TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 7:5–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
There seems to be a connection between Co2 2:13 (where the apostle said he had no rest in his spirit when he found not Titus at Troas) and the fifth verse of this chapter: and so great was his affection to the Corinthians, and his concern about their behaviour in relation to the incestuous person, that, in his further travels, he still had no rest till he heard from them. And now he tells them,
I.How he was distressed, Co2 7:5.
He was troubled when he did not meet with Titus at Troas, and afterwards when for some time he did not meet with him in Macedonia: this was a grief to him, because he could not hear what reception he met with at Corinth, nor how their affairs went forward. And, besides this, they met with other troubles, with incessant storms of persecutions; there were fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition fRom. Jews and Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for such as had embraced the Christian faith, lest they should be corrupted or seduced, and give scandal to others, or be scandalized.
II.How he was comforted, Co2 7:6, Co2 7:7. Here observe,
1.The very coming of Titus was some comfort to him. It was matter of joy to see him, whom he long desired and expected to meet with. The very coming of Titus and his company, who was dear to him as his own son in the common faith (Tit 1:4), was a great comfort to the apostle in his travels and troubles. But,
2.The good news which Titus brought concerning the Corinthians was matter of greater consolation. He found Titus to be comforted in them; and this filled the apostle with comfort, especially when he acquainted him with their earnest desire to give good satisfaction in the things about which the apostle had written to them; and of their mourning for the scandal that was found among them and the great grief they had caused to others, and their fervent mind or great affection towards the apostle, who had dealt so faithfully with them in reproving their faults: so true is the observation of Solomon (Pro 28:23), He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with his tongue.
3.He ascribes all his comfort to God as the author. It was God who comforted him by the coming of Titus, even the God of all comfort: God, who comforteth those that are cast down, Co2 7:6. Note, We should look above and beyond all means and instruments, unto God, as the author of all the consolation and the good that we enjoy.
III.How greatly he rejoiced at their repentance, and the evidences thereof.
The apostle was sorry that he had grieved them, that some pious persons among them laid to heart very greatly what he said in his former epistle, or that it was needful he should make those sorry whom he would rather have made glad, Co2 7:8. But now he rejoiced, when he found they had sorrowed to repentance, Co2 7:9. Their sorrow in itself was not the cause of his rejoicing; but the nature of it, and the effect of it (repentance unto salvation, Co2 7:10), made him rejoice; for now it appeared that they had received damage by him in nothing. Their sorrow was but for a season; it was turned into joy, and that joy was durable. Observe here,
1.The antecedent of true repentance is godly sorrow; this worketh repentance. It is not repentance itself, but it is a good preparative to repentance, and in some sense the cause that produces repentance. The offender had great sorrow, he was in danger of being swallowed up with overmuch sorrow; and the society was greatly sorrowful which before was puffed up: and this sorrow of theirs was after a godly manner, or according to God (as it is in the original), that is, it was according to the will of God, tended to the glory of God, and was wrought by the Spirit of God. It was a godly sorrow, because a sorrow for sin, as an offence against God, an instance of ingratitude, and a forfeiture of God's favour. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort and the sorrow of this world. Godly sorrow produces repentance and reformation, and will end in salvation; but worldly sorrow worketh death. The sorrows of worldly men for worldly things will bring down gray hairs the sooner to the grave, and such a sorrow even for sin as Judas had will have fatal consequences, as his had, which wrought death. Note,
(1.)Repentance will be attended with salvation. Therefore,
(2.)True penitents will never repent that they have repented, nor of any thing that was conducive thereto.
(3.)Humiliation and godly sorrow are previously necessary in order to repentance, and both of them are from God, the giver of all grace.
2.The happy fruits and consequences of true repentance are mentioned (Co2 7:11); and those fruits that are meet for repentance are the best evidences of it. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed too. The Corinthians made it evident that their sorrow was a godly sorrow, and such as wrought repentance, because it wrought in them great carefulness about their souls, and to avoid sin, and please God; it wrought also a clearing of themselves, not by insisting upon their own justification before God, especially while they persisted in their sin, but by endeavours to put away the accursed thing, and so free themselves from the just imputation of approving the evil that had been done. It wrought indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter and his instruments; it wrought fear, a fear of reverence, a fear of watchfulness, and a fear of distrust, not a distrust of God, but of themselves; an awful fear of God, a cautious fear of sin, and a jealous fear of themselves. It wrought vehement desires after a thorough reformation of what had been amiss, and of reconciliation with God whom they had offended. It wrought zeal, a mixture of love and anger, a zeal for duty, and against sin. It wrought, lastly, revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours to make all due satisfaction for injuries that might be done thereby. And thus in all things had they approved themselves to be clear in that matter. Not that they were innocent, but that they were penitent, and therefore clear of guilt before God, who would pardon and not punish them; and they ought no longer to be reproved, much less to be reproached, by men, for what they had truly repented of.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
He also persuades us that this sadness is useful, which is according to God, not according to the world. 'It is necessary,' he says, 'for you to be saddened unto repentance according to God; for according to God, sadness produces salvation, but sadness according to the world produces death. But also consider from the Old Testament that those who were saddened by bodily works found favor, but those who delighted in the works of this world remained in punishment.' Finally, the Hebrews who groaned in the labors of Egypt obtained the grace of the righteous. And because they ate bread in sorrow, they were given spiritual food.
Having said, "I do not regret," he tells the reason also; alleging the good that resulted from his letter; and skillfully excusing himself by saying, "though but for a season." For truly that which was painful was brief, but that which was profitable was perpetual. And what indeed followed naturally was to say, 'even though it grieved you for a season, yet it made you glad and benefited you forever.' But he doth not say this: but before mentioning the gain he passes again to his praises of them, and the proof of his own concern for them, saying, "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry," ('for what gain came to me from you being made sorry?) "but that ye were made sorry unto repentance," that the sorrow brought some gain.' For a father also when he sees his son under the knife rejoiceth not that he is being pained, but that he is being cured; so also doth this man. But observe how he transfers all that was well achieved in the matter unto themselves; and lays whatever was painful to the account of the Epistle, saying, "It made you sorry for a season;" whilst the benefit that resulted from it he speaks of as their own good achieving. For he said not, 'The Epistle corrected you,' although this was the case; but, "ye sorrowed unto repentance."
Seest thou wisdom unspeakable? 'For had we not done this,' he says, 'we had done you damage.' And he affirms that indeed which was well achieved to be theirs, but the damage his own, if indeed he had been silent. For if they are likely to be corrected by a sharp rebuke, then, if we did not sharply rebuke, we should have done you damage; and the injury would not be with you alone, but also with us. For just as he that gives not to the merchant what is necessary for his voyage, he it is that causeth the damage; so also we, if we did not offer you that occasion of repentance, should have wrought you damage. Seest thou that the not rebuking those that sin is a damage both to the master and to the disciple?
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 7:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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 and 2 Corinthians 7:5-7. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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 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.
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
FAQ
What is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
Paul explicitly distinguishes between the two in 2 Corinthians 7:10. Godly sorrow (as described in 2 Corinthians 7:9) 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?
Paul had written a previous, "severe letter" (likely 1 Corinthians 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, underscores his genuine care for their spiritual well-being.
What does "that ye might receive damage by us in nothing" mean?
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 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. Christ's suffering on our behalf means that when we truly repent and turn to Him, we receive forgiveness of sins 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. 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.