2 Corinthians 7:10

KJV

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} godly {G2316}{G2596} sorrow {G3077} worketh {G2716} repentance {G3341} to {G1519} salvation {G4991} not to be repented of {G278}: but {G1161} the sorrow {G3077} of the world {G2889} worketh {G2716} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pain handled in God’s way produces a turning from sin to God which leads to salvation, and there is nothing to regret in that! But pain handled in the world’s way produces only death.

Berean Standard Bible

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

American Standard Version

For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse profoundly distinguishes between two types of sorrow and their divergent outcomes: a "godly sorrow" that leads to genuine, lasting repentance and salvation, and a "sorrow of the world" that culminates in spiritual death. Paul articulates this crucial difference to the Corinthian church, validating their painful yet ultimately redemptive experience of sorrow over their sin, while warning against a superficial or despairing regret that offers no true hope or transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic statement within [2 Corinthians 7](/2_corinthians/7 "2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Joy Over Corinthian Repentance"), which marks a significant turning point in Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Following a period of severe tension and a "painful letter" (likely a previous, lost letter or a section of 2 Corinthians itself, such as [2 Corinthians 2:1-4](/2_corinthians/2-1-4 "2 Corinthians 2:1-4 - Paul's Painful Visit")), Paul expresses immense relief and joy upon hearing from Titus that the Corinthians had received his rebuke with genuine sorrow and repentance. [2 Corinthians 7:8-9](/2_corinthians/7-8-9 "2 Corinthians 7:8-9 - The Effect of Paul's Letter") directly precedes this verse, where Paul states, "For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance." Verse 10 then provides the theological framework for understanding *why* their sorrow was beneficial, contrasting it with a destructive alternative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by various issues, including immorality, divisions, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul's "severe letter" was a direct confrontation of these problems, designed to bring about correction and restoration. In the Greco-Roman world, public shame and honor were powerful social motivators. While sorrow over being caught or shamed was common, Paul introduces a distinctly Christian concept of sorrow—one rooted not in social consequence but in offense against God. This distinction would have challenged the prevailing cultural understanding of regret, elevating it to a spiritual plane where genuine inner transformation, rather than mere outward conformity, was the goal.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **nature of true repentance** and its stark contrast with a superficial or worldly regret. Paul emphasizes that sorrow, in itself, is not inherently good or bad; its value is determined by its source and its outcome. "Godly sorrow" is presented as a divine gift, a catalyst for spiritual growth and reconciliation, aligning with themes of **reconciliation** and **restoration** that permeate [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Reconciliation"). This theme resonates with the Old Testament prophetic calls for a turning of the heart, not just outward acts (e.g., [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with All Your Heart")). Conversely, "worldly sorrow" highlights the destructive nature of unaddressed sin and despair, a counter-theme to the hope and life offered in Christ. This distinction is crucial for understanding the path to **salvation** and avoiding spiritual **death**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrow (Greek, _lýpē'_):** This term (G3077) signifies sadness, grief, or heaviness. In this verse, Paul uses it twice, highlighting that the *feeling* of sorrow itself is neutral. The critical distinction lies in its *source* ("godly" vs. "of the world") and its *outcome*. It's not the presence of grief but its spiritual orientation that determines its effect.
* **worketh (Greek, _katergázomai'_):** This verb (G2716) means "to work fully," "to accomplish," or "to produce." It denotes an effective, complete working out of something. Paul uses it to emphasize the active, causative power of both types of sorrow: godly sorrow *produces* repentance, and worldly sorrow *produces* death. It's not a passive state but an active force with tangible results.
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** This noun (G3341) signifies a change of mind, a turning around, or a transformation of one's inner disposition and outward behavior. It implies a fundamental reorientation of one's life away from sin and towards God. It is more than mere regret; it is a decisive shift in direction that leads to a new way of living.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** This word (G2288) refers to both physical death and, more significantly in this context, spiritual death or separation from God. It represents the ultimate consequence of sin and a life lived apart from God's transforming grace. Worldly sorrow, lacking hope and divine orientation, leads to this ultimate spiritual ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:"** This clause introduces the positive, transformative power of sorrow that is "according to God" (κατὰ Θεόν, _kata Theon_). This type of sorrow is not merely regret over consequences but a deep grief over offending God. It actively "produces" or "brings about" (_katergázomai_) genuine repentance (_metánoia_), which is a complete change of mind and direction. The ultimate purpose (_eis_) of this repentance is "salvation" (_sōtēría_), implying deliverance, healing, and eternal life. The phrase "not to be repented of" (_ametamélētos_) emphasizes the irrevocable and lasting nature of this repentance; it is a decision one will never regret because it leads to true life and freedom.
* **"but the sorrow of the world worketh death."** This contrasting clause presents the destructive alternative. "The sorrow of the world" (_lýpē tou kósmou_) is sorrow that is self-centered, focused on personal loss, shame, or consequences, rather than on the sin itself or God's holiness. It lacks hope, divine perspective, and a desire for reconciliation. This worldly sorrow also "produces" or "brings about" (_katergázomai_) a profound "death" (_thánatos_), which can manifest as spiritual deadness, despair, isolation, or ultimate separation from God. It offers no path to healing or life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") to underscore his message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, where he sets "godly sorrow" directly against "the sorrow of the world." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference in their nature and outcomes. This is further emphasized by the **Parallelism** in the structure of the two clauses: "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." Both clauses use the same verb "worketh" (or "produces"), creating a balanced yet opposing statement. This demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: one type of sorrow leads to life, the other to death. The phrase "not to be repented of" also serves as a subtle **Irony**, as it describes a repentance that is so complete and beneficial that it itself will never be regretted, standing in stark contrast to the regret and despair that worldly sorrow often brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") offers profound theological insight into the nature of genuine spiritual transformation. It teaches that true repentance is not merely an emotional response to being caught or facing consequences, but a divinely initiated grief over sin that leads to a fundamental change of heart and direction. This "godly sorrow" is a gift of grace, enabling individuals to turn from self-destructive patterns towards God's life-giving path. It affirms that God uses even painful experiences to draw humanity into a deeper relationship with Him, demonstrating His redemptive purpose. Conversely, the "sorrow of the world" reveals the futility and despair of a life lived apart from God, where regret without hope ultimately leads to spiritual ruin. This verse underscores the critical distinction between superficial remorse and a saving, transformative turning to God.

* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leads to Repentance")
* [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a critical diagnostic tool for examining the nature of our own sorrow and regret. When we face the consequences of our actions or recognize our failures, what is the root of our grief? Is it merely embarrassment, fear of punishment, or regret over lost opportunities—the "sorrow of the world" that ultimately leads to despair and spiritual stagnation? Or is it a deep, painful awareness of having offended a holy and loving God, a "godly sorrow" that compels us to confess, seek forgiveness, and genuinely turn away from sin? Embracing godly sorrow means allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us, not to condemn us, but to lead us to a place of humility, confession, and renewed commitment to God's will. It is a painful yet purifying process that fosters true spiritual growth, deepens our dependence on God's grace, and ultimately secures our salvation. We are called to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to sin not just for its consequences, but for its offense against the One who loves us most.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I experience sorrow or regret, what is its primary focus: my own discomfort, or my offense against God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that experiences godly sorrow rather than worldly sorrow?**
* **How has godly sorrow led to genuine transformation and deeper relationship with God in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing worldly sorrow that is hindering true repentance and growth?**

### FAQ

**What is the fundamental difference between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow"?**

Answer: The fundamental difference lies in their source, motivation, and outcome. "Godly sorrow" (λύπη κατά Θεόν, _lypē kata Theon_) is a deep grief over sin because it offends God and violates His holiness. It is motivated by a love for God and a desire for reconciliation, leading to genuine repentance (μετάνοια, _metanoia_)—a change of mind and direction that results in salvation and lasting transformation. It is a sorrow that is "not to be repented of" because it leads to life. In contrast, "worldly sorrow" (λύπη του κόσμου, _lypē tou kosmou_) is regret focused on the consequences of sin (e.g., being caught, losing reputation, personal suffering) rather than the sin itself or the offense against God. It is often self-pitying, lacks hope, and does not lead to true change, but rather "worketh death"—manifesting as despair, bitterness, spiritual stagnation, or ultimate separation from God. It offers no path to healing or redemption, as seen in the tragic end of Judas Iscariot (cf. [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Suicide")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect embodiment of godly sorrow and the very means by which such sorrow leads to salvation. Jesus consistently called people to "repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand")). His life and teaching demonstrated that true repentance is not merely regret, but a turning to God made possible through His grace. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing a sorrow beyond comprehension, not for His own failings, but out of perfect obedience to the Father and love for a fallen world. His sacrifice provides the atoning blood that washes away sin, making genuine repentance and reconciliation with God possible. The "salvation not to be repented of" is precisely the eternal life and renewed relationship with God purchased by Christ's death and resurrection. The "sorrow of the world" leading to "death" highlights the spiritual reality that apart from Christ, there is no true remedy for sin's devastating effects; only through faith in Him can one escape the wages of sin and receive the gift of eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Thus, godly sorrow is a Spirit-wrought response to the grace revealed in Christ, drawing us into His redemptive work and securing our eternal hope.

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

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Samuel 12:13

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.