2 Corinthians 7:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} behold {G2400} this {G5124} selfsame thing {G846}, that {G5209} ye sorrowed {G3076} after {G2596} a godly sort {G2316}, what {G4214} carefulness {G4710} it wrought {G2716} in you {G5213}, yea {G235}, what clearing of yourselves {G627}, yea {G235}, what indignation {G24}, yea {G235}, what fear {G5401}, yea {G235}, what vehement desire {G1972}, yea {G235}, what zeal {G2205}, yea {G235}, what revenge {G1557}! In {G1722} all {G3956} things ye have approved {G4921} yourselves {G1438} to be {G1511} clear {G53} in {G1722} this matter {G4229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For just look at what handling the pain God’s way produced in you! What earnest diligence, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what readiness to put things right! In everything you have proved yourselves blameless in the matter.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

American Standard Version

For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound relief and joy over the Corinthian church's transformative response to his stern letter, highlighting the multifaceted and redemptive effects of their "godly sorrow." This sorrow, distinct from worldly regret, catalyzed a series of earnest and righteous actions—including carefulness, self-vindication, indignation against sin, reverent fear, fervent desire, zealous correction, and decisive action against wrongdoing—culminating in their communal approval and demonstrated purity in the matter that had caused Paul grief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's intensely personal and pastoral second letter to the Corinthians, specifically within a section (2 Corinthians 7:2-16) where he articulates his comfort and joy following a period of deep anxiety. Paul had sent a "severe letter" (likely a previous, now lost letter, though some scholars suggest [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians - Addressing Immorality") or parts of 2 Corinthians itself) addressing serious moral and relational issues within the Corinthian church. His concern over their reception of this letter was immense, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2-corinthians/2-4 "Paul's sorrow in writing the severe letter") and [2 Corinthians 7:5](/2-corinthians/7-5 "Paul's anxiety in Macedonia"). The return of Titus, bearing news of their repentance, brought immense relief and joy, which Paul begins to unpack in [2 Corinthians 7:6-7](/2-corinthians/7-6-7 "Titus's report brings comfort to Paul"). Verse [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2-corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow") sets the immediate stage by contrasting "godly sorrow" (leading to repentance and salvation) with "worldly sorrow" (leading to death). Verse 11 then meticulously enumerates the tangible, positive outcomes that proved their sorrow was indeed "godly," demonstrating a genuine and active repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city known for its wealth and moral laxity, faced numerous internal challenges. These included factions, lawsuits among believers, issues of sexual immorality, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul's "severe letter" was a direct response to these deep-seated problems, particularly a prominent case of incest (likely the one mentioned in [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1-corinthians/5-1 "The case of incest in Corinth")). The church's initial failure to address this sin had caused Paul great distress and threatened the purity of the Christian community. In the Greco-Roman world, honor and shame were paramount, and Paul's concern was not merely for individual sin but for the reputation of the church and the honor of Christ. The Corinthians' response, as detailed in this verse, indicates a successful navigation of a delicate situation, where the church collectively took action to restore its honor and spiritual integrity in the eyes of Paul and, more importantly, God. Their carefulness and clearing of themselves reflect a desire to re-establish their moral standing and demonstrate their commitment to the apostolic teaching.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the **transformative power of godly sorrow**, demonstrating that true repentance is not merely an emotional state but a catalyst for righteous action and spiritual growth. It highlights the stark contrast between a sorrow that leads to life and one that leads to death, as introduced in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2-corinthians/7-10 "The two kinds of sorrow"). Secondly, it provides a practical and comprehensive list of **evidences of genuine repentance**, serving as a diagnostic tool for discerning true change. The seven manifestations of their carefulness, indignation, fear, and zeal underscore that repentance is an active, multifaceted process involving both internal disposition and external demonstration. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **restoration and vindication**, both for the Corinthian church in its relationship with Paul and for their standing before God. Their actions "approved" them, signifying that they had cleared themselves of complicity and were once again in good standing, reflecting the New Testament emphasis on purity within the community of believers, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1-corinthians/5-6-8 "Purge out the old leaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Theós (Greek, _theós'_):** In "sorrowed after a godly sort," the word "godly" derives from _theós_, meaning "God" or "deity." This emphasizes that their sorrow was not merely human regret or remorse over consequences, but a sorrow that originated from God, was directed towards God, and was in alignment with God's will and perspective on sin. It implies a recognition of sin as an offense against God, leading to a desire for reconciliation with Him.
* **Epipóthēsis (Greek, _epipóthēsis'_):** Translated as "vehement desire," this word signifies an intense longing or yearning. In this context, it speaks to the Corinthians' passionate desire for reconciliation with Paul, for restoration of their broken fellowship, and implicitly, for a renewed right standing with God. It indicates a deep emotional and spiritual earnestness to rectify the situation.
* **Ekdíkēsis (Greek, _ekdíkēsis'_):** Rendered "revenge" in the KJV, _ekdíkēsis_ more accurately means "vindication" or "retribution." Here, it does not imply personal vengeance but rather the community's determination to execute justice or take corrective action against the sin that had defiled them. It signifies their willingness to enforce discipline and uphold righteousness within the church, demonstrating their commitment to God's standards and their own purity. This is a corporate act of righteous judgment against sin, not a personal vendetta.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort":** Paul introduces the verse with an emphatic "behold" (ἰδού, _idoú_), drawing attention to the remarkable transformation. The "selfsame thing" refers to the godly sorrow mentioned in [2 Corinthians 7:9-10](/2-corinthians/7-9-10 "Paul's joy over their godly sorrow"). This sorrow was not a fleeting emotion but a profound, God-ordained grief over their sin, which aligned with divine purposes and led to genuine repentance.
* **"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!":** This is the heart of the verse, enumerating the seven tangible fruits or evidences of their godly sorrow.
* **"what carefulness it wrought in you":** Their godly sorrow produced an earnest diligence (_spoudē_) in addressing the issue. This implies promptness, seriousness, and thoroughness in dealing with the sin.
* **"yea, [what] clearing of yourselves":** They actively sought to demonstrate their innocence or non-complicity in the sin, perhaps by disassociating from the wrongdoer or by taking clear steps to correct their past errors. This was their "apology" or defense.
* **"yea, [what] indignation":** They exhibited righteous anger (_aganáktēsis_) directed at the sin itself, not merely at the consequences or Paul's rebuke. This shows a moral revulsion against evil.
* **"yea, [what] fear":** This signifies a healthy, reverential fear (_phóbos_) of God's displeasure and a cautious apprehension of repeating the offense. It is a fear that leads to obedience, not despair.
* **"yea, [what] vehement desire":** They displayed an intense longing (_epipóthēsis_) for reconciliation with Paul and, by extension, with God and for the restoration of their fellowship.
* **"yea, [what] zeal":** They showed fervent eagerness (_zēlos_) and devotion to rectify the situation, to uphold righteousness, and to restore the purity of the church.
* **"yea, [what] revenge!":** As discussed in Key Word Analysis, this refers to their willingness to execute justice (_ekdíkēsis_) or take punitive action against the offending party within the community, demonstrating their commitment to communal holiness and discipline.
* **"In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.":** Paul concludes by affirming that through these actions, the Corinthians had demonstrated their genuine repentance and their restored integrity. They had "approved" (_synistáō_) themselves, proving their blamelessness (_hagnós_) regarding continued complicity in the matter that had distressed Paul. This declaration signifies Paul's full confidence and satisfaction in their repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 7:11](/2-corinthians/7-11 "The fruits of godly sorrow") to emphasize the profound and multifaceted impact of godly sorrow. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of "yea, what" (ἀλλὰ τίς, _alla tis_) before each of the seven evidences of repentance ("clearing of yourselves," "indignation," "fear," "vehement desire," "zeal," "revenge"). This repetition creates a rhythmic, emphatic cadence, driving home the comprehensive nature of their transformation and highlighting each distinct fruit. Closely related is **Polysyndeton**, the deliberate and repetitive use of conjunctions (the "yea" or "and" in Greek) where they might otherwise be omitted. This technique slows the pace, adding weight and solemnity to each item in the list, underscoring the thoroughness of their repentance. The verse also features **Enumeration**, as Paul meticulously lists seven specific outcomes, providing a detailed and concrete picture of what godly sorrow produces. This detailed list serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of their change. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the "sorrow of the world" mentioned in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2-corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow"), where the barrenness of worldly sorrow is juxtaposed with the abundant, life-giving fruit of godly sorrow, making the positive impact of the Corinthians' response all the more striking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound implications of 2 Corinthians 7:11 extend far beyond the specific historical context of the Corinthian church, offering timeless insights into the nature of true repentance and God's redemptive work. This verse reveals that godly sorrow is not an end in itself, but a divine catalyst that initiates a process of transformation, leading to tangible expressions of righteousness and a restoration of right relationship with God and community. It underscores the active nature of repentance, demonstrating that genuine contrition manifests in a zealous pursuit of holiness, a willingness to confront sin, and an earnest desire for reconciliation. This process is ultimately God's design, where even pain and grief, when submitted to His will, become instruments for spiritual growth and the purification of His people, reflecting His character as one who desires not merely regret, but a turning to Him in truth and deed.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2-corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow leads to repentance") - This verse provides the immediate theological contrast, distinguishing between "godly sorrow that brings repentance without regret, leading to salvation" and "worldly sorrow that brings death."
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A broken and contrite heart") - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." This Old Testament passage beautifully echoes the principle that God values a repentant heart above ritualistic offerings, aligning with the concept of godly sorrow.
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Discipline yields righteousness") - "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This verse connects suffering and discipline to the production of righteousness, paralleling how the Corinthians' sorrow led to positive, righteous outcomes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 7:11 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine the quality and fruitfulness of our own sorrow over sin. It challenges the common misconception that repentance is merely a feeling of regret; instead, it reveals repentance as a dynamic, multi-faceted process that culminates in tangible actions and transformed attitudes. When we experience conviction, whether from the Holy Spirit, the Word, or a loving rebuke, this verse calls us to move beyond passive remorse to active, "godly" sorrow. This means diligently addressing the sin, seeking to make amends or clear our conscience, cultivating a righteous indignation against evil, fostering a healthy fear of God, earnestly desiring restoration, and zealously pursuing holiness. It encourages us to embrace the sometimes painful process of self-examination and correction, trusting that God uses even our sorrow to produce a clear demonstration of our commitment to Him and to restore us to a right standing, both individually and corporately within the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I feel sorrow over my sin, does it lead to genuine change and action, or merely regret?**
* **What specific "fruits" of godly sorrow (carefulness, indignation, zeal, etc.) are evident or lacking in my response to conviction?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "godly sort" of sorrow that actively seeks reconciliation and correction, rather than just feeling bad?**
* **In what ways can our church community better exemplify the "clearing of yourselves" and "revenge" (righteous justice) against sin for the sake of corporate purity?**

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

Answer: As explained in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2-corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow"), "godly sorrow" is a grief over sin that is aligned with God's will and perspective. It leads to genuine repentance, which means a change of mind and action, resulting in salvation and no regret. This type of sorrow is productive, leading to the positive actions listed in [2 Corinthians 7:11](/2-corinthians/7-11 "The fruits of godly sorrow"). In contrast, "worldly sorrow" is remorse that is focused on the consequences of sin (e.g., getting caught, losing reputation) rather than the offense against God. It does not lead to true repentance or transformation and ultimately results in despair and "death," meaning spiritual decay or ruin.

**How should "revenge" be understood in this context, given its negative connotation today?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "revenge" is _ekdíkēsis_ (G1557), which more accurately means "vindication" or "retribution." In this context, it does not refer to personal vengeance or spiteful retaliation. Instead, it signifies the Corinthian church's willingness to take decisive, corrective action against the sin that had been present in their midst. This "revenge" is a corporate act of upholding justice and discipline within the community, demonstrating their commitment to God's holy standards and the purity of the church. It's about bringing about a righteous resolution to the matter, perhaps through appropriate church discipline of the offending party, as Paul had previously instructed in [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1-corinthians/5-1-5 "Paul's instructions on church discipline"). It aligns with God's own righteous judgment against sin, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance belongs to the Lord").

**What was "this matter" that the Corinthians were "clear" in?**

Answer: "This matter" refers to the specific issue of grave sin and disorder that Paul had addressed in his previous, stern letter to the Corinthian church. While the exact content of that letter is debated (some believe it was [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/5 "The immoral man in Corinth"), others a lost letter), it certainly included the case of the immoral man living with his father's wife, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 5](/1-corinthians/5 "Paul's rebuke of immorality"). The Corinthians' initial failure to deal with this sin had caused Paul immense grief. Their subsequent godly sorrow led them to take the necessary steps to purge the sin from their community, demonstrating their disassociation from it and their commitment to holiness. Thus, "this matter" was the collective moral and spiritual purity of the church in the face of serious transgression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transformative power of godly sorrow, so vividly displayed in the Corinthian church, finds its ultimate source and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that genuine repentance becomes possible, for He is the one who convicts of sin and offers the path to reconciliation. The "carefulness," "indignation," "fear," "vehement desire," "zeal," and "revenge" (righteous justice) that flow from godly sorrow are all enabled by the Spirit of Christ working within believers. Christ Himself bore the ultimate "revenge" or righteous judgment for sin on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby providing the means for our "clearing of yourselves." Our ability to sorrow "after a godly sort" is a gift of His grace, for it is His sacrifice that reveals the true gravity of sin against a holy God and simultaneously offers the hope of forgiveness and new life. He is our ultimate vindication and the one who makes us "clear" before God, having [made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ our righteousness"). Thus, the restoration and approval experienced by the Corinthians are but a foretaste of the complete justification and sanctification that believers receive in Christ, who not only calls us to repent but empowers us to bear the [fruit worthy of repentance](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Bear fruits worthy of repentance") through His indwelling Spirit.

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

Romans 14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Timothy 5:21

I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Psalms 2:11

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2 Corinthians 7:7

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.