Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 7:9

What does 2 Corinthians 7:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 7:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 7:9 means

Now Paul rejoices—not because the Corinthians were hurt, but because their grief led to repentance. Their sorrow was “after a godly sort,” meaning it was oriented toward God: it recognized sin as an offense against Him and turned decisively from it. Because of this, they suffered “no loss” from Paul; his ministry did not damage them but served their good. The sorrow had a holy aim and a wholesome result. True pastoral correction is measured by whether it produces repentance, not resentment. When grief opens the door to change and reconciliation, both church and shepherd gain. Pain for a season gave way to restored fellowship and renewed obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now I am glad, not that you had sorrow, but that your sorrow was the cause of a change of heart; for yours was a holy sorrow so that you might undergo no loss by us in anything.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I now do rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry to reformation, for ye were made sorry toward God, that in nothing ye might receive damage from us;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now I am glad: not because you were made sorrowful, but because you were made sorrowful unto penance. For you were made sorrowful according to God, that you might suffer damage by us in nothing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now I rejoice, not that ye have been grieved, but that ye have been grieved to repentance; for ye have been grieved according toGod, that in nothing ye might be injured by us.

Context

Following the admission of temporary regret, Paul states the positive outcome: the Corinthians’ sorrow produced genuine repentance. This prepares the theological principle of verse 10, which contrasts godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Then verse 11 will show how that godly sorrow manifested in concrete actions among the Corinthians, vindicating both Paul’s letter and their sincerity.

v.8For 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),

v.9This passage

v.10For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 38:18

    For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:6

    Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 6:9

    And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:8

    For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

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