King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:10 in the King James Version says “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; person: or, sight in the person: or, in the sight”

2 Corinthians 2:10 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

8

Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

9

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

10

To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; person: or, sight in the person: or, in the sight

11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

Read 2 Corinthians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also—Paul establishes apostolic alignment with congregational forgiveness. The pronoun hymeis (ὑμεῖς, "you") is emphatic—your forgiveness determines mine. This demonstrates Paul's trust in the congregation's spiritual discernment and his refusal to undermine their corporate decision. Though he initially demanded discipline, he now defers to their judgment about restoration's timing.

For if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ—The phrase en prosōpō Christou (ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ, "in the person/presence of Christ") is remarkable. Paul forgives as Christ's representative, but adds di' hymas (δι' ὑμᾶς, "for your sakes")—his forgiveness serves their welfare. This echoes Christ's prayer in John 17:19: "for their sakes I sanctify myself." Apostolic forgiveness, like Christ's, is vicarious—exercised for the community's benefit. Paul models forgiveness not as personal catharsis but as pastoral service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman patronage systems emphasized the patron's prerogative to grant or withhold favor. Paul inverts this—he foregoes personal prerogative to empower the congregation's decision. This reflects Christ's servant leadership rather than Roman hierarchical authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's deference to the congregation's forgiveness challenge authoritarian church leadership?
  2. What does it mean to forgive "in the person of Christ"?
  3. How should church leaders balance personal authority with congregational discernment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ᾧ1 of 19

“To”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δέ2 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

τι3 of 19

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

κεχάρισμαι4 of 19

“I forgave”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

καὶ5 of 19

“for”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγώ·6 of 19

“I”

G1473

i, me

καὶ7 of 19

“for”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ8 of 19
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐγώ·9 of 19

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἴ10 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τι11 of 19

“any thing”

G1536

if any

κεχάρισμαι12 of 19

“I forgave”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

ᾧ13 of 19

“To”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κεχάρισμαι14 of 19

“I forgave”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

δι'15 of 19

“it for your sakes”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ὑμᾶς16 of 19
G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν17 of 19

“forgave I it in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

προσώπῳ18 of 19

“the person”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

Χριστοῦ19 of 19

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:23Matthew 18:181 Corinthians 5:42 Corinthians 5:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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