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2 Corinthians 7

BSB·16 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, belovedἀγαπητοίagapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, since we haveἔχοντεςechontes — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → theseΤαύταςTautas — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → promisesἐπαγγελίαςepangelias — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study →, let us cleanseκαθαρίσωμενkatharisōmen — to cleanse, purify, make cleanG2511 — Full Word Study → ourselvesἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → everything thatπαντὸςpantos — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → defilesμολυσμοῦmolysmou — Moral or spiritual defilement; contaminationG3436 — Full Word Study → bodyσαρκὸςsarkos — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεύματοςpneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, perfectingἐπιτελοῦντεςepitelountes — To complete, accomplish, or finish a task or workG2005 — Full Word Study → holinessἁγιωσύνηνhagiōsynēn — Sacred devotion; the state of being holyG42 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the fear of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 2Make room for us in your heartsΧωρήσατεChōrēsate — to make room for, contain, or receiveG5562 — Full Word Study →. We have wrongedἠδικήσαμενēdikēsamen — to act unjustly; to wrong or harmG91 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδέναoudena — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →, we have corruptedἐφθείραμενephtheiramen — To corrupt, destroy, or ruinG5351 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδέναoudena — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →, we have exploitedἐπλεονεκτήσαμενepleonektēsamen — to exploit, defraud, or gain advantage overG4122 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδέναoudena — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →. 3I do not say thisλέγωlegō — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → condemn you. I have said beforeπροείρηκαproeirēka — to announce beforehand, foretell, predict in advanceG4302 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you so occupy ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαιςkardiais — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → we liveσυζῆν*syzēn — To live together with someoneG4800 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → die together with you. 4Great is myμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → confidenceπαρρησίαparrēsia — Bold confidence in speech and actionG3954 — Full Word Study → inπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →; great is myμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → prideκαύχησιςkauchēsis — boasting, proud confidence, gloryingG2746 — Full Word Study → inὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →; I am filledπεπλήρωμαιpeplērōmai — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study → with encouragementπαρακλήσειparaklēsei — Encouragement, comfort, or exhortationG3874 — Full Word Study →; inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → allπάσῃpasē — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → troublesθλίψειthlipsei — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study → my joy overflowsὑπερπερισσεύομαιhyperperisseuomai — to abound exceedingly, overflow abundantlyG5248 — Full Word Study →. 5Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → when weἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → arrivedἐλθόντωνelthontōn — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →, ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → bodiesσὰρξsarx — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study → hadἔσχηκενeschēken — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → noοὐδεμίανoudemian — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → restἄνεσινanesin — relief, rest, relaxation from burdenG425 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → we were pressedθλιβόμενοιthlibomenoi — To press upon; to afflict or oppressG2346 — Full Word Study → fromἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → every direction—conflictsμάχαιmachai — quarrel, fighting, disputeG3163 — Full Word Study → on the outsideἔξωθενexōthen — from outside; external; outwardG1855 — Full Word Study →, fearsφόβοιphoboi — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study → withinἔσωθενesōthen — from within, inwardly, interiorG2081 — Full Word Study →. 6Butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → comfortsπαρακαλῶνparakalōn — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → downcastταπεινοὺςtapeinous — humble, lowly, of low statusG5011 — Full Word Study →, comfortedπαρεκάλεσενparekalesen — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → arrivalπαρουσίᾳparousia — Physical arrival or presence of a personG3952 — Full Word Study → of TitusΤίτουTitou — Honorable, respectedG5103 — Full Word Study →, 7andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → onlyμόνονmonon — only, alone, solelyG3440 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → arrivalπαρουσίᾳparousia — Physical arrival or presence of a personG3952 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → comfortπαρακλήσειparaklēsei — Encouragement, comfort, or exhortationG3874 — Full Word Study → he had received fromἐφ’eph’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. He told us aboutἀναγγέλλωνanangellōn — To report, announce, or make knownG312 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → longingἐπιπόθησινepipothēsin — Intense longing or yearning desireG1972 — Full Word Study →, yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → mourningὀδυρμόνodyrmon — Deep mourning; lamentation and griefG3602 — Full Word Study →, and your zealζῆλονzēlon — Zealous devotion or passionate intensityG2205 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → meἐμοῦemou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, so thatὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → Iμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → rejoicedχαρῆναιcharēnai — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → all the moreμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study →. 8Evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I caused you sorrowἐλύπησαelypēsa — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → my letterἐπιστολῇepistolē — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study →, I do not regret it. Althoughκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I did regret it, I now see thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → my letterἐπιστολὴepistolē — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study → caused youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → sorrowἐλύπησενelypēsen — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study →, but onlyκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → forπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → a short timeὥρανhōran — A period of time; hour, season, or appointed momentG5610 — Full Word Study →. 9And now I rejoiceχαίρωchairō — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study →, notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you were made sorrowfulἐλυπήθητεelypēthēte — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → your sorrowἐλυπήθητεelypēthēte — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → led you toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → repentanceμετάνοιανmetanoian — A complete turning around of the mind; repentanceG3341 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you felt the sorrowἐλυπήθητεelypēthēte — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → that God had intendedκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study →, and soἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → were not harmedζημιωθῆτεzēmiōthēte — to suffer loss, be forfeited, or ruinedG2210 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → any way byἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 10GodlyΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → sorrowλύπηlypē — Deep sorrow, grief, or sadnessG3077 — Full Word Study → bringsἐργάζεταιergazetai — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → repentanceμετάνοιανmetanoian — A complete turning around of the mind; repentanceG3341 — Full Word Study → that leads toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → salvationσωτηρίανsōtērian — deliverance, rescue, salvationG4991 — Full Word Study → without regretἀμεταμέλητονametamelēton — irrevocable, not subject to change or regretG278 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → worldlyκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → sorrowλύπηlypē — Deep sorrow, grief, or sadnessG3077 — Full Word Study → bringsκατεργάζεταιkatergazetai — to work out, accomplish, produceG2716 — Full Word Study → deathθάνατονthanaton — Death; the state or condition of being deadG2288 — Full Word Study →. 11Consider what thisαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → godlyΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → sorrowλυπηθῆναιlypēthēnai — To cause sorrow; to grieve or saddenG3076 — Full Word Study → has producedκατειργάσατοkateirgasato — to work out, accomplish, produceG2716 — Full Word Study → in youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →: whatπόσηνposēn — How much? How many? What quantity?G4214 — Full Word Study → earnestnessσπουδήνspoudēn — earnest diligence; eager care and effortG4710 — Full Word Study →, what eagerness to clear yourselvesἀπολογίανapologian — Verbal defense or answer given in response to accusationG627 — Full Word Study →, what indignationἀγανάκτησινaganaktēsin — Strong indignation; displeasure or irritationG24 — Full Word Study →, what alarmφόβονphobon — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study →, what longingἐπιπόθησινepipothēsin — Intense longing or yearning desireG1972 — Full Word Study →, what zealζῆλονzēlon — Zealous devotion or passionate intensityG2205 — Full Word Study →, what vindicationἐκδίκησινekdikēsin — Divine retribution; righteous vengeance or punishmentG1557 — Full Word Study →! Inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → every wayπαντὶpanti — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → you have provedσυνεστήσατεsynestēsate — to commend, approve, or demonstrateG4921 — Full Word Study → yourselvesἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → to beεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → innocentἁγνοὺςhagnous — morally pure, chaste, spotlessG53 — Full Word Study → in thisτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → matterπράγματιpragmati — a thing, matter, or deedG4229 — Full Word Study →. 12Soἄραara — therefore, consequently, thenG686 — Full Word Study → evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thoughεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I wroteἔγραψαegrapsa — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, it was not on account ofἕνεκενheneken — because of, for the sake of, on account ofG1752 — Full Word Study → the one who did wrongἀδικήσαντοςadikēsantos — to act unjustly; to wrong or harmG91 — Full Word Study → or the one who was harmedἀδικηθέντοςadikēthentos — to act unjustly; to wrong or harmG91 — Full Word Study →, but ratherἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → thatἕνεκενheneken — because of, for the sake of, on account ofG1752 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → earnestnessσπουδὴνspoudēn — earnest diligence; eager care and effortG4710 — Full Word Study → on our behalfὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → would be made clearφανερωθῆναιphanerōthēnai — To reveal, make manifest, or display openlyG5319 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in the sightἐνώπιονenōpion — in the presence of, before, in front ofG1799 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 13On account ofδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → thisτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →, we are encouragedπαρακεκλήμεθαparakeklēmetha — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study →. In addition toἘπὶEpi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → ownτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → encouragementπαρακλήσειparaklēsei — Encouragement, comfort, or exhortationG3874 — Full Word Study →, we were even more delightedἐχάρημενecharēmen — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → byἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → joyχαρᾷchara — Joy, gladness, delightG5479 — Full Word Study → of TitusΤίτουTitou — Honorable, respectedG5103 — Full Word Study →. Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → has been refreshedἀναπέπαυταιanapepautai — to give rest, refresh, or cause to ceaseG373 — Full Word Study → byἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 14Indeedὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study →, I was not embarrassedκατῃσχύνθηνkatēschynthēn — to shame, disgrace, or put to shame publiclyG2617 — Full Word Study → by anythingτιti — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → I had boastedκεκαύχημαιkekauchēmai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → to himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → aboutὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → just asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → we saidἐλαλήσαμενelalēsamen — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → was true, soοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → boastingκαύχησιςkauchēsis — boasting, proud confidence, gloryingG2746 — Full Word Study → toἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → TitusΤίτουTitou — Honorable, respectedG5103 — Full Word Study → has proved to beἐγενήθηegenēthē — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → trueἀλήθειαalētheia — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study → as wellκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →. 15Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → affectionσπλάγχναsplanchna — compassion, tender mercy, heart of sympathyG4698 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → even greaterπερισσοτέρωςperissoterōs — Abundantly, excessively, greatly, beyond measureG4057 — Full Word Study → when he remembersἀναμιμνῃσκομένουanamimnēskomenou — To remind; to bring back to mindG363 — Full Word Study → thatὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → you were allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → obedientὑπακοήνhypakoēn — Submission to authority; willing obedienceG5218 — Full Word Study → as you welcomed himαὐτόνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → fearφόβουphobou — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → tremblingτρόμουtromou — trembling, quaking, fear-induced shakingG5156 — Full Word Study →. 16I rejoiceχαίρωchairō — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → I can have complete confidenceθαρρῶtharrō — To be confident, bold, or courageousG2292 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Corinthians 7
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Second Corinthians 7 is a deeply pastoral chapter in which Paul expresses his profound joy and relief at hearing news of the Corinthian church's genuine repentance. Having sent a severe letter to address serious sin in the congregation, Paul was anxious about how the church would respond. When Titus arrives with the report that the Corinthians have truly turned from their sin with godly sorrow, Paul's heart is overwhelmed with comfort and confidence. This chapter explores the theme of repentance that leads to life, contrasting the transformative power of godly sorrow with the destructive nature of worldly grief.

Verses 1–5: The Call to Separation and Paul's Distress

Paul opens by calling believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (v. 1). This is a practical exhortation flowing from the promises of God mentioned in the previous chapter—that God will dwell in us and walk among us. The phrase "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" emphasizes that sanctification is both a divine work and a human responsibility. We are to pursue separation from sin with reverence and respect for God's character.

In verses 2–3, Paul defends his apostolic integrity while insisting his appeal is not meant to condemn the Corinthians, but rather to affirm that they are precious to him. Verses 4–5 reveal his emotional state: despite his boldness and boasting about them, he is deeply troubled. When he arrived in Macedonia, he found no rest—external conflicts and internal fears troubled him greatly. Paul's vulnerability here shows that even great leaders experience anxiety and need the comfort of God and the encouragement of others.

Verses 6–9: Comfort Through Titus and the Gift of Godly Sorrow

God's comfort comes through Titus's arrival (v. 6). The news Titus brings is threefold: the Corinthians' earnest desire to see Paul, their mourning over their sin, and their fervent mind in supporting him. This is not shallow remorse but genuine, God-worked repentance. Paul explicitly states he does not repent of sending the severe letter, because it produced godly sorrow (v. 9)—not the self-pitying regret of the world, but sorrow that turns people away from sin toward righteousness.

Verses 10–13: The Distinction Between Godly and Worldly Sorrow

Verse 10 presents one of Scripture's most important distinctions: godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Godly sorrow produces lasting change and draws us closer to God; worldly sorrow is self-focused, produces shame and despair, and leads to spiritual death. The Corinthians exemplified godly sorrow through their carefulness, self-examination, righteous indignation at sin, fear, longing to make things right, zeal, and even a desire for justice (v. 11). Their actions proved their repentance was real (v. 12).

Paul's joy is multiplied not because they suffered, but because their suffering led to transformation (v. 13). Titus himself was refreshed by their warm reception and obedience, bringing joy back to Paul.

Verses 14–16: Confidence Restored

Paul concludes by affirming that his boasting about the Corinthians to Titus has been vindicated by their actual behavior (vv. 14–15). He spoke truth about them, and their conduct proved it. This restoration of confidence demonstrates that genuine repentance rebuilds trust between leaders and their flocks. Paul can now rejoice that he has full confidence in them (v. 16).

Application for Today

When we face correction from God or from mature believers, we should earnestly pray for godly sorrow—the kind that leads to genuine change, not worldly sorrow that only produces shame. As leaders or friends, we should offer correction in love, confident that God can work repentance in those who truly belong to Him. And when we see genuine repentance in others, we should respond with the kind of joyful restoration Paul displays here.

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