King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:4 in the King James Version says “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but tha... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 2:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. punishment: or, censure


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears—Paul uses three intensifying terms: thlipsis (θλῖψις, "affliction, pressure"), synochē (συνοχῆς, "anguish, distress"), and dakruōn (δακρύων, "tears"). This was no casual rebuke but a letter birthed through emotional agony. Paul's tears authenticate his love—he wounded them not as a detached judge but as a brokenhearted father.

Not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you—The contrast is crucial: grief was the means, not the goal. The phrase perissoteros (περισσοτέρως, "more abundantly") suggests Paul's love exceeded normal pastoral affection. His tears demonstrated that correction flows from love, not animosity. This anticipates his statement in 2 Corinthians 12:15: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." True spiritual authority weeps over those it must discipline.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters often included emotional self-disclosure, but Paul's level of vulnerability was unusual for authority figures. Roman paterfamilias (household heads) typically maintained emotional distance; Paul's tears represent a radically different model of leadership—one rooted in Christ's compassion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Paul's tears over the Corinthians model Christ's heart for His church?
  2. What is the relationship between loving discipline and emotional investment?
  3. How can leaders today demonstrate that correction flows from love rather than anger?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἐκ1 of 25

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

γὰρ2 of 25

For

G1063

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

πολλῶν3 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

θλίψεως4 of 25

affliction

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

καὶ5 of 25

and

G2532

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

συνοχῆς6 of 25

anguish

G4928

restraint, i.e., (figuratively) anxiety

καρδίας7 of 25

of heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ἔγραψα8 of 25

I wrote

G1125

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

ὑμῖν9 of 25

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

διὰ10 of 25

with

G1223

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

πολλῶν11 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δακρύων12 of 25

tears

G1144

a tear

οὐχ13 of 25

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἵνα14 of 25

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

λυπηθῆτε15 of 25

that ye should be grieved

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ἀλλὰ16 of 25

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὴν17 of 25
G3588

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

ἀγάπην18 of 25

the love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἵνα19 of 25

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γνῶτε20 of 25

ye might know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ἣν21 of 25

which

G3739

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

ἔχω22 of 25

I have

G2192

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

περισσοτέρως23 of 25

more abundantly

G4056

more superabundantly

εἰς24 of 25

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς25 of 25

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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