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.

And {G1161} not {G3756} by {G1722} his {G846} coming {G3952} only {G3440}, but {G235}{G2532} by {G1722} the consolation {G3874} wherewith {G3739} he was comforted {G3870} in {G1909} you {G5213}, when he told {G312} us {G2254} your {G5216} earnest desire {G1972}, your {G5216} mourning {G3602}, your {G5216} fervent mind {G2205} toward {G5228} me {G1700}; so {G5620} that I {G3165} rejoiced {G5463} the more {G3123}.

However, it was not only his arrival which encouraged us, but also how encouraged he was about you, as he told us how you long to see me, how distressed you are over my situation, how zealous you are in my defense — this news made me even happier!

and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.

Commentary

Context

This verse continues Paul's explanation of his deep anxiety and subsequent profound relief concerning the Corinthian church. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 7:5, Paul describes his distress in Macedonia, having "no rest in our flesh, but we were troubled on every side." His primary concern was the Corinthians' reception of his previous "severe letter" (likely referenced in 2 Corinthians 2:4) and their response to the issues it addressed. The arrival of Titus, mentioned in verse 6, brought much-needed comfort. Verse 7 elaborates on the specific nature of that comfort: it wasn't merely Titus's presence, but the good news he carried from Corinth.

Meaning and Key Themes

Paul's joy stemmed from the positive report Titus delivered, indicating a significant turning point in the relationship between the apostle and the Corinthian believers. This verse highlights several key themes:

  • Mutual Comfort and Encouragement: The verse emphasizes a chain of comfort—the Corinthians comforted Titus, and Titus's report then comforted Paul. This underscores the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the importance of believers comforting one another.
  • Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance: Titus conveyed the Corinthians' "earnest desire," "mourning," and "fervent mind toward me." Their "mourning" (Greek: odurmos) signifies a deep sorrow, specifically a godly sorrow over their past sins and disunity, which Paul further explains in 2 Corinthians 7:10 as leading to genuine repentance.
  • Restoration of Relationship: The "earnest desire" (Greek: epipothesis, a longing or yearning) and "fervent mind" (Greek: zelos, zeal or passionate devotion) demonstrate their renewed loyalty and affection for Paul. This signifies a healing of the strained relationship and a restoration of trust and love between the apostle and the church.
  • Joy in Reconciliation: Paul's statement, "so that I rejoiced the more," powerfully conveys the profound joy he experienced upon learning of their repentance and renewed allegiance. This joy is a testament to the spiritual health of the church and the preciousness of reconciliation.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Consolation" (Greek: paraklesis): This word is central to 2 Corinthians and often translated as comfort, encouragement, or exhortation. Here, it highlights the deep emotional and spiritual relief Paul received.
  • "Earnest desire" (Greek: epipothesis): Conveys a strong longing or yearning, indicating their genuine desire for Paul's presence and approval.
  • "Mourning" (Greek: odurmos): Refers to outward expressions of grief or lamentation, signifying their sorrow over their past conduct.
  • "Fervent mind" (Greek: zelos): Implies zeal, passion, or eagerness. In this context, it speaks to their zealous devotion and loyalty to Paul, contrasting with earlier instances of challenge or rebellion.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers and church communities today:

  1. Value of Genuine Repentance: The Corinthians' mourning led to a positive outcome. It reminds us that acknowledging and sorrowing over our sins, especially those that harm others or the church, is a necessary step toward spiritual healing and reconciliation.
  2. Impact of Our Actions on Others: The Corinthians' response profoundly affected Paul. Our spiritual health and willingness to repent can bring immense comfort and joy to those who care for us, especially spiritual leaders.
  3. The Joy of Reconciliation: Paul's rejoicing underscores the immense value of restored relationships. Seeking and offering forgiveness, and working towards reconciliation within the body of Christ, brings deep satisfaction and glorifies God. The ministry of reconciliation is given to all believers.
  4. Comfort in Christian Fellowship: This passage beautifully illustrates how comfort and encouragement flow within the Christian community. We are called to bear one another's burdens and to be sources of encouragement.

Reflection

2 Corinthians 7:7 is a beautiful snapshot of spiritual restoration. It reveals the heart of an apostle who deeply loved the church and the grace of a community that humbly responded to correction. It serves as a powerful reminder that genuine sorrow for sin, followed by repentance, can transform strained relationships into sources of profound joy and mutual comfort within the body of Christ.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:2 (3 votes)

    For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

  • Jude 1:3 (3 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

  • 2 John 1:4 (2 votes)

    I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

  • Psalms 30:5 (2 votes)

    For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

  • Colossians 2:5 (2 votes)

    For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

  • Judges 2:4 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

  • Judges 2:5 (2 votes)

    And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.