King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:3 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:3 in the King James Version says “And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having con... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 2:3 · KJV


Context

1

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

2

For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

3

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

5

But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow—The phrase touto auto (τοῦτο αὐτὸ, "this very thing") likely refers to the "severe letter" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8, now lost. Paul's purpose was preventative: writing allowed the Corinthians to address issues before his arrival, sparing both parties another painful confrontation.

Having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all—The term pepoithōs (πεποιθώς, "having confidence") expresses Paul's trust in their response. Despite previous disappointments, he believes in their fundamental solidarity with him. The repeated "all" (pantōn, πάντων) emphasizes congregational unity—Paul's joy and theirs are not separate but shared. This mutual joy is rooted in their common participation in Christ, not merely personal affection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Letter-writing in antiquity often substituted for personal presence. Paul's "severe letter" (now lost) was carried by Titus and achieved its purpose of prompting repentance. The anxiety Paul felt awaiting Titus's return (2 Cor 7:5-7) shows the high stakes of ancient correspondence.

Reflection Questions

  1. When is written communication more effective than face-to-face confrontation?
  2. How does Paul's confidence in the Corinthians model faith in God's work in others?
  3. What does shared joy in a congregation reveal about its spiritual health?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἔγραψα2 of 26

I wrote

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν3 of 26

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τοῦτο4 of 26

this

G5124

that thing

αὐτὸ5 of 26

same

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα6 of 26
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ7 of 26
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐλθὼν8 of 26

when I came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

λύπην9 of 26

sorrow

G3077

sadness

ἔχω10 of 26

I should have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀφ'11 of 26

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὧν12 of 26

them of whom

G3739

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

ἔδει13 of 26

ought

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

με14 of 26

I

G3165

me

χαίρειν15 of 26

to rejoice

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

πεποιθὼς16 of 26

having confidence

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ἐπὶ17 of 26

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάντων18 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμᾶς19 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὅτι20 of 26

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμὴ22 of 26

my

G1699

my

χαρὰ23 of 26

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

πάντων24 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν25 of 26

the joy of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐστιν26 of 26

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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