Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 7

Verse 1

Filthiness [μολυσμου] . Rev., defilement. Only here in the New Testament. For the kindred verb molunw to defile, see on Revelation 14:4. Compare 1 Corinthians 8:7.

Verse 2

Receive [χωρησατε] . From cwrov place or space. Primarily, to leave a space, make room for. See on containing, John 2:6; John 8:37. The meaning here is make room for us. Rev., open your hearts to us, which is felicitous in view of the reference to ch. 6 12. It is equivalent to saying enlarge your hearts to take us in, as our heart is enlarged (ch. 6 11).

Defrauded [επλεονεκτησαμεν] . Used by Paul only. It adds the idea of wrong for the sake of gain, which is not necessarily implied in either of the other verbs.

Verse 4

My boldness. Note the change for the first time to the first person singular.

Comfort. The Greek has the comfort, the article apparently pointing to the special comfort he had received through the coming of Titus (ver. 6). I am exceeding joyful [υπερπερισσευμαι τη χαρα] . Lit., I superabound with the joy. Rev., I overflow with joy. Note the article again, the joy.

Verse 5

Rest [ανεσιν] . Rev., relief. See on liberty, Acts 24:23.

Verse 6

God. The Rev. improves on the A. V. by putting God in its emphatic place at the end of the clause. "He that comforteth," etc. - "even God." Those that are cast down [τους ταπεινους] . Rev., the lowly. See on Matthew 11:68. Here the A. V. is more nearly true to the idea, which is that of depression through circumstances, rather than of lowliness of character. The neater rendering would be the downcast.

Verse 7

Comfort. The manner in which Paul, so to speak, fondles this word, is most beautiful. Compare ch. 1 4 - 6.

Mourning [οδυρμον] . Only here and Matthew 2:18. It implies a verbal expression of grief. Cebes, a disciple of Socrates, in his Pinax 147 represents Luph Lupe, Sorrow, as a woman, with her head bowed upon her breast; Odunh Odune, consuming Grief, follows, tearing her hair. By her side is Odurmov Odurmos, Lamentation, a revolting, emaciated figure, whose sister is Aqumia Athumia, Despondency.

Verse 8

Repent [μεταμελομαι] . See on Matthew 21:29. Rev., regret it.

Though I did repent. Punctuate as Am. Rev., I do not regret it : though (even if) I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season) I now rejoice.

Verse 9

Repentance [μετανοιαν] . See on the kindred verb repent, Matthew 3:2, and compare on Matthew 21:29. Repentance is different from regret of ver. 8, indicating a moral change, as is shown by the next clause. Ye might receive damage [ζημιωθητε] . Rev., might suffer loss. See on Matthew 16:26; Luke 9:25. This somewhat obscure sentence means that the salutary moral results of the apostle 's letter compensated for the sorrow which it caused. The epistle which won them to repentance was no damage to them.

Verse 10

Sorrow - repentance [λυπη - μετανοιαν] . Paul 's words strike effectively at the popular identification of sorrow with repentance. Not to be repented of [αμεταμελητον] . Construe with repentance. The Rev., in order to bring out this connection, amplifies the translation : a repentance which bringeth no regret. The oxymoron (see on Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18) is in the A. V. rather than in the Greek. It should be carefully observed that the two words, repentance, not to be repented of, represent different roots and different ideas : repentance [μετανοιαν] denoting the moral change, and to be repented of denoting the sentiment of misgiving or regret (see on Matthew 21:29), and so answering to luph sorrow. The Rev. brings out the distinction by substituting regret for repentance. 148 Sorrow of the world. Antithesis with the sorrow which is according to God (A. V., godly sorrow). Sorrow which is characteristic of the world; grief for the consequences rather than for the sin as sin.

Worketh [κατεργαζεται] . Brings to pass. Notice that the simple verb ejrgazeti is used in the previous clause, the distinction from this verb being obliterated by rendering both worketh. The difference is between contributing to a result and achieving it.

Verse 11

Sorrowed [λυπηθηναι] . Rev., correctly, were made sorry. The verb is in the passive voice, and is so rendered by the A. V. in ver. 9, but, inconsistently, sorrowed in the next clause.

Carefulness [σπουδην] . See on diligence, Romans 12:8. Rev., earnest care.

Clearing of yourselves [απολογιαν] . See on 1 Peter 3:15. Exculpation or self - defense from complicity with the incestuous person by their neglect and refusal to humble themselves.

Indignation [αγανακτησιν] . Only here in the New Testament. Compare the kindred verb ajganaktew to be indignant, Matthew 20:24; Mark 10:14, etc.

Revenge [εκδικησιν] . An unfortunate rendering, because of the personal feeling of vindictiveness which attaches to the popular usage. Rev. avenging is little, if any, better. It is rather meting out of justice; doing justice to all parties. See on Luke 18:3; Luke 21:22. The word has, however, the sense of requital (see on Romans 12:19; compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8), and carries with it, etymologically, the sense of vindication, as Luke 18:7,

2 Corinthians 7:0:8Bengel remarks that the six results of godly sorrow fall into pairs : clearing and indignation relating to the disgrace of the Church; fear and longing (vehement desire) to the apostle; zeal and avenging to the offender.

Verse 12

Our care for you [την σπουδην ημων την υπερ υμων] . The correct text reverses the pronouns and reads your care for us. This difficult passage means that while Paul did desire the punishment and reformation of the offender, and the vindication of the wronged party, his main object was that the fidelity and zeal of the Church toward God should be manifested, as it was (ver. 11). This would appear in the manifestation of their zealous interest for him as God 's minister. He states this as if it were his only object. Manifest unto you is rather among you [προς] , as in ch. 1 12; 1 Corinthians 16:7.

Verse 13

Were comforted in your comfort [παρακεκλημεθα επι τη παρακλησει υμων] . The best texts place a period after were comforted, transfer the de and (yea) from after ejpi exceedingly the more to directly after ejpi in (your comfort), and instead of your read our. The whole, as Rev., therefore we have been comforted. And in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly, etc.

In our comfort [επι] . In addition to. Stanley, with this comfort before me, I was still more rejoiced, etc.

Verse 16

I have confidence in you [θαρρω εν υμιν] . Wrong. Rev., correctly, I am of good courage. In you expresses the ground of his encouragement as lying in them.