2 Corinthians 7:12
What does 2 Corinthians 7:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 7:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 7:12 means
Paul explains his aim in writing: it was not chiefly to address the one who did wrong or the one who suffered wrong, but to reveal and deepen the Corinthians’ earnest concern for Paul and his coworkers in God’s presence. He sought a restoration of the bond between church and apostle under the gaze of God. By responding rightly, they would confirm their alignment with the gospel ministry he represents. The severe letter, then, was about more than resolving a single incident; it was about reestablishing trust, loyalty, and shared accountability so the church might flourish in the truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So although I wrote unto you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest unto you in the sight of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So although I wrote unto you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest unto you in the sight of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So though I sent you a letter, it was not only because of the man who did the wrong, or because of him to whom the wrong was done, but so that your true care for us might be made clear in the eyes of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862If, then, I also wrote to you--not for his cause who did wrong, nor for his cause who did suffer wrong, but for our diligence in your behalf being manifested unto you before God--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore although I wrote to you, it was not for his sake that did the wrong, nor for him that suffered it: but to manifest our carefulness that we have for you
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So then, if also I wrote to you, [it was] not for the sake of him that injured, nor for the sake of him that was injured, but for the sake of our diligent zeal for you being manifested to you beforeGod.
Context
After describing the fruits of repentance, Paul steps back to state his pastoral purpose. This helps the Corinthians interpret the whole episode: it was a Godward test of their affection for Paul and the gospel work. With the purpose clarified, the narrative returns in verse 13 to the comfort Paul and Titus received from the church’s response, emphasizing mutual joy and refreshed spirits.
v.11For 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.
v.12This passage
v.13Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season),
- 2 Corinthians 2:9
For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.
- 2 Corinthians 11:28
Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 3:5
(but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Holy Living
Discover how to live a life set apart for God through His Word and by His grace, reflecting His character in all you do
Topic
Bible Verses About Purity
The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of purity, encompassing thoughts, words, and actions, as a reflection of God's holy character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Regret
Regret is a painful emotion, but God's Word shows us how to navigate it with hope and find forgiveness and renewal.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.