Promises and an openhearted appeal
2 Corinthians 7:1–4FocusCleansing and mutual confidence
Connection to the wholePaul draws a practical conclusion from God's promises and asks the Corinthians to receive him without suspicion.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 7:11
KJVFor 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.
Read it in context
Paul's Joy Over the Corinthians' Repentance
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 7:1 (2 Corinthians 7:1 to 2 Corinthians 7:16).
This section details Paul's comfort and joy upon hearing from Titus about the Corinthians' godly sorrow and repentance in response to his previous letter.
- 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- 7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
- 7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
- 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
- 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
- 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
- 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.
- 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
- 7:9 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.
- 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
- 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.
- 7:12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
- 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
- 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
- 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
- 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The passage describes the positive and transformative effects of the Corinthians' godly sorrow, which led to repentance and cleared them in the matter Paul had addressed in his previous letter. Paul expresses his comfort and joy over their response.
- What is God revealing? God reveals the nature of true, godly sorrow as a catalyst for repentance leading to salvation, contrasting it with worldly sorrow that leads to death. He also reveals His character as the one who comforts those who are cast down.
- What is the literary style? The passage is part of an epistle, characterized by direct address, personal reflection, and a rhetorical enumeration of the fruits of godly sorrow.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 56. book background
- When does the event take place? During Paul's third missionary journey, specifically after Paul had sent a previous letter to Corinth and received news from Titus in Macedonia regarding the Corinthians' response.
Where
- Where did it happen? The events described, particularly Paul receiving news from Titus, occurred while Paul was in Macedonia. The sorrow and repentance occurred among the church in Corinth.
- Where was the author located? Paul was in Macedonia when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Joy Over the Corinthians' Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:1 to 2 Corinthians 7:16). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 7:1. This section details Paul's comfort and joy upon hearing from Titus about the Corinthians' godly sorrow and repentance in response to his previous letter.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage is a pivotal point in 2 Corinthians, where Paul shifts from defending his ministry and suffering to expressing his joy and relief over the Corinthians' positive response to his previous, stern letter. It underscores the restoration of their relationship and sets the stage for further instructions regarding giving and dealing with remaining opposition. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Godly sorrow, as described here, leads to repentance for salvation, which is made possible only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit working in believers, enabling them to turn from sin and pursue righteousness, reflecting Christ's character. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to cultivate godly sorrow over sin, which produces genuine repentance and a desire for holiness, rather than worldly sorrow that leads to despair. This passage encourages self-examination, zeal for righteousness, and a willingness to take action against sin, leading to spiritual clearing and growth. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 2 Corinthians 7:2, 2 Corinthians 7:3, 2 Corinthians 7:4, 2 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 7:7, 2 Corinthians 7:8, 2 Corinthians 7:9, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 7:12, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 2 Corinthians 7:14, 2 Corinthians 7:15, 2 Corinthians 7:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- that 2 Cor 7:9 Isa 66:2 Zech 12:10-14 1 Cor 5:2
- carefulness 2 Cor 7:7 1 Cor 12:25 Titus 3:8
- clearing Gen 44:6-7 1 Cor 5:13 Eph 5:11 1 Tim 5:21-22
- indignation 2 Sam 12:5-7 Neh 5:6-13 Neh 13:25 Job 42:6 Jer 31:18-20 Dan 6:14 Mark 3:5 Eph 4:26
- fear 2 Cor 7:1 Ps 2:11 Prov 14:16 Prov 28:14 Rom 11:20 Phil 2:12 Heb 4:1 Heb 12:15-16
- vehement Ps 38:9 Ps 42:1 Ps 130:6 Ps 145:19 Song 8:6 Isa 26:8 1 Pet 2:2
- zeal 2 Cor 9:2 Ps 69:9 Ps 119:139 John 2:17 Acts 17:16
- revenge Ps 35:13 Matt 5:29-30 Mark 9:43-48 Rev 3:19
- approved 2 Cor 6:4 2 Cor 13:7 Rom 14:18 2 Tim 2:15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 7
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service. The opening completes the holiness appeal at the end of chapter 6.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
FocusGodly sorrow and repentance
Connection to the wholeThe account of Titus' return explains Paul's relief and distinguishes sorrow that produces repentance from destructive sorrow.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.