2 Corinthians 2:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

For such a person the punishment already imposed on him by the majority is sufficient,

Berean Standard Bible

The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 2:6 marks a pivotal point in Paul's pastoral instruction to the Corinthian church, indicating that the disciplinary action taken against a sinning member has achieved its intended redemptive purpose. Paul affirms that the censure, which was corporately administered by the majority of the congregation, was adequate to bring the individual to repentance and remorse, thereby signaling that the time for punitive measures has ended and the path to forgiveness and restoration should now begin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's ongoing dialogue with the Corinthian church, particularly concerning the aftermath of a severe moral transgression. In his previous letter, [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church"), Paul had sternly commanded the Corinthians to take decisive action against a man living in open sexual sin, urging them to "deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." This instruction, though harsh, was fundamentally redemptive. In [2 Corinthians 2:1-4](/2_corinthians/2-1-4 "2 Corinthians 2:1-4 - Paul's Sorrow and Love"), Paul explains the great sorrow he experienced in writing his "painful letter" (likely a lost intermediate letter or a section of 1 Corinthians), emphasizing that his motivation was love, not condemnation. [2 Corinthians 2:6](/2_corinthians/2-6 "2 Corinthians 2:6 - The Sufficiency of Punishment") directly follows Paul's expression of concern for the church's obedience and sets the stage for his subsequent plea for the church to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm their love for the repentant individual in [2 Corinthians 2:7-11](/2_corinthians/2-7-11 "2 Corinthians 2:7-11 - Forgive and Comfort the Repentant"). The entire passage underscores the delicate balance between upholding holiness and extending grace within the Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality, particularly sexual licentiousness, which permeated its cultural fabric and even its religious practices. The Corinthian church, a young Christian community, struggled to maintain distinct ethical boundaries in such an environment. Paul's letters reflect these challenges, addressing issues ranging from division and pride to sexual immorality and legal disputes. Church discipline, as seen in this passage, was not merely an internal ecclesiastical matter but also had implications for the church's witness in a pagan society. Failure to address flagrant sin would compromise the church's reputation and its claim to moral superiority. Furthermore, the concept of public censure or social ostracism was not alien to Greco-Roman society, where honor and shame played significant roles. However, the Christian motivation for discipline was distinct: it was not primarily about shaming for its own sake, but about spiritual restoration and the preservation of the community's purity and testimony, reflecting a tension between divine holiness and human brokenness that the early church had to navigate carefully.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 2:6](/2_corinthians/2-6 "2 Corinthians 2:6 - The Purpose of Discipline") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Paul's Corinthian correspondence and broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **redemptive purpose of church discipline**, emphasizing that corrective measures are not punitive for punishment's sake, but are designed to lead to repentance and spiritual healing, as seen in the ultimate goal described in [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Deliverance for Restoration"). Secondly, the phrase "inflicted of many" underscores the **corporate responsibility** of the entire congregation in upholding Christian standards and participating in the disciplinary process, rather than it being solely the purview of a few leaders. This emphasizes the communal nature of Christian accountability. Thirdly, the verse, especially when read in conjunction with the subsequent verses, powerfully illustrates the **balance between justice and mercy** within the Christian community. Once genuine repentance is evident, the emphasis shifts from censure to **forgiveness, comfort, and full restoration**, preventing the repentant individual from being "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow," as Paul warns in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgive and Comfort"). This passage thus serves as a foundational text for understanding healthy church practice in dealing with sin and promoting spiritual well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sufficient (Greek, _hikanós'_):** From G2425, this word means "competent," "ample," or "fit." In this context, it signifies that the disciplinary measure was "enough" or "adequate" to achieve its intended purpose. It implies that the censure was not excessive, nor was it deficient; it perfectly served its redemptive aim of bringing the individual to a state of repentance and remorse, signaling that no further punishment was needed.
* **Punishment (Greek, _epitimía'_):** From G2009, this term properly refers to "esteem" or "citizenship," but is used here in the sense of a "penalty" or "censure." It denotes a public expression of disapproval, a rebuke, or a disciplinary action imposed by the community. It is not necessarily physical punishment, but rather a social and spiritual consequence designed to humble, correct, and restore the individual's standing within the community.
* **Many (Greek, _pleíōn'_):** From G4119, this is the comparative of `polús`, meaning "more in quantity, number, or quality," or "the major portion." In this context, "of many" indicates that the disciplinary action was not the decision of a few leaders, but was a collective act, supported and administered by the majority of the Corinthian congregation. This highlights the communal nature of church discipline and the shared responsibility of the body of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sufficient to such a man":** This phrase indicates that the disciplinary action taken by the church has achieved its desired effect on the specific individual who was the object of the discipline. The term "sufficient" (hikanós) implies that the measure was appropriate and effective, neither too harsh nor too lenient, in bringing about the necessary change in heart and behavior. Paul is affirming that the goal of the discipline has been met for this particular person.
* **"is this punishment":** Paul identifies the disciplinary action as "this punishment" (epitimía), referring to the censure or rebuke previously administered by the church. This "punishment" was not vindictive but corrective, aimed at humbling the individual and leading them to repentance. Paul's statement confirms that the church's action was legitimate and had a positive impact, fulfilling its redemptive purpose.
* **"which was inflicted of many":** This crucial clause clarifies that the disciplinary measure was not a unilateral decision by Paul or a small group of church leaders, but a corporate action taken by the majority of the congregation. The phrase "of many" (hypó pleíōn) emphasizes the communal nature of the church's responsibility in upholding its moral standards and in carrying out disciplinary actions. It signifies a collective judgment and a shared commitment to the purity and health of the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 2:6](/2_corinthians/2-6 "2 Corinthians 2:6 - Literary Analysis") to convey his message with precision and pastoral sensitivity. The use of **Understatement** is notable with the word "sufficient" (hikanós). While the situation was grave and the discipline severe, Paul's declaration that it was "sufficient" subtly implies that the measure was effective without being overly harsh or prolonged. It signals that the purpose has been achieved and no further punitive action is required, setting the stage for mercy. There is also an element of **Metonymy**, where "punishment" (epitimía) stands in for the entire process of church discipline, including the public censure, the individual's isolation, and the resulting remorse. This single word encapsulates the complex, painful, yet ultimately redemptive, experience. Furthermore, the phrase "inflicted of many" uses **Synecdoche**, where "many" (pleíōn) represents the collective body of the church, emphasizing the communal nature of the action rather than just a few individuals. This highlights the corporate responsibility and consensus involved in the disciplinary process, reinforcing the idea that the church as a whole acted, not just its leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of the church's role in maintaining holiness and fostering restoration. It reveals that true Christian discipline is not about retribution or permanent expulsion, but about the redemptive love of God working through the community to bring a wandering member back into fellowship. The "sufficiency" of the punishment underscores God's desire for repentance over destruction, mirroring His own patience and long-suffering. It teaches that while sin must be confronted for the health of the individual and the purity of the community, there is a crucial point where justice gives way to mercy, and the focus shifts entirely to forgiveness and comfort. This delicate balance reflects the very heart of the Gospel, where God's righteous judgment against sin is met with His boundless grace for the repentant. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody this divine paradox, demonstrating both unwavering commitment to holiness and radical, restorative love.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline")
* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently")
* [1 Corinthians 5:4-5](/1_corinthians/5-4-5 "1 Corinthians 5:4-5 - Purpose of Delivering to Satan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 2:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and churches on the delicate yet vital practice of church discipline and restoration. It reminds us that the ultimate goal of confronting sin within the community is always the spiritual healing and reintegration of the individual, not their permanent alienation. Forgiveness is not merely an option but a divine imperative once genuine repentance is evident. This verse challenges us to discern when punitive measures have served their purpose and to pivot decisively towards extending comfort and reaffirming love, lest the repentant individual be overwhelmed by despair or fall prey to the schemes of Satan. It also reinforces the corporate nature of Christian accountability, reminding us that dealing with serious sin is a shared responsibility of the entire body, fostering a culture where grace and truth are held in dynamic tension. This requires spiritual maturity, humility, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to navigate such sensitive situations with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that the church remains a place of both holiness and profound healing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church community balance the need for accountability and discipline with the imperative to offer forgiveness and restoration?**
* **What does it mean for discipline to be "sufficient" in a contemporary context, and how can we discern when that point has been reached for a repentant individual?**
* **In what ways can every member of the congregation participate in the process of both upholding standards and extending grace, reflecting the "inflicted of many" principle?**
* **How can we ensure that our approach to sin and repentance truly reflects the redemptive heart of God, rather than merely a punitive or judgmental stance?**

### FAQ
**What was the "punishment" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "punishment" (Greek: _epitimía_) was likely a form of public censure, rebuke, or social ostracism imposed by the Corinthian church on a member who had committed a serious sin, most probably the man living in immorality mentioned in [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Immorality in the Church"). This disciplinary action involved the church withdrawing fellowship from the individual, effectively putting them out of the community, with the aim of bringing them to repentance and spiritual restoration, as Paul outlined in [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Deliverance to Satan for Restoration"). It was a severe but redemptive measure.

**Who was "such a man" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: While not explicitly named, "such a man" is widely understood by scholars to be the individual disciplined by the Corinthian church for gross immorality, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Church Discipline Case"). Paul's reference here indicates that this individual had genuinely repented in response to the church's action, prompting Paul to advocate for his forgiveness and restoration in the subsequent verses of [2 Corinthians 2](/2_corinthians/2 "2 Corinthians 2 - Paul's Affection for the Corinthians and Forgiveness").

**Why was the punishment "inflicted of many"?**

Answer: The phrase "inflicted of many" (Greek: _hypó pleíōn_) signifies that the disciplinary action was a corporate decision and act of the majority of the Corinthian congregation, not merely the decree of Paul or a few church leaders. This highlights the communal responsibility of the church in maintaining its purity and upholding biblical standards. It demonstrates that the church body collectively participated in the painful but necessary process of confronting sin and administering discipline, reinforcing the idea of shared accountability within the Christian community, as also implied in [Matthew 18:17](/matthew/18-17 "Matthew 18:17 - Tell it to the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 2:6 beautifully foreshadows and reflects the heart of Christ in dealing with sin and repentance. While the church's discipline was "sufficient" to bring a brother to repentance, it is Christ's ultimate sacrifice that makes true and lasting forgiveness possible. He is the one who, though without sin, "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The church's act of discipline, aimed at restoration, mirrors Christ's own pursuit of the lost and His call to repentance, as seen in His declaration, "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). Furthermore, the command to forgive and comfort the repentant, which immediately follows this verse, is a direct imitation of Christ's boundless compassion and readiness to forgive those who turn to Him, exemplified in His parables of the lost son ([Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")) and the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). The church, in its corporate act of discipline and subsequent restoration, participates in the ministry of reconciliation that Christ inaugurated, becoming His ambassadors who plead with others to "be reconciled to God" ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")). Thus, the "sufficient punishment" ultimately points to the infinitely sufficient grace and forgiveness found only in Jesus 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

1 Corinthians 5:4

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 Corinthians 7:11

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

2 Corinthians 13:10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.