TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 2:5–11.
In these verses the apostle treats concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here observe, 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved him in part; and that he was grieved also with a part of them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them, were puffed up and had not mourned, Co1 5:2. However, he was unwilling to lay too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially seeing they had cleared themselves in that matter by observing the directions he had formerly given them. 2. He tells them that the punishment which had been inflicted upon this offender was sufficient, Co2 2:6. The desired effect was obtained, for the man was humbled, and they had shown the proof of their obedience to his directions. 3. He therefore directs them, with all speed, to restore the excommunicated person, or to receive him again to their communion, Co2 2:7, Co2 2:8. This is expressed several ways. He beseeches them to forgive him, that is, to release him from church-censures, for they could not remit the guilt or offence against God; and also to comfort him, for in many cases the comfort of penitents depends upon their reconciliation not only with God, but with men also, whom they have scandalized or injured. They must also confirm their love to him; that is, they should show that their reproofs and censures proceeded from love to his person, as well as hatred to his sin, and that their design was to reform, not to ruin him. Or thus: If his fall had weakened their love to him, that they could not take such satisfaction in him as formerly; yet, now that he was recovered by repentance, they must renew and confirm their love to him. 4. He uses several weighty arguments to persuade them to do thus, as, (1.) The case of the penitent called for this; for he was in danger of being swallowed up with over-much sorrow, Co2 2:7. He was so sensible of this fault, and so much afflicted under his punishment, that he was in danger of falling into despair. When sorrow is excessive it does hurt; and even sorrow for sin is too great when it unfits for other duties, and drives men to despair. (2.) They had shown obedience to his directions in passing a censure upon the offender and now he would have them comply with his desire to restore him, Co2 2:9. (3.) He mentions his readiness to forgive this penitent, and concur with them in this matter. "To whom you forgive I forgive also, Co2 2:10. I will readily concur with you in forgiving him." And this he would do for their sakes, for love to them and for their advantage; and for Christ's sake, or in his name, as his apostle, and in conformity to his doctrine and example, which are so full of kindness and tender mercy towards all those who truly repent. (4.) He gives another weighty reason (Co2 2:11): Lest Satan get an advantage against us. Not only was there danger lest Satan should get an advantage against the penitent, by driving him to despair; but against the churches also, and the apostles or ministers of Christ, by representing them as too rigid and severe, and so frightening people from coming among them. In this, as in other things, wisdom is profitable to direct, so to manage according as the case may be that the ministry may not be blamed, for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Note, Satan is a subtle enemy, and uses many stratagems to deceive us; and we should not be ignorant of his devices: he is also a watchful adversary, ready to take all advantages against us, and we should be very cautious lest we give him any occasion so to do.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
A person who is swallowed up in too much affliction will turn in desperation to committing sins. True repentance, on the other hand, is a turning away from sin. If this person repents, he will prove that he is sorry for what he has done.
"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."
He bids them not only take off the censure: but, besides, restores him to his former estate; for if one let go him that hath been scourged and heal him not, he hath done nothing. And see how him too he keeps down lest he should be rendered worse by the forgiveness. For though he had both confessed and repented, he makes it manifest that he obtaineth remission not so much by his penitence as by this free gift. Wherefore he saith, "to forgive him and to comfort him," and what follows again makes the same thing plain. "For," saith he, "it is not because he is worthy, not because he has shown sufficient penitence; but because he is weak, it is for this I request it." Whence also he added, "lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow." And this is both as testifying to his deep repentance and as not allowing him to fall into despair.
But what means this, "swallowed up?" Either doing as Judas did, or even in living becoming worse. For, saith he, if he should rush away from longer enduring the anguish of this lengthened censure, perchance also despairing he will either come to hang himself, or fall into greater crimes afterwards. One ought then to take steps beforehand, lest the sore become too hard to deal with; and lest what we have well done we lose by want of moderation.
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 2:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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. 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). 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 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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 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 profoundly reflects the heart of God, who is "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). 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.
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
FAQ
Who was the "him" Paul refers to in this verse?
While not explicitly named, the "him" is widely understood by scholars to be the man disciplined for incest in 1 Corinthians 5:1. Paul had previously instructed the Corinthian church to remove this immoral man from their fellowship. By the time of 2 Corinthians, 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?
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?
2 Corinthians 2:7 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), 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). 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). His parables, such as 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). 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.