II Corinthians 2
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
But I determined this - The apostle continues to give farther reasons why he did not visit them at the proposed time. Because of the scandals that were among them he could not see them comfortably; and therefore he determined not to see them at all till he had reason to believe that those evils were put away.
Open source ↗REASON WHY HE HAD NOT VISITED THEM ON HIS WAY TO MACEDONIA; THE INCESTUOUS PERSON OUGHT NOW TO BE FORGIVEN; HIS ANXIETY TO HEAR TIDINGS OF THEIR STATE FROM TITUS, AND HIS JOY WHEN AT LAST THE GOOD NEWS REACHES HIM. (2Co. 2:1-17) with myself--in contrast to "you" (Co2 1:23). The same antithesis between Paul and them appears in Co2 2:2. not come again . . . in heaviness--"sorrow"; implying that he had already paid them one visit in sorrow since his coming for the first time to Corinth. At that visit he had warned them "he would not spare if he should come again" (see on Co2 13:2; compare Co2 12:14; Co2 13:1). See Introduction to the first Epistle. The "in heaviness" implies mutual pain; they grieving him, and he them. Compare Co2 2:2, "I make you sorry," and Co2 2:5, "If any have caused grief (sorrow)." In this verse he accounts for having postponed his visit, following up Co2 1:23.
Open source ↗But I determined with myself,.... The apostle having removed the charge of levity and inconstancy brought against him, goes on to excuse his delay in coming to them, and to soften the severity, which some thought too much, he had used in his former epistle: he determined with himself, he took up a resolution within his own breast some time ago, says he, that I would not come again to you in heaviness; that he would not come with sorrow and heaviness, bewailing their sins not repented of, and by sharp reproofs and censures, which in such a case would be necessary, be the cause of grief and trouble to them; wherefore he determined to wait their repentance and amendment before he came again. The word "again", may be connected with the phrase "in heaviness"; and the sense be, that in his former epistle, which was a sort of coming to them, he made them heavy and sorry, by sharply rebuking them for some disorders that were among them; and since it has been a settled point with him, that he would not come in heaviness again: or with the word "come"; and then the meaning is, as his first coming among them was to the joy of their souls, so it was a determined case with him, that his second coming should not be with grief, either to them or himself, or both; and this is the true reason why he had deferred it so long.
Open source ↗In these verses, 1. The apostle proceeds in giving an account of the reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected; namely, because he was unwilling to grieve them, or be grieved by them, Co2 2:1, Co2 2:2. He had determined not to come to them in heaviness, which yet he would have done had he come and found scandal among them not duly animadverted upon: this would have been cause of grief both to him and them, for their sorrow or joy at meeting would have been mutual. If he had made them sorry, that would have been a sorrow to himself, for there would have been none to have made him glad. But his desire was to have a cheerful meeting with them, and not to have it embittered by any unhappy occasion of disagreeing. 2. He tells them it was to the same intent that he wrote his former epistle, Co2 2:3, Co2 2:4. (1) That he might not have sorrow from those of whom he ought to rejoice; and that he had written to them in confidence of their doing what was requisite, in order to their benefit and his comfort. The particular thing referred to, as appears by the following verses, was the case of the incestuous person about whom he had written in the first epistle, ch. 5. Nor was the apostle disappointed in his expectation. (2.) He assures them that he did not design to grieve them, but to testify his love to them, and that he wrote to them with much anguish and affliction in his own heart, and with great affection to them. He had written with tears, that they might know his abundant love to them. Note, [1.] Even in reproofs, admonitions, and acts of discipline, faithful ministers show their love. [2.] Needful censures, and the exercise of church-discipline towards offenders, are a grief to tender-spirited ministers, and are administered with regret.
Open source ↗2:1 Paul’s previous visit had been very painful and had caused him great distress. This visit is not recorded in Acts; it apparently took place during Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus (see Acts 19:8-22). During that visit, Paul severely rebuked the church (2 Cor 1:23) and was insulted by an unnamed man (2:5-11).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἐμαυτοῦ (emautoû, G1683) — of myself so likewise the dative case , and accusative case ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. λύπη (lýpē, G3077) — sadness
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐφραίνω (euphraínō, G2165) — to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e. rejoice μέ (mé, G3165) — me εἰ μή (ei mḗ, G1508) — if not ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἐμοῦ (emoû, G1700) — of me
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… λύπη (lýpē, G3077) — sadness ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that μέ (mé, G3165) — me δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… θλῖψις (thlîpsis, G2347) — pressure (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… συνοχή (synochḗ, G4928) — restraint, i.e. (figuratively) anxiety καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) δάκρυ (dákry, G1144) — a tear οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐμέ (emé, G1691) — me ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… μέρος (méros, G3313) — a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application) ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ἐπιβαρέω (epibaréō, G1912) — to be heavy upon, i.e. (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗ἱκανός (hikanós, G2425) — competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character) τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐπιτιμία (epitimía, G2009) — properly, esteem, i.e. citizenship; used (in the sense of G2008 (ἐπιτιμάω)) of a penalty ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… πλείων (pleíōn, G4119) — more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
Open source ↗ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) τοὐναντίον (tounantíon, G5121) — on the contrary ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) μᾶλλον (mâllon, G3123) — (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather χαρίζομαι (charízomai, G5483) — to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) μήπως (mḗpōs, G3381) — lest somehow -πώς (-pṓs, G4458) — an enclitic particle of indefiniteness of manner; somehow or anyhow; used only in… τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) καταπίνω (katapínō, G2666) — to drink down, i.e. gulp entire (literally or figuratively) περισσότερος (perissóteros, G4055) — more superabundant (in number, degree or character) λύπη (lýpē, G3077) — sadness
Open source ↗διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) κυρόω (kyróō, G2964) — to make authoritative, i.e. ratify ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… δοκιμή (dokimḗ, G1382) — test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are ὑπήκοος (hypḗkoos, G5255) — attentively listening, i.e. (by implication) submissive πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that χαρίζομαι (charízomai, G5483) — to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πρόσωπον (prósōpon, G4383) — the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, G4567) — the accuser, i.e. the devil πλεονεκτέω (pleonektéō, G4122) — to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἀγνοέω (agnoéō, G50) — not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… νόημα (nóēma, G3540) — a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Τρωάς (Trōás, G5174) — the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θύρα (thýra, G2374) — a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively) ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἄνεσις (ánesis, G425) — relaxation or (figuratively) relief μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… μέ (mé, G3165) — me εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… Τίτος (Títos, G5103) — Titus, a Christian ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀποτάσσομαι (apotássomai, G657) — literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, G2358) — and a derivative of G680 (ἅπτομαι) (meaning a noisy iambus, sung in honor of Bacchus); to… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) ὀσμή (osmḗ, G3744) — fragrance (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108) — knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.
Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark.