King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:9 in the King James Version says “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly man...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

2 Corinthians 7:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Read 2 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance—Nyn chairō, ouch hoti elypēthēte alla hoti elypēthēte eis metanoian (νῦν χαίρω, οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε ἀλλ' ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε εἰς μετάνοιαν, "now I rejoice, not that you were grieved but that you were grieved unto repentance"). Paul distinguishes pain as means from repentance as goal. Eis metanoian (εἰς μετάνοιαν)—the preposition indicates purpose/result: sorrow that leads to metanoia (μετάνοια, "change of mind/repentance").

For ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing—Elypēthēte gar kata Theon (ἐλυπήθητε γὰρ κατὰ θεόν, "you were grieved according to God"). Kata Theon means "in a godly way" or "according to God's will." Hina en mēdeni zēmiōthēte ex hēmōn (ἵνα ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν, "that you might suffer loss in nothing from us")—Paul's correction brought gain, not damage. False teachers wound to control; true shepherds wound to heal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek culture valued honor and shame deeply. Public rebuke risked social humiliation and fractured relationships. Paul's letter caused temporary shame but avoided permanent spiritual 'damage' (zēmioō, financial/spiritual loss). The Corinthians' willingness to accept public correction over private compromise demonstrated genuine conversion from pagan honor-codes to gospel values.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond to correction—with defensive self-justification or humble self-examination?
  2. What 'godly sorrow' am I currently experiencing, and is it leading me toward repentance or mere regret?
  3. When I correct others, is my goal their spiritual profit (avoiding 'damage') or my personal vindication?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
νῦν1 of 20

“Now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

χαίρω2 of 20

“I rejoice”

G5463

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

οὐχ3 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ὅτι4 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐλυπήθητε5 of 20

“ye sorrowed”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ἀλλ'6 of 20

“but”

G235

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

ὅτι7 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐλυπήθητε8 of 20

“ye sorrowed”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

εἰς9 of 20

“to”

G1519

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

μετάνοιαν·10 of 20

“repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

ἐλυπήθητε11 of 20

“ye sorrowed”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

γὰρ12 of 20

“for”

G1063

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

κατὰ13 of 20

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

θεόν14 of 20

“a godly manner”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα15 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν16 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

μηδενὶ17 of 20

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ζημιωθῆτε18 of 20

“ye might receive damage”

G2210

to injure, i.e., (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment

ἐξ19 of 20

“by”

G1537

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

ἡμῶν20 of 20

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:18-20Luke 15:72 Corinthians 7:10-11Psalms 38:182 Corinthians 13:8-10Ecclesiastes 7:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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