2 Corinthians 7:8

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.

For {G3754} though {G1499} I made {G3076} you {G5209} sorry {G3076} with {G1722} a letter {G1992}, I do {G3338} not {G3756} repent {G3338}, though {G1499} I did repent {G3338}: for {G1063} I perceive {G991} that {G3754} the same {G1565} epistle {G1992} hath made {G3076} you {G5209} sorry {G3076}, though it were but {G1499} for {G4314} a season {G5610}.

If I caused you pain by my letter, I do not regret it. Even if I did regret it before — for I do see that that letter did distress you, though only for a short time —

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time.

For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season),

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 7:8, the Apostle Paul reflects on the impact of a previous letter he sent to the Corinthian church. This verse offers a profound glimpse into Paul's pastoral heart, his strategic communication, and the divine purpose behind what might seem like painful experiences.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (2 Corinthians 7:5-16) where Paul expresses immense relief and joy over the Corinthians' positive response to his previous, more severe letter (often referred to as the "painful letter" or "tearful letter," likely a letter sent between 1 and 2 Corinthians, or even 1 Corinthians itself). He had sent Titus to Corinth to assess the situation and was anxiously awaiting news. Upon Titus's return, Paul learned that his strong words, though initially causing sorrow, had led to a genuine change of heart among the Corinthians. This verse specifically addresses his initial regret for causing them pain, which then transformed into joy because of the positive outcome.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of Pastoral Rebuke: Paul's letter was not intended to simply inflict pain, but to bring about necessary correction and repentance. His sorrow in causing their grief was genuine, but his ultimate satisfaction lay in the spiritual fruit it produced.
  • Sorrow Leading to Repentance: The verse highlights how temporary sorrow, when divinely purposed, can be a catalyst for profound spiritual transformation. This aligns with the concept of godly sorrow that leads to repentance unto salvation, which Paul elaborates on in the subsequent verses.
  • Paul's Changing Perspective: Paul's statement, "I do not repent, though I did repent," reveals a crucial shift. He initially regretted the pain he caused (a human, empathetic response), but upon seeing their repentance and renewed commitment, he no longer regretted sending the letter. The temporary discomfort yielded lasting spiritual benefit.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates two different Greek words as "repent" in this verse, which can be a point of nuance.

  • "I do not repent" (οὐ μεταμέλομαι - ou metamelomai): This refers to a change of feeling or regret. Paul no longer feels regret concerning the letter's sending.
  • "though I did repent" (μεταμελόμην - metamelomēn): This indicates an initial, past feeling of regret or remorse over having caused them sorrow.
Paul's language underscores his initial human empathy for their pain, which was then superseded by his divine satisfaction in their spiritual growth. The sorrow was "but for a season" (πρὸς ὥραν - pros hōran), emphasizing its temporary nature compared to the lasting spiritual benefits.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for both those who give and receive correction:

  • For Leaders and Believers: It teaches the importance of delivering truth, even when it is difficult or causes temporary discomfort, if the aim is genuine spiritual growth and restoration. A true shepherd cares enough to confront sin.
  • For Those Receiving Correction: It encourages understanding that sorrow or pain, when stemming from a godly source, can be a necessary step toward repentance and a deeper relationship with God. It's an invitation to introspection and change, not just an accusation.
  • The Value of Temporary Discomfort: We learn that not all sorrow is bad. Sometimes, a season of discomfort or conviction is precisely what is needed for us to turn from sin and embrace a more righteous path, leading to lasting joy and peace, as seen in Hebrews 12:11.

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

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • John 16:6

    But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

  • Matthew 26:21

    And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

  • Matthew 26:22

    And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

  • 2 Corinthians 7:6

    Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

  • Hebrews 12:9

    Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

  • Hebrews 12:11

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
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