Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:5

What does 2 Corinthians 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:5 means

Paul acknowledges that someone caused sorrow. Yet he refuses to make the matter solely about a personal offense against him. The grief, he says, was “in part” to all of them—the whole church bore the pain. He intentionally softens his language, avoiding pressing the charge too hard. This shows humility and a desire for healing, not retribution. Sin in the church is never private; it ripples outward, wounding many. By shifting the focus from himself to the community, Paul prepares the church to think corporately about both discipline and restoration, seeing that the injury calls for a communal, compassionate remedy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if anyone has been a cause of sorrow, he has been so, not to me only, but in some measure to all of you (I say this that I may not be over-hard on you).

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And if any one hath caused sorrow, he hath not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if any one has grieved, he has grieved, not me, but in part (that I may not overcharge [you]) all of you.

Context

Having revealed his loving motive, Paul names the reality that there was an offender whose actions grieved the congregation. This pivots the discussion from general sorrow to a specific pastoral case. The next verse will recognize that the corrective measures already taken by the majority were adequate. Then, verses 7–8 will urge forgiving and comforting the repentant, so sorrow does not consume him. The tone remains careful and restrained, showing Paul’s effort to heal the body rather than inflame old wounds with harsh personal accusations.

v.4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

v.5This passage

v.6Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:12

    For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1

    It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that oneof you hath his father’s wife.

  • Galatians 4:12

    I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are. Ye did me no wrong:

  • Galatians 5:10

    I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

  • Proverbs 17:25

    A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.

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