2 Corinthians 2:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I wrote to you with a greatly distressed and anguished heart, and with many tears, not in order to cause you pain, but to get you to realize how very much I love you.

Berean Standard Bible

For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

American Standard Version

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 which I have more abundantly unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul reveals the profound emotional depth and pastoral heart behind his previous, stern letter to the Corinthian church. He explains that his communication, though difficult and tear-filled, was not intended to cause them sorrow for sorrow's sake, but rather to convey the overwhelming and abundant love he held for them, aiming for their spiritual restoration and well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial explanation for Paul's previous, "severe letter" (often referred to as the "tearful letter"), which is widely believed to be either lost or embedded within 2 Corinthians itself (perhaps 2 Corinthians 10-13, or even 1 Corinthians). In the preceding verses of 2 Corinthians 2, Paul has been discussing his change of travel plans, which some Corinthians had misinterpreted as fickleness. Here, he clarifies that his actions, including the painful letter, were driven by deep pastoral concern, not personal convenience or anger. This explanation sets the stage for his subsequent discussion of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church (2 Corinthians 2:5-11), and ultimately, his defense of his apostolic ministry throughout the epistle. The verse also anticipates his later reflection in [2 Corinthians 7:8-9](/2_corinthians/7-8-9 "2 Corinthians 7:8-9 - Paul's Joy Over Corinthian Repentance"), where he expresses joy that the sorrow his letter caused led to repentance and salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply troubled community situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral laxity. Paul had founded this church and held a deep affection for its members, yet they frequently challenged his authority, questioned his motives, and struggled with internal divisions and moral compromise. In the Greco-Roman world, public speaking and letter writing were highly valued forms of communication, often employing rhetoric to persuade or assert authority. However, Paul consistently emphasized that his authority and communication were rooted in Christ, not human wisdom or rhetorical prowess (as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching Not with Eloquence")). His transparency about his emotional suffering in writing the severe letter would have been counter-cultural to some, as it revealed vulnerability rather than stoic authority, yet it underscored the authenticity of his love and the divine source of his ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Pastoral Anguish and Love**, demonstrating Paul's profound emotional investment in the spiritual health of his congregations. His "many tears" underscore that true pastoral care often involves suffering alongside and for the flock. It also reinforces the theme of the **Redemptive Purpose of Correction**, showing that difficult words, when spoken in love, are meant to heal and restore, not merely to inflict pain. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God's discipline, though painful, is always for our good (as explored in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Authenticity and Vulnerability of Apostolic Ministry**, revealing Paul as a deeply human apostle who shared in the struggles of those he served, rather than a detached authority figure. His transparency about his suffering and tears validates the genuine nature of his calling and the divine *agape* love that fueled his every action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, this word denotes "pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." In Paul's context, it conveys the intense internal pressure and distress he experienced, akin to being crushed or squeezed, due to the serious issues in Corinth and the painful necessity of addressing them. It speaks to a deep, burdensome suffering.
* **anguish (Greek, _synochḗ'_):** From G4928, meaning "restraint, i.e. (figuratively) anxiety:--anguish, distress." This term complements *thlîpsis*, emphasizing a feeling of being hemmed in, confined, or in a "narrow space" emotionally. It portrays a sense of inner constriction and intense anxiety, highlighting the mental and emotional torment Paul endured as he contemplated and wrote the severe letter.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, this term signifies "affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love." *Agape* is distinct from other Greek words for love (like *philia* or *eros*); it refers to a selfless, unconditional, sacrificial, and divine love. Paul's use of *agape* here underscores that his painful actions were not motivated by personal offense or anger, but by a profound, Christ-like benevolence towards the Corinthians, seeking their ultimate good regardless of the cost to himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears":** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound emotional cost of Paul's previous communication. The prepositions "out of" (*ek*) emphasize the origin and source of his writing – it flowed directly from a wellspring of deep internal suffering. The repetition of "much" (*polýs*) and "many" (*polýs*) intensifies the description of his distress, indicating an overwhelming burden. His tears were not a sign of weakness but of a heart deeply invested and pained by the spiritual state of the Corinthians, reflecting a genuine pastoral agony.
* **"not that ye should be grieved":** This negative purpose clause clarifies Paul's primary intention. He explicitly states that the goal of his severe letter was *not* to inflict unnecessary sorrow or pain upon them. This refutes any potential misinterpretation that he was being punitive or vindictive. His aim was never to cause grief for grief's sake, but for a higher, redemptive purpose.
* **"but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you":** This positive purpose clause reveals the true, underlying motivation for his painful letter. The conjunction "but" (*allá*) creates a strong contrast with the previous clause, emphasizing his real objective. Paul desired that through the difficult correction, they would come to "know" (*ginṓskō*) – not just intellectually, but experientially – the depth and overflow of his love (*agápē*) for them. The adverb "more abundantly" (*perissotérōs*) highlights the lavish, overflowing, and even excessive nature of this love, which was so great that it compelled him to endure personal anguish for their spiritual benefit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey the depth of his emotion and the purity of his motives. **Pathos** is central, as he appeals directly to the emotions of his readers by revealing his personal suffering ("much affliction and anguish of heart," "many tears"). This vulnerability aims to elicit empathy and understanding, demonstrating his genuine care. **Contrast** is also prominent, as he explicitly juxtaposes his non-intention ("not that ye should be grieved") with his true intention ("but that ye might know the love"). This sharp distinction clarifies his pastoral heart and refutes any misinterpretations of his previous letter. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** with "much affliction," "anguish of heart," and "many tears" underscores the overwhelming nature of his distress, emphasizing the extreme emotional burden he carried. Finally, the phrase "anguish of heart" can be seen as a **Metonymy**, where "heart" stands for his deepest emotions, thoughts, and inner being, signifying the profound internal turmoil he experienced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's confession in 2 Corinthians 2:4 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine love and its expression through human agents. Just as Paul's painful letter was born of a deep, self-sacrificial love for the Corinthians, so too is God's discipline and correction of His children rooted in His boundless *agape*. This verse challenges the common misconception that correction or suffering is a sign of God's displeasure, instead revealing it as an evidence of His loving commitment to our spiritual growth and maturity. It underscores that true love is not always comfortable or affirming; sometimes, it necessitates painful truths to be spoken for the ultimate good of the beloved. Paul's willingness to suffer emotionally to bring about the Corinthians' spiritual well-being mirrors the divine heart that desires our holiness above our comfort.

* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Qualities of Love")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's raw vulnerability in 2 Corinthians 2:4 provides a powerful model for all forms of communication, leadership, and personal relationships, especially when difficult truths must be conveyed. It teaches us that the effectiveness of correction or challenging words is not solely in their content, but profoundly in their underlying motivation. When we must speak hard truths, whether as parents, leaders, friends, or colleagues, our words should ideally flow "out of much affliction and anguish of heart" – a genuine, empathetic concern for the other person's well-being, rather than anger, frustration, or a desire to merely assert authority. This verse calls us to cultivate a love so abundant that we are willing to bear the emotional cost of confronting sin or error, not to cause grief, but to reveal the depth of our care and to facilitate growth and restoration. It reminds us that authentic love often requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of another's flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you had to deliver difficult news or correction? What was your emotional state, and what motivated your words?**
* **How can we ensure that our challenging communications are rooted in genuine love rather than frustration or judgment?**
* **In what ways might Paul's "many tears" challenge our perception of what strong leadership looks like?**
* **How does understanding Paul's anguish help you reframe past experiences where you were the recipient of painful but necessary correction?**

### FAQ

**What was the "tearful letter" Paul refers to, and why did he write it?**

Answer: The "tearful letter" (also known as the "severe letter") refers to a previous letter Paul sent to the Corinthian church. While its exact identity is debated by scholars (some believe it's lost, others that it's embedded in [2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10-13 "2 Corinthians 10-13 - Paul's Defense of His Apostleship"), or even was [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians")), it was clearly a stern communication. Paul wrote it to address serious issues within the Corinthian community, including defiance of his apostolic authority, moral failings, and internal strife. As [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Tearful Letter") indicates, he wrote it "out of much affliction and anguish of heart... with many tears," not to grieve them, but to make them aware of his abundant love and to call them to repentance and restoration.

**Why did Paul emphasize his "tears" and "anguish of heart"?**

Answer: Paul emphasized his tears and anguish to demonstrate the authenticity and depth of his pastoral heart. In a culture that sometimes valued stoicism, Paul's vulnerability revealed that his stern words were not born of coldness, anger, or a detached sense of authority, but from profound emotional pain and genuine love for the Corinthians. His suffering in writing the letter underscored that the correction was a painful necessity for him, driven by a desire for their spiritual well-being, not personal vindication. It was a testament to his "more abundant" love, showing that true love is willing to endure personal cost for the good of others, even when that involves delivering difficult truths.

**How does this verse apply to pastoral ministry or leadership today?**

Answer: This verse provides a crucial paradigm for pastoral ministry and leadership. It teaches that when correction or difficult counsel is necessary, it should always be motivated by genuine, self-sacrificial love (*agape*) and a deep concern for the spiritual health of those being led. Leaders are called to be empathetic and vulnerable, willing to share in the "affliction and anguish" that comes with confronting sin or error. The goal is never to cause grief for its own sake, but to reveal love, foster repentance, and guide individuals or communities towards spiritual maturity and reconciliation. It reminds leaders that their authority is best exercised not through power, but through loving service, even when that service is painful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 2:4, marked by deep anguish and tears, yet motivated by an "abundant love" for the Corinthians, powerfully echoes the very heart of Christ. Paul's willingness to suffer emotionally for the spiritual well-being of the church is a profound reflection of the Lord Jesus, who, out of infinite love, bore the ultimate anguish and suffering for humanity. Christ's mission was not to condemn the world, but "that the world through him might be saved" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). He endured the cross, "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), which was the redemption of His beloved. Just as Paul's corrective letter, though painful, was an expression of his desire for the Corinthians to "know the love," so too every aspect of Christ's life, death, and resurrection is the supreme revelation of God's boundless *agape* love for us, even when that love required His suffering and our repentance. His tears over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")) reveal a divine heart that suffers deeply for the lost and for the unrepentant, always driven by a love that seeks their ultimate salvation and flourishing. Paul's ministry, in its tearful, loving, and redemptive correction, stands as a living testament to the self-sacrificial love embodied and perfected in Christ.

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 7:12

¶ Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Proverbs 27:5

¶ Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.

Luke 19:41

¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Leviticus 19:17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.