Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:6

What does 2 Corinthians 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:6 means

Paul deems the discipline imposed by the majority sufficient. The congregation had acted, and their corrective measure had achieved its aim. Discipline is not an end in itself; it is a tool to awaken repentance and protect the church. By saying it is “sufficient,” Paul warns against over‑punishment and endless suspicion. When repentance appears, lingering penalties can hinder grace. He affirms the church’s authority and unity in taking action, while gently signaling it is time to shift from censure to care. The offender should not be kept under a cloud once the purpose of discipline has been met and the lesson has been learned.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let it be enough for such a man to have undergone the punishment which the church put on him;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

sufficient to such a one is this punishment, that <FI>is<Fi> by the more part,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To him who is such a one, this rebuke is sufficient, which is given by many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Sufficient to such a one [is] this rebuke which [has been inflicted] by the many;

Context

Paul moves from identifying communal sorrow to evaluating the church’s response: their punishment was adequate. This set‑up is crucial for the coming call to restoration. Verses 7–8 will insist on forgiveness and comfort, lest excessive grief swallow the offender. Verse 9 will frame the whole episode as a test of the church’s obedience, not only in correcting sin but in embracing repentance. The balance—firmness followed by tenderness—supports Paul’s broader aim of reconciliation between himself and the Corinthians.

v.5But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

v.6This passage

v.7so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:20

    Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:4

    in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

  • 2 Corinthians 7:11

    For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

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