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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

In 2 Corinthians 7:11, the Apostle Paul continues to express his relief and joy over the positive impact of his previous, stern letter on the Corinthian church. This verse highlights the multifaceted and transformative effects of what Paul calls "godly sorrow," which contrasts sharply with the sorrow of the world that leads to death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 2 Corinthians about his relationship with the Corinthian believers and their response to his ministry. Earlier in the letter, Paul had sent a severe letter (likely 1 Corinthians, or another letter now lost) addressing serious issues within the church, including immorality and disunity. He was deeply concerned about their reaction, but Titus's return with good news brought immense comfort. Here, Paul meticulously enumerates the positive outcomes of their repentance, demonstrating that their sorrow was indeed "after a godly sort," leading to genuine change rather than despair.

Key Themes

  • The Fruit of Godly Sorrow: The verse powerfully illustrates that true sorrow for sin, when it is aligned with God's will, is not merely emotional pain but a catalyst for righteous action and spiritual growth. It is a productive sorrow that leads to repentance and restoration.
  • Evidence of Repentance: Paul lists seven distinct evidences of their sincere repentance:
    1. Carefulness (spoudē): Earnestness and diligence in addressing the sin.
    2. Clearing of Yourselves (apologia): Their desire to vindicate themselves from complicity, possibly by disassociating from the wrongdoer or correcting their errors.
    3. Indignation (aganaktēsis): Righteous anger against the sin itself, not merely against being caught.
    4. Fear (phobos): A reverent awe of God's displeasure and a healthy caution against repeating the offense.
    5. Vehement Desire (epipothēsis): An intense longing for reconciliation with Paul and, more importantly, with God.
    6. Zeal (zēlos): Fervent eagerness and devotion to rectify the situation and uphold righteousness.
    7. Revenge (ekdikēsis): Not personal vengeance, but a determination to bring about justice and discipline against the sin, demonstrating a commitment to spiritual purity within the community.
  • Approval and Vindication: The concluding phrase, "In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter," signifies Paul's affirmation of their genuine repentance and their restored standing. They had demonstrated their innocence regarding continued complicity in the sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used by Paul in this verse are rich with meaning:

  • Spoudē (Carefulness): Implies not just diligence, but also haste and earnestness in dealing with the issue. It suggests immediate, serious attention.
  • Apologia (Clearing of yourselves): This word is often used for a legal defense. Here, it indicates their active effort to demonstrate their innocence or their non-complicity in the specific sin that caused Paul's grief.
  • Ekdikēsis (Revenge / Vengeance): While "revenge" sounds negative in modern English, in this context, it refers to the execution of justice or the punishment of wrongdoing. It signifies their willingness to take corrective action, perhaps by disciplining the offending party, as a community committed to holiness. This is not personal retribution but a corporate act of upholding divine standards, similar to how God's "vengeance" is His righteous judgment against sin (Romans 12:19).

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 7:11 serves as a powerful reminder that true repentance is not passive. It manifests in concrete actions and attitudes:

  • Self-Examination: When we experience conviction over sin, we should examine whether our sorrow leads to tangible change, not just regret.
  • Active Steps to Rectify: Godly sorrow prompts us to take careful steps to correct our wrongs, seek reconciliation, and distance ourselves from sinful practices.
  • Zeal for Righteousness: It ignites a fervent desire to live in accordance with God's will and to confront sin, both in ourselves and, where appropriate, within the community, for the sake of purity and honor. This active pursuit of righteousness is the "fruit of repentance" that John the Baptist called for (Luke 3:8).

This verse encourages us that when we respond to God's conviction with genuine, godly sorrow, He will work in us to produce clear evidence of our repentance and restore us to a right standing.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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