Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:7

What does 2 Corinthians 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:7 means

Having affirmed that discipline was sufficient, Paul urges the opposite movement: forgive and comfort the offender. He fears that if the congregation withholds grace, the man could be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. True repentance should meet true reassurance. The church must mirror God’s character by restoring the brokenhearted, not leaving them isolated. Comfort here is not mere words but practical welcome and re‑inclusion. Paul shows that pastoral care completes what discipline began. The goal all along was not to win but to heal. Where there is confession and change, continuing to punish risks crushing a soul already tenderized by grief.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

so 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

so 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that now, on the other hand, it is right for him to have forgiveness and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that, on the contrary, <FI>it is<Fi> rather for you to forgive and to comfort, lest by over abundant sorrow such a one may be swallowed up;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that on the contrary ye should rather shew grace and encourage, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with excessive grief.

Context

This verse is the pivot from censure to compassion. After stating that the punishment was enough, Paul now calls for active restoration. Verse 8 will press this further by asking the church to confirm their love publicly. Verse 9 will explain that this entire sequence tested their obedience in all things. The movement matters for the flow: discipline answered sin; now forgiveness answers repentance. This balanced pattern resists both laxity and severity, and it prepares for Paul’s warning against Satan exploiting either extreme in verse 11.

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

v.7This passage

v.8Wherefore I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 28:7

    And even these reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they stagger with strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

  • Galatians 6:1

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Proverbs 1:12

    Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:4

    For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

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