King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:5 in the King James Version says “But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 2:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Read 2 Corinthians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part—Paul diplomatically refers to an unnamed offender, likely the same person discussed in verses 6-8. The phrase apo merous (ἀπὸ μέρους, "in part") suggests the offense affected the whole church, not just Paul personally. By minimizing his personal grievance, Paul redirects attention to the corporate injury—this person sinned against the body of Christ, not merely against the apostle.

That I may not overcharge you all—The verb epibarō (ἐπιβαρέω, "to burden, overcharge") shows Paul's pastoral sensitivity. He refuses to exaggerate the situation or demand excessive punishment. Some scholars identify this offender with the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5, though others suggest a different individual who personally challenged Paul's authority. Either way, Paul's restraint models proportional church discipline.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman honor-shame culture demanded vigorous defense of personal honor when challenged. Paul's willingness to downplay personal offense and focus on corporate health was countercultural, reflecting Christ's example of absorbing insult rather than retaliating.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's refusal to take personal offense model Gospel humility?
  2. What is the difference between an offense against an individual and one against the church?
  3. How can church leaders today avoid making discipline about personal vindication?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Εἰ1 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 15
G5100

some or any person or object

λελύπηκεν4 of 15

“grieved”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

οὐκ5 of 15

“not”

G3756

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

ἐμὲ6 of 15

“me”

G1691

me

λελύπηκεν7 of 15

“grieved”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ἀλλ'8 of 15

“but”

G235

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

ἀπὸ9 of 15

“in”

G575

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

μέρους10 of 15

“part”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἵνα11 of 15

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ12 of 15
G3361

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

ἐπιβαρῶ13 of 15

“I may”

G1912

to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards

πάντας14 of 15

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμᾶς15 of 15

“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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:12-131 Corinthians 5:1-5Proverbs 17:25Galatians 5:10Galatians 4:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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