joy was dependent on the Corinthians' repentance, Christ's ultimate joy is found in the salvation of His elect, the "multitude that no one could count" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")), who are made glad by His sacrifice. He is the one who was "made sorry" (suffered) for us, so that He might be the one who "maketh us glad" through His resurrection and the gift of salvation, fulfilling the deepest desire for mutual joy between God and His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 7:8

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.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

2 Corinthians 1:14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?