2 Corinthians 7:9

KJV

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G3568} I rejoice {G5463}, not {G3756} that {G3754} ye were made sorry {G3076}, but {G235} that {G3754} ye sorrowed {G3076} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}: for {G1063} ye were made sorry {G3076} after {G2596} a godly manner {G2316}, that {G2443} ye might receive damage {G2210} by {G1537} us {G2257} in {G1722} nothing {G3367}.

Complete Jewish Bible

now I rejoice not because you were pained, but because the pain led you to turn back to God. For you handled the pain in God’s way, so that you were not harmed by us at all.

Berean Standard Bible

And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us.

American Standard Version

I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound joy not in the Corinthian believers' initial sorrow, but in the transformative outcome of that sorrow: genuine repentance. He clarifies that their grief was "after a godly manner," meaning it was divinely purposed and led to a constructive change of heart and life, ensuring that they suffered no lasting harm or loss from his stern yet necessary rebuke. This verse highlights the redemptive power of divinely-orchestrated conviction and the pastoral heart of Paul, who desired their spiritual restoration above all else.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within 2 Corinthians, specifically following Paul's account of his anxiety and subsequent relief upon receiving news from Titus regarding the Corinthian church. Paul had previously written a "severe letter" (often identified with 1 Corinthians, or a lost intermediate letter) addressing serious issues like immorality, divisions, and challenges to his apostolic authority. His deep concern for their response is evident in [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "Paul's sorrowful letter") and [2 Corinthians 7:5-7](/2_corinthians/7-5-7 "Paul's anxiety and comfort through Titus"). Verse 9 confirms that the Corinthians' reaction to his rebuke was precisely what he had hoped for – not a superficial regret, but a deep, God-centered sorrow that led to genuine change. This sets the stage for the crucial distinction between godly and worldly sorrow articulated in the subsequent verse, [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow"). The entire chapter emphasizes reconciliation and the nature of true repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community situated in a major Roman port city, a hub of diverse cultures, philosophies, and moral practices. This environment often infiltrated the church, leading to various ethical and theological issues. Paul, as their spiritual father and founder, felt a profound responsibility to correct them, even if it meant causing temporary pain. In the Greco-Roman world, "sorrow" (λυπέω) could be seen as a sign of weakness, and public shaming was a common form of social control. However, Paul redefines sorrow within a Christian framework, distinguishing between a shame-based regret and a divinely-inspired conviction that leads to genuine transformation. His concern was not for their public image but for their spiritual health and their standing before God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Paul's theology and pastoral ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **transformative power of godly sorrow**, clearly distinguishing it from a mere worldly regret that leads to death, as further expounded in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow leads to salvation"). Secondly, it highlights the **divine purpose in correction and discipline**, showing that God often uses painful circumstances or firm rebukes, even through human agents like Paul, to bring about spiritual growth, purification, and alignment with His will. Paul's intention was never to inflict harm but to foster spiritual maturity and repentance, aligning with the broader biblical theme that [God disciplines those He loves](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God disciplines those He loves"). Finally, the verse reveals Paul's **deep pastoral heart and genuine love** for the Corinthians. His rejoicing was not sadistic but born of a shepherd's joy over his flock's return to righteousness, demonstrating his commitment to their spiritual well-being, as seen throughout his letters, such as his prayer for them in [Philippians 1:9-11](/philippians/1-9-11 "Paul's prayer for the Philippians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrowed (Greek, _lypéō'_):** From G3076, meaning "to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad." In this context, it refers to the deep emotional pain and grief experienced by the Corinthians in response to Paul's severe letter. It signifies a profound internal discomfort and regret over their actions and spiritual state, which was necessary for their subsequent change.
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** From G3341, meaning "(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)." This term is far more profound than mere regret. It denotes a fundamental "change of mind" or a "turning around"—a decisive shift in attitude, direction, and behavior that leads to a new way of life. It implies a moral and spiritual transformation, a turning away from sin and towards God.
* **godly manner (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, meaning "a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very." When combined with the preposition `katá` (G2596, meaning "according to" or "after the manner of"), "after a godly manner" (κατὰ Θεόν, _kata Theon_) signifies a sorrow that is initiated by God, directed towards God, and in accordance with God's will. It is a sorrow that recognizes sin as an offense against God and His holiness, rather than merely regret over personal consequences or public embarrassment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:"** Paul begins by stating his present joy, immediately clarifying its source. His rejoicing is not in their suffering itself, which would be cruel, but in the *purpose* and *outcome* of their suffering. The sorrow was merely the means to an end, and that end—repentance—is the true cause for his celebration. This highlights Paul's pastoral heart, which prioritizes spiritual transformation over superficial comfort.
* **"for ye were made sorry after a godly manner,"** This clause provides the crucial explanation for why their sorrow was beneficial. It was not a worldly sorrow (which, as [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly sorrow leads to salvation") states, leads to death), but a sorrow that was in alignment with God's will and purposes. This "godly sorrow" implies a recognition of sin as an offense against God, leading to genuine contrition and a desire for reconciliation with Him. It was a sorrow that God Himself orchestrated or permitted for their good.
* **"that ye might receive damage by us in nothing."** This final clause expresses the ultimate positive consequence of their godly sorrow and repentance. Paul's intention in rebuking them was never to inflict lasting harm, loss, or detriment upon them. Because their sorrow led to true repentance, they avoided any spiritual or relational "damage" that might have resulted from continued sin or a hardened heart. Instead, the painful correction ultimately served their spiritual well-being, leading to restoration rather than ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. **Contrast** is prominent, as he sharply distinguishes between merely being "made sorry" and "sorrowing to repentance," and implicitly, between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. This rhetorical technique emphasizes the qualitative difference in the Corinthians' response. **Causality** is also a key element, with the verse structured to show a clear cause-and-effect chain: Paul's rebuke caused sorrow, which, because it was "after a godly manner," led to repentance, which in turn ensured they would "receive damage... in nothing." This logical progression underscores the divine wisdom behind the painful experience. Furthermore, the phrase "receive damage by us in nothing" can be seen as a form of **understatement** or **euphemism**, gently conveying that the severe letter, far from harming them, actually served their ultimate good and prevented genuine spiritual loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage provides profound theological insight into the nature of repentance and God's redemptive work through conviction. It teaches that not all sorrow is beneficial; only sorrow that is "godly" leads to true spiritual transformation. Godly sorrow is characterized by a recognition of sin as an offense against God, leading to genuine contrition and a turning away from sin, whereas worldly sorrow is often characterized by regret over consequences or embarrassment, without a true change of heart. This distinction highlights God's merciful design in allowing painful experiences to bring about spiritual health and growth, ultimately leading to salvation and restoration rather than lasting harm. It underscores the truth that God's discipline, though painful, is always for our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Salvation")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline Yields Righteousness")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Corinthians 7:9 holds immense practical relevance for every believer. It challenges us to examine the nature of our sorrow when we are confronted with our sin, whether through personal conviction, the Word of God, or the loving correction of others. Is our grief merely regret over being caught, or over the negative consequences of our actions? Or is it a deep, godly sorrow that recognizes the offense against a holy God and genuinely desires to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness? True repentance, born of godly sorrow, is not a one-time event but a continuous posture of the heart that leads to spiritual growth, healing, and restoration. It reminds us that God's discipline, though often uncomfortable or painful in the short term, is always an expression of His love and a means to our ultimate good, ensuring that we receive no lasting "damage" but rather lasting righteousness and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the nature of the sorrow I experience when confronted with my own sin? Is it godly sorrow or worldly sorrow?**
* **How do I respond to correction or rebuke from spiritual leaders or the Word of God? Do I allow it to lead me to repentance, or do I resist it?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be allowing discomfort or pain to bring about a necessary change or deeper repentance?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Paul explicitly distinguishes between the two in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow"). Godly sorrow (as described in [2 Corinthians 7:9](/2_corinthians/7-9 "2 Corinthians 7:9 - Sorrow Leading to Repentance")) is a deep regret and grief over sin that is directed towards God, recognizing sin as an offense against Him. It leads to genuine `repentance` (a change of mind and action) and ultimately to salvation, with no regrets about the repentance itself. Worldly sorrow, in contrast, is often a regret over the consequences of sin (e.g., getting caught, losing reputation, facing punishment) rather than the sin itself. It does not lead to a change of heart or behavior, and Paul states it "worketh death," meaning it can lead to despair, bitterness, or further sin, rather than spiritual life.

**Why did Paul cause the Corinthians sorrow in the first place?**

Answer: Paul had written a previous, "severe letter" (likely [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to Corinth") or another letter now lost) to address serious moral and doctrinal issues within the Corinthian church, including immorality, divisions, and challenges to his apostolic authority. His intention was not to inflict pain for its own sake, but out of deep pastoral concern and love for them. He sought to bring them to a place of conviction and repentance, so they would turn from their sinful ways and be restored to a right relationship with God and with him. His anxiety over their reaction, as expressed in [2 Corinthians 7:5-7](/2_corinthians/7-5-7 "Paul's Anxiety and Comfort"), underscores his genuine care for their spiritual well-being.

**What does "that ye might receive damage by us in nothing" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that because the Corinthians responded with godly sorrow and repentance, Paul's stern letter and the resulting grief did not cause them any lasting harm, loss, or detriment. On the contrary, the temporary pain served a redemptive purpose, leading to their spiritual restoration and preventing the greater "damage" that would have resulted from unaddressed sin and a hardened heart. Paul's discipline, therefore, was not destructive but constructive, ultimately contributing to their spiritual health and ensuring that their relationship with him remained intact and even strengthened.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The concept of godly sorrow leading to repentance in [2 Corinthians 7:9](/2_corinthians/7-9 "2 Corinthians 7:9 - Sorrow Leading to Repentance") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our capacity for true, transformative repentance is entirely dependent on His atoning sacrifice. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit, pointing to our sin against a holy God, which leads to godly sorrow. This sorrow is not an end in itself but a pathway to the cross, where our sins were borne by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ's suffering on our behalf means that when we truly repent and turn to Him, we receive [forgiveness of sins](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness Through His Name") and are reconciled to God, experiencing no lasting "damage" from our past transgressions. Instead, we receive new life in Him, becoming [new creations in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ Jesus"). His resurrection empowers us to walk in a new way of life, demonstrating that the sorrow of conviction, when directed toward Him, always leads to glorification and the abundant life He offers, ensuring that through Him, we suffer no eternal loss but gain everything.

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

Jeremiah 31:18

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

2 Corinthians 7:10

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

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.

Luke 15:7

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.