Sufficient to such a man [is] this punishment, which [was inflicted] of many.
Sufficient {G2425} to such a man {G5108} is this {G3778} punishment {G2009}, which {G3588} was inflicted of {G5259} many {G4119}.
For such a person the punishment already imposed on him by the majority is sufficient,
The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.
Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;
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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.
Context of 2 Corinthians 2:6
The verse 2 Corinthians 2:6 is part of Paul's letter addressing various issues within the Corinthian church. Specifically, it refers to a painful situation involving a member who had committed a serious sin, likely the man living in immorality mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. Paul had previously instructed the church to take disciplinary action against this individual to bring about repentance. Here, Paul indicates that the church has indeed acted, and the disciplinary measure has served its purpose, leading the man to remorse and a change of heart. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent appeal for forgiveness and restoration in the verses that follow.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV word "punishment" in this verse translates the Greek word epitimia (ἐπιτιμία). While "punishment" accurately conveys a penalty, epitimia more broadly refers to a "censure," "rebuke," or "disgrace" – a public expression of disapproval or a disciplinary action rather than merely physical pain. It signifies the social and spiritual consequence of their wrongdoing within the community, aiming to humble and correct the individual rather than destroy them. This understanding emphasizes the corrective and restorative nature of the church's action.
Practical Application
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 2:6 offers crucial lessons on how the church should handle sin and repentance. It teaches that when a member genuinely repents after being confronted or disciplined, the church's role shifts from censure to comfort and restoration. It reminds us: