2 Corinthians 2:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that now you should do the opposite — forgive him, encourage him, comfort him. Otherwise such a person might be swallowed up in overwhelming depression.

Berean Standard Bible

So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 2:7 instructs the Corinthian church to extend forgiveness and comfort to a repentant individual, likely the one disciplined in Paul's previous letter. This command underscores the redemptive purpose of church discipline, shifting from necessary severity to restorative grace. Paul emphasizes the urgent need for reconciliation to prevent the disciplined person from being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow, highlighting the church's responsibility to heal and reintegrate rather than permanently condemn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal point in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, marking a transition from his discussion of personal suffering and apostolic integrity (2 Corinthians 1) to the practical matters of church life and discipline. It directly follows Paul's explanation of his change in travel plans, which he asserts was motivated by a desire to spare them further grief, and his profound sorrow over the state of the church (2 Corinthians 2:1-4). The "him" in this verse is widely understood to be the man disciplined for incest in [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - The Immoral Man"). In his first letter, Paul had sternly commanded the Corinthians to remove this immoral man from their fellowship. Now, having received news of the man's repentance and the church's obedience in implementing discipline, Paul urges a radical shift. The discipline had served its purpose, bringing the individual to repentance, and Paul's concern now is for the man's spiritual and emotional well-being, advocating for his full restoration into the community. This demonstrates the cyclical nature of biblical church discipline: correction, repentance, and then restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply troubled community, marked by divisions, immorality, and spiritual immaturity (as evidenced throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and Immorality")). In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of honor and shame was paramount. Public sin brought shame not only upon the individual but also upon the community. Thus, the church's initial strong action against the immoral man was a necessary step to uphold its corporate purity and witness in a pagan society. However, Paul's instruction in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgiveness and Comfort") reveals a distinctly Christian approach to justice and restoration that transcends mere societal norms. While public shame was a tool for correction, the ultimate goal was always the individual's repentance and the community's healing. This required a nuanced understanding of grace that was often counter-cultural, balancing the need for holiness with the imperative of compassion, especially given the potential for the disciplined individual to become utterly ostracized or consumed by despair.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes. Foremost is **redemptive discipline**, illustrating that the purpose of church discipline is not punitive destruction but the restoration of the repentant sinner, mirroring God's own patience and desire for reconciliation. This leads directly to the theme of **forgiveness and reconciliation**, highlighting the Christian imperative to extend grace and welcome back those who have genuinely repented, preventing them from being "swallowed up" by despair. The emphasis on "comfort him" introduces the theme of **compassion and pastoral care**, demonstrating that forgiveness is not merely an absence of condemnation but an active outpouring of support and empathy. Finally, the verse speaks to the **balance of truth and grace**, showing that while sin must be confronted and holiness upheld, the ultimate aim of the church is to reflect the merciful heart of God, ensuring that the necessary pain of discipline leads to spiritual healing rather than permanent alienation. This balance is crucial for a healthy church community, as seen in Paul's broader appeals for unity and love throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Ministry and the Corinthian Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forgive (Greek, _charízomai'_):** This verb means "to grant as a favor," "to give freely," "to pardon," or "to show kindness." It carries the connotation of an act of grace, emphasizing that forgiveness is a gift freely extended, not something earned or deserved. It highlights the gracious nature of the act, reflecting God's own character.
* **Comfort (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** Derived from _pará_ (alongside) and _kaléō_ (to call), this word means "to call near," "to invite," "to invoke," "to beseech," "to exhort," or "to console." In this context, it implies active support, encouragement, and reassurance. It's not merely passive acceptance but an active ministry of presence and solace.
* **Swallowed up (Greek, _katapínō'_):** From _katá_ (down) and _pínō_ (to drink), this vivid verb literally means "to drink down" or "to gulp entire." Figuratively, it means to "devour," "drown," or "overwhelm." Here, it powerfully depicts the danger of being completely consumed or overwhelmed by sorrow, leading to spiritual despondency or even abandoning the faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him,"**: Paul urges the Corinthians to reverse their previous stance of stern discipline. The phrase "contrariwise" (Greek: _tounantíon_) signifies a complete reversal of their approach. Having applied necessary severity, the church must now actively extend grace. The word "ought" (Greek: _mâllon_) emphasizes this as a moral and spiritual imperative, a better course of action, rather than an option. Forgiveness (Greek: _charízomai_) is presented as a deliberate act of grace, a free pardon extended to the repentant individual. This clause highlights that the goal of discipline is restoration, not permanent exclusion.
* **"and comfort him,"**: Forgiveness, in the Christian context, is not merely the absence of punishment but the active presence of compassion and support. The command to "comfort" (Greek: _parakaléō_) implies coming alongside the individual, offering encouragement, consolation, and reassurance. This is crucial for the healing process, helping the repentant person overcome the shame and pain associated with their sin and the discipline they endured. It underscores the communal responsibility to nurture and restore.
* **"lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow."**: This final clause provides the urgent motivation for Paul's instruction. The phrase "lest perhaps" (Greek: _mḗpōs_) expresses a genuine concern about a potential negative outcome. Paul fears that if the church maintains its harsh stance, the disciplined individual might be completely "swallowed up" (Greek: _katapínō_) or consumed by an "overmuch sorrow" (Greek: _perissóteros lýpē_). This "overmuch sorrow" refers to an excessive, overwhelming sadness that could lead to spiritual despair, deep depression, or even a complete abandonment of faith, rendering the discipline counterproductive and destructive rather than redemptive.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgiveness and Comfort") is **Metaphor** and **Vivid Imagery**. The phrase "swallowed up" (Greek: _katapínō_) is a powerful metaphor that evokes the image of someone being completely submerged, consumed, or overwhelmed by a force beyond their control. This imagery vividly portrays the destructive potential of unchecked sorrow or despair, likening it to a flood or a beast that devours its prey. It conveys the idea of an individual being utterly incapacitated and lost due to the weight of their grief and shame. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Contrast** evident in the shift Paul advocates. He moves from the necessary severity of discipline ("contrariwise") to the imperative of grace and comfort, highlighting the tension and balance required in Christian community life. This contrast underscores the redemptive arc of the passage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgiveness and Comfort") profoundly reflects the heart of God, who is "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character")). It teaches that while God is holy and righteous, requiring sin to be addressed, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration, not the permanent destruction of the sinner. This passage underscores the truth that church discipline, when rightly applied, is a spiritual surgery meant to heal, not amputate. It calls the church to mirror divine mercy, extending grace to those who genuinely repent, recognizing that prolonged condemnation can lead to despair that is more spiritually damaging than the original sin itself. The emphasis on comfort alongside forgiveness highlights the holistic nature of Christian care, addressing not just the legal standing of the individual but also their emotional and spiritual well-being.

* [Matthew 18:21-22](/matthew/18-21-22 "Matthew 18:21-22 - Forgive Seventy Times Seven")
* [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")
* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restore Gently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 2:7 offers a crucial pastoral lesson for believers and churches today: the ultimate goal of addressing sin within the community is always restoration, not retribution. It challenges us to cultivate a culture of grace where genuine repentance is met with eager forgiveness and active comfort, rather than lingering judgment or suspicion. This means recognizing the profound spiritual danger of overwhelming sorrow and shame, which can drive individuals away from God and fellowship. As individuals, we are called to be quick to forgive those who have wronged us and shown remorse, extending the same mercy we have received from Christ. As a church, we must ensure that our disciplinary processes, though sometimes necessary and painful, are always bathed in prayer, guided by love, and aimed at bringing the erring brother or sister back into full, healthy fellowship, preventing them from being consumed by despair and losing hope in God's redemptive power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal approach to forgiveness align with Paul's instruction to "forgive and comfort" rather than allow "overmuch sorrow"?**
* **In what ways can our church community better balance the need for accountability with the imperative of active comfort and restoration for those who have stumbled?**
* **What are the dangers, both for the individual and the community, of not extending forgiveness and comfort to a repentant person?**
* **How can I actively participate in bringing comfort and reassurance to someone who is burdened by past mistakes or consequences?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "him" Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named, the "him" is widely understood by scholars to be the man disciplined for incest in [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Immorality in the Church"). Paul had previously instructed the Corinthian church to remove this immoral man from their fellowship. By the time of [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Ministry and the Corinthian Church"), it appears the man had repented, and Paul was now urging the church to extend forgiveness and comfort to him, bringing him back into full fellowship.

**What does "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" mean?**

Answer: This vivid phrase (Greek: _katapínō perissóteros lýpē_) means to be completely overwhelmed, consumed, or drowned by excessive sadness or despair. Paul feared that if the church continued to withhold forgiveness and comfort, the disciplined individual would fall into such deep despondency that it could lead to spiritual ruin, perhaps even causing him to abandon his faith or become utterly incapacitated by guilt and shame. It highlights the destructive power of unmitigated grief and the importance of timely restoration.

**How does this verse relate to church discipline?**

Answer: [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgiveness and Comfort") is crucial for understanding the redemptive purpose of church discipline. It shows that while discipline is necessary to address sin and maintain the purity of the church (as seen in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Dealing with Immorality")), its ultimate goal is not punishment or permanent exclusion, but repentance, restoration, and reconciliation. Once genuine repentance is evident, the church is called to be quick to forgive and comfort, ensuring that the discipline leads to healing rather than despair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 2:7, with its call for forgiveness and comfort to the repentant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine grace, who, though we were utterly lost in sin, did not allow us to be "swallowed up" by its consequences or by our own despair. Instead, He "gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age" ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Christ's Sacrifice")). Christ's entire ministry was characterized by extending forgiveness and comfort to outcasts, sinners, and the brokenhearted, demonstrating that God's heart is always for reconciliation (e.g., [Luke 7:47-50](/luke/7-47-50 "Luke 7:47-50 - The Forgiven Woman")). His parables, such as the [Prodigal Son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"), vividly illustrate the Father's eagerness to welcome back the repentant, running to embrace rather than maintaining distance. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus absorbed the full weight of our sin and its resulting sorrow, ensuring that those who turn to Him in repentance will never be consumed by "overmuch sorrow" but will instead find abundant life and eternal comfort ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). The church's act of forgiving and comforting a repentant member is, therefore, a tangible outworking of the very gospel message, reflecting the boundless grace and restorative power of Christ Himself.

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

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Isaiah 28:7

But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble [in] judgment.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

2 Thessalonians 3:14

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.