King James Version
What Does 2 Corinthians 7:8 Mean?
“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.”
Context
6
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. after: or, according to God
10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **For though I made you sorry with a letter.**—Better, *For even if,* and, as the Greek has the article, *with my letter.* This Titus had told him; and commonly to have caused pain to others would have been a source of grief to him, but he cannot bring himself now to say, *I regret.* (This is, perhaps, better than *repent.* On the words, see Notes on Matthew 21:29; Matthew 27:3.) He owns, however, that there had been a moment, either on first hearing of their grief or in his previous anxiety, when he had half regretted that he had written so strongly. Now he sees that that grief was but transient, and he trusts that the good wrought by it will be abiding.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:8 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 7:8
Revelation 3:19
→2 Corinthians 7:11
→Jeremiah 20:7-9
→Matthew 26:21-22
→Hebrews 12:9-11
→Lamentations 3:32
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge