2 Corinthians 7:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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 —

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul reflects on the impact of a previous, stern letter he sent to the Corinthian church, acknowledging the initial sorrow it caused them. He explains that while he initially regretted inflicting such pain, his perspective shifted upon perceiving that their temporary grief ultimately led to genuine repentance. This verse beautifully encapsulates Paul's pastoral heart, revealing his empathy alongside his unwavering commitment to their spiritual well-being, demonstrating that divinely purposed sorrow can be a catalyst for profound transformation and ultimate joy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/7 "2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Joy Over the Corinthians' Repentance") (specifically [2 Corinthians 7:5-16](/2_corinthians/7-5-16 "2 Corinthians 7:5-16 - Paul's Comfort and Joy")) where Paul expresses profound relief and joy over the Corinthian church's positive response to his previous, more severe communication. This "painful letter" (often identified as a lost letter between [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Addressing Divisions and Immorality") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense of His Ministry"), or even [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to Corinth") itself) had been sent to address serious issues within the community. Paul had anxiously awaited news from Titus regarding the letter's impact. Upon Titus's return, bringing tidings of their repentance and renewed affection, Paul's anxiety turned to comfort and exultation. [2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "2 Corinthians 7:8 - Paul's Reflection on the Painful Letter") specifically addresses Paul's initial emotional struggle—his regret over causing them sorrow—which was then superseded by his joy in seeing the beneficial spiritual outcome. This verse sets the stage for Paul's further explanation of godly sorrow in [2 Corinthians 7:9-10](/2_corinthians/7-9-10 "2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church, though established by Paul, struggled with numerous issues, including divisions, immorality, legal disputes among believers, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and resurrection. Paul's relationship with the Corinthians was complex and often strained, marked by both deep affection and necessary confrontation. His letters reflect the challenges of pastoring a church in a pagan environment where believers were still grappling with the implications of their new faith. The practice of writing letters was a primary means of communication for apostles, serving as pastoral instruction, rebuke, and encouragement. The "painful letter" was a direct attempt by Paul to address serious moral and theological deviations, reflecting the apostolic authority he exercised for the edification, not destruction, of the church.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense of His Ministry") and Paul's broader theology. First, it highlights the **purpose of pastoral rebuke**, demonstrating that Paul's strong words were not an act of malice but a necessary surgical intervention aimed at spiritual health and restoration. His sorrow in causing grief was genuine, yet his ultimate satisfaction lay in the spiritual fruit it produced. Second, it underscores the transformative power of **godly sorrow leading to repentance**. The temporary pain inflicted by the letter served as a catalyst for a profound change of heart among the Corinthians, aligning with Paul's later explanation in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") that "godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret." Finally, the verse reveals Paul's **changing perspective and the nature of apostolic ministry**. His initial human empathy and regret ("though I did repent") gave way to divine satisfaction and a lack of regret ("I do not repent") once he witnessed the positive spiritual outcome. This illustrates the complex emotional landscape of a true shepherd, who prioritizes the flock's spiritual well-being above personal comfort or popularity, even if it means delivering difficult truths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorry (Greek, _lypéō_):** This verb means "to distress" or, reflexively/passively, "to be sad" or "to grieve." It denotes a state of emotional pain, sorrow, or heaviness. Paul uses it to describe the intended and actual effect of his letter on the Corinthians, indicating that his communication caused them significant emotional distress.
* **repent (Greek, _metaméllomai_):** This verb signifies "to care afterwards" or "to regret." It speaks of a change of feeling or remorse concerning a past action. Paul uses this word twice in the verse to express his initial regret over causing them sorrow, and then his subsequent lack of regret once he saw the positive outcome. It highlights a shift in his emotional state regarding the letter's impact.
* **season (Greek, _hṓra_):** Meaning an "hour" or "time," this noun emphasizes the temporary nature of the sorrow the Corinthians experienced. Paul highlights that their distress was not permanent but rather a fleeting period, contrasting it with the lasting spiritual benefits that emerged from it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For though I made you sorry with a letter":** Paul begins by affirming the immediate, intended, and actual effect of his previous communication. He directly states that the letter he sent caused the Corinthians sorrow or grief. The phrase "with a letter" (ἐν ἐπιστολῇ) indicates the means by which this sorrow was conveyed.
* **"I do not repent, though I did repent":** This is a crucial and seemingly paradoxical statement. "I do not repent" (οὐ μεταμέλομαι) expresses Paul's current, settled conviction that sending the letter was the right course of action, despite the pain it caused. "though I did repent" (εἰ καὶ μετεμελόμην) refers to his initial, past emotional state of regret or remorse over having to inflict such sorrow upon them. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between his human empathy and his divine purpose.
* **"for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it were] but for a season":** Paul provides the reason for his current lack of regret. He "perceive[s]" (βλέπω), meaning he sees clearly or understands, that the very letter that caused them sorrow had a specific, beneficial effect. The phrase "though [it were] but for a season" (εἰ καὶ πρὸς ὥραν) emphasizes the temporary nature of their distress, implying that this transient pain yielded a lasting, positive spiritual outcome, which he elaborates on in the subsequent verses as "godly sorrow."

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** in this verse to convey his complex emotions and pastoral intent. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the statement "I do not repent, though I did repent." This seemingly contradictory phrasing powerfully communicates the tension within Paul's heart: his genuine human empathy and regret for causing pain, juxtaposed with his settled conviction that the painful letter was ultimately for their good. This **Antithesis** highlights the shift from his initial emotional response to his ultimate spiritual satisfaction. The phrase "though [it were] but for a season" serves as a **Mitigation**, softening the impact of the sorrow by emphasizing its temporary nature. This also functions as a subtle form of **Understatement**, implying that the brief sorrow was a small price to pay for the profound spiritual transformation that ensued. Through these devices, Paul reveals his authenticity, his deep care for the Corinthians, and the divine wisdom behind his challenging pastoral approach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "2 Corinthians 7:8 - Paul's Reflection on the Painful Letter") profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God can use temporary discomfort and even sorrow as a means to achieve ultimate spiritual good. Paul's experience mirrors the divine economy where suffering, when rightly understood and responded to, can be redemptive and transformative. This verse distinguishes between worldly sorrow, which leads to death, and godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and salvation ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")). It underscores the nature of true repentance as a change of heart and action, not merely a feeling of regret. Furthermore, it speaks to the nature of authentic pastoral ministry, which, like God's own discipline, is willing to inflict necessary pain for the sake of spiritual health and growth, always motivated by love and aimed at restoration. This passage reminds believers that God's ways are often counter-intuitive, using what appears negative to produce something profoundly positive and eternally beneficial.

* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline Yields Righteousness")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Suffering Produces Perseverance")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's transparency in [2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "2 Corinthians 7:8 - Paul's Reflection on the Painful Letter") offers invaluable insights for both leaders and individuals in their spiritual journeys. For those in positions of spiritual authority, it highlights the often-painful necessity of delivering difficult truths. True pastoral care is not about avoiding discomfort but about faithfully guiding others towards righteousness, even if it means causing temporary sorrow. This requires discernment, courage, and a heart deeply rooted in love, trusting that God can use even sharp words for redemptive purposes. For those who receive correction, this verse encourages a posture of humility and openness. It prompts us to consider that not all pain is punitive; some sorrow, particularly that which stems from conviction of sin, is a divine invitation to introspection, repentance, and ultimately, a deeper relationship with God. Embracing such "godly sorrow" allows us to move beyond superficial regret to genuine transformation, understanding that a temporary season of discomfort can yield lasting spiritual fruit and profound peace. We are called to discern the source of our sorrow and allow it to lead us closer to Christ, rather than away from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Can you recall a time when a difficult truth, though painful initially, led to significant growth or positive change in your life?**
* **How do you typically respond when you receive correction or rebuke, whether from a spiritual leader or a trusted friend? Is your initial reaction one of defensiveness or openness to introspection?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be using a "season" of discomfort or conviction to bring about a deeper repentance or transformation?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that embraces godly sorrow as a pathway to spiritual maturity, rather than resisting it?**

### FAQ
**What was the "letter" Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians 7:8?**

Answer: The "letter" Paul refers to is widely believed to be a previous, more severe epistle he sent to the Corinthian church, often called the "painful letter" or "tearful letter." While its exact identity is debated among scholars, it was likely written between [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to Corinth") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Second Letter to Corinth"), or it could even be [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to Corinth") itself, which contains strong rebukes. The purpose of this letter was to provoke repentance and correction, not merely to cause distress.

**Why did Paul initially "repent" but then "not repent" regarding the letter?**

Answer: This apparent paradox reveals the depth of Paul's pastoral heart and his understanding of divine purpose. When Paul says he "did repent" (μεταμελόμην), he is expressing his initial human regret or remorse over having to cause his beloved Corinthians pain and sorrow. His empathy for their distress was genuine. However, when he states he "do[es] not repent" (οὐ μεταμέλομαι), it signifies a shift in his perspective. He no longer regretted sending the letter because he perceived the positive, transformative outcome: their sorrow had led to genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to Christ, as he elaborates in [2 Corinthians 7:9-10](/2_corinthians/7-9-10 "2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - Godly Sorrow and Repentance"). His ultimate satisfaction lay in their spiritual well-being, which justified the temporary pain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "2 Corinthians 7:8 - Paul's Reflection on the Painful Letter") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the principle of redemptive suffering and purposeful pain. Just as Paul's "painful letter" brought about a temporary sorrow that led to lasting repentance for the Corinthians, so too did Christ's ultimate act of love—His suffering and death on the cross—bring about a profound, albeit painful, conviction of sin that leads to eternal life for all who believe. The sorrow of humanity's sin and separation from God is addressed by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His sacrifice, though a moment of immense suffering, was "for a season" in the grand scope of eternity, yet it secured our [reconciliation with God](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). Through Christ's atoning work, the "sorrow" of our sin is transformed into the "joy" of salvation and new life, echoing the truth that [weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping and Joy"). His resurrection then seals this victory, demonstrating that even the deepest sorrow and apparent defeat are ultimately overcome by God's glorious purpose, bringing about a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, just as Paul describes in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Salvation").

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

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.