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2 Corinthians 2

BSB·17 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1So I made up my mindἜκριναEkrina — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → to makeἐλθεῖνelthein — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → anotherπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study → painful visit toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 2Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → grieveλυπῶlypō — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, whoτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → is left to cheerεὐφραίνωνeuphrainōn — to make merry, rejoice, celebrateG2165 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → butεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → those whom Iἐμοῦemou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have grievedλυπούμενοςlypoumenos — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study →? 3I wroteἔγραψαegrapsa — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → as I didτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → on my arrivalἐλθὼνelthōn — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → I would not beσχῶschō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → saddened by those whoὧνhōn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → ought to make meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → rejoiceχαίρεινchairein — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study →. I had confidenceπεποιθὼςpepoithōs — to persuade, convince, or win overG3982 — Full Word Study → inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → all ofπάνταςpantas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → would share myἐμὴemē — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → joyχαρὰchara — Joy, gladness, delightG5479 — Full Word Study →. 4Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → manyπολλῶνpollōn — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → tearsδακρύωνdakryōn — tear, teardropG1144 — Full Word Study → I wroteἔγραψαegrapsa — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → out ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → greatπολλῆςpollēs — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → distressθλίψεωςthlipseōs — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → anguishσυνοχῆςsynochēs — severe distress or anguish of mindG4928 — Full Word Study → of heartκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study →, notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → grieve youλυπηθῆτεlypēthēte — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → let you knowγνῶτεgnōte — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → how muchπερισσοτέρωςperissoterōs — Abundantly, excessively, greatly, beyond measureG4057 — Full Word Study → I love youἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →. 5Nowδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → has caused griefλελύπηκενlelypēken — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study →, he has not grievedλελύπηκενlelypēken — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → meἐμὲeme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → allπάνταςpantas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →toἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → some degreeμέρουςmerous — a part, portion, or share of a wholeG3313 — Full Word Study →, notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → overstate it. 6Thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → punishmentἐπιτιμίαepitimia — penalty or punishment imposed as consequenceG2009 — Full Word Study → imposed on him byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → majorityπλειόνωνpleionōn — greater, more, larger in quantity or qualityG4119 — Full Word Study → is sufficient forτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → himτοιούτῳtoioutō — such, of this kind, like thisG5108 — Full Word Study →. 7Soὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → insteadτοὐναντίονtounantion — on the contrary; instead; converselyG5121 — Full Word Study →, youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → ought to forgiveχαρίσασθαιcharisasthai — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → comfort him, so thatπωςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → heτοιοῦτοςtoioutos — such, of this kind, like thisG5108 — Full Word Study → will not be overwhelmedκαταποθῇkatapothē — to swallow up; to engulf or consume completelyG2666 — Full Word Study → byτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → excessiveπερισσοτέρᾳperissotera — excessive, abundant, beyond measureG4053 — Full Word Study → sorrowλύπῃlypē — Deep sorrow, grief, or sadnessG3077 — Full Word Study →. 8Thereforeδιὸdio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study → I urgeπαρακαλῶparakalō — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → to reaffirmκυρῶσαιkyrōsai — to confirm, ratify, or legally validateG2964 — Full Word Study → your love forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 9My purpose in writing you was to seeγνῶgnō — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → would stand the testδοκιμὴνdokimēn — proof or evidence through testingG1382 — Full Word Study → and be obedientὑπήκοοίhypēkooi — obedient, submissive to authorityG5255 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →. 10If you forgiveχαρίζεσθεcharizesthe — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → anyonehō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study →, I also forgive him. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I have forgivenκεχάρισμαιkecharismai — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → anythingτιti — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study →, Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have forgivenκεχάρισμαιkecharismai — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → it inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the presence of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → for your sakeδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study →, 11in order thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → SatanΣατανᾶSatana — adversary, accuserG4567 — Full Word Study → should not outwit usπλεονεκτηθῶμενpleonektēthōmen — to exploit, defraud, or gain advantage overG4122 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → we are not unawareἀγνοοῦμενagnooumen — to be ignorant of; not to know or understandG50 — Full Word Study → of hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → schemesνοήματαnoēmata — Mind, thought, intention, or purposeG3540 — Full Word Study →. 12Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → when I wentἘλθὼνElthōn — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → TroasΤρῳάδαTrōada — Ancient coastal city in Asia MinorG5174 — Full Word Study → to preach theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγέλιονeuangelion — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → a doorθύραςthyras — door, gateway, entranceG2374 — Full Word Study → stood openἀνεῳγμένηςaneōgmenēs — to open, to uncloseG455 — Full Word Study → for meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord, 13I hadἔσχηκαeschēka — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → noοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → peaceἄνεσινanesin — relief, rest, relaxation from burdenG425 — Full Word Study → inτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεύματίpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, because I did not findεὑρεῖνheurein — to find, discover, or obtainG2147 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφόνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → Titus there. So I said goodbyeἀποταξάμενοςapotaxamenos — to bid farewell; to renounce or forsakeG657 — Full Word Study → to themαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → and went on toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →. 14Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → thanks be toΤῷTō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → alwaysπάντοτεpantote — at all times, always, continuallyG3842 — Full Word Study → leads us triumphantly as captivesθριαμβεύοντιthriambeuonti — to lead in triumphal procession; to triumph or celebrate victoryG2358 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → throughδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → spreadsφανεροῦντιphanerounti — To reveal, make manifest, or display openlyG5319 — Full Word Study → everywhereτόπῳtopō — A physical or geographical location; a place or regionG5117 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fragranceὀσμὴνosmēn — Aroma, fragrance, or pleasant odorG3744 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → the knowledge of Himαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 15Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we areἐσμὲνesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → to GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → the sweet aroma of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → those who areτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → being savedσωζομένοιςsōzomenois — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → those who areτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → perishingἀπολλυμένοιςapollymenois — to destroy, ruin, or cause to perishG622 — Full Word Study →. 16To the one, we are an odorὀσμὴosmē — Aroma, fragrance, or pleasant odorG3744 — Full Word Study → of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that bringsἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → life. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → who is qualifiedἱκανόςhikanos — Sufficient, adequate, capableG2425 — Full Word Study → forπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → such a task? 17Forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → we areἐσμενesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notΟὐOu — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → likeὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → so many othersπολλοὶpolloi — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study →, whoοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → peddleκαπηλεύοντεςkapēleuontes — to peddle or hawk; to adulterate or corruptG2585 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of God for profit. On the contraryἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → we speakλαλοῦμενlaloumen — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → beforeκατέναντιkatenanti — before, in the presence of, opposite toG2713 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → withὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → sincerityεἰλικρινείαςeilikrineias — Sincerity, purity of intention, genuine integrityG1505 — Full Word Study →, asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → men sent fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Corinthians 2
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

2 Corinthians chapter 2 addresses a painful situation in the Corinthian church and its reconciliation. Paul begins by explaining why he delayed his visit to Corinth—not to cause further sorrow, but to allow time for repentance and restoration of a brother who had caused offense. The chapter then shifts to Paul's own journey and spiritual struggles, revealing how deeply he felt the welfare of the church and ultimately celebrating the triumph believers have in Christ. This passage beautifully illustrates the principles of church discipline, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of the gospel.

Verses 1–4: Paul's Heart for Restoration

Paul opens by sharing a difficult decision: he had planned to visit Corinth again, but determined to delay his visit in heaviness—meaning he did not want to come in sorrow or sadness. The reason is deeply pastoral. If he came and had to bring correction again, it would grieve the people who should be his source of joy (verse 2). Instead, Paul had written them a firm letter (likely referring to what some call the "severe letter") while experiencing much affliction and anguish of heart (verse 4). Yet his motive was not to crush them with grief, but to demonstrate his abundant love for them. Paul wanted them to understand that his correction flowed from genuine care, not harshness.

Application: Spiritual leaders and parents often face the tension between firmness and tenderness. Paul models how correction must always be rooted in love and aimed at restoration, not punishment for its own sake.

Verses 5–11: Forgiveness and Church Discipline

Paul now addresses the specific person who had caused grief in the congregation. While the exact offense isn't detailed, it was serious enough to require church discipline. However, Paul advocates for forgiveness and comfort (verse 7), lest the offender be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. The punishment inflicted by the church was sufficient (verse 6)—meaning it had served its purpose. Now restoration must follow discipline. Paul asks the church to confirm your love toward him (verse 8), assuring the repentant believer that he remains part of the body of Christ.

Remarkably, in verse 10, Paul declares his own forgiveness: I forgave it in the person of Christ. This phrase reveals that all true forgiveness is ultimately rooted in Christ's authority and the gospel. Paul also warns that unforgiveness gives Satan an advantage (verse 11)—bitterness and prolonged estrangement create spiritual openings for the enemy's work.

Application: Churches today must balance accountability with mercy. Discipline without restoration can become cruelty; forgiveness without standards can enable sin. The goal is always to bring the wayward believer back to fellowship.

Verses 12–17: Triumph in Christ and Faithful Ministry

Paul shifts perspective, recounting his journey to Troas where a door had opened for gospel ministry. Yet he was restless in spirit, anxious about Titus and the Corinthian situation. Rather than stay in that opportunity, he moved on to Macedonia—showing that pastoral concern sometimes outweighs other openings.

Then comes a great affirmation: God always causeth us to triumph in Christ (verse 14). Through the believer's message, the knowledge of Christ becomes a savour (aroma) in every place. Verses 15–16 present a sobering truth: the gospel is never neutral. To those being saved, Christ is the savour of life unto life; to those rejecting Him, the savour of death unto death. This is not the speaker's failure—it is the nature of the message itself. Finally, Paul asserts that unlike false teachers who corrupt God's word, he and his fellow workers speak as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ (verse 17).

Application: Faithful gospel ministry always produces division—not because of poor communication, but because the cross offends fallen human nature. Believers must proclaim truth with integrity and accept that not all will receive it.

Application for Today

This chapter calls modern believers to pursue both truth and love in community. When addressing sin in the church, we must correct firmly but forgive generously. We are called to proclaim Christ boldly while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. And we must remember that our sufficiency for these things rests not in our wisdom or charisma, but in Christ alone.

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