2 Corinthians 2:10
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
To
G3739
ᾧ
To
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
G5483
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
4 of 19
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
καὶ
for
G2532
καὶ
for
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
for
G2532
καὶ
for
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
G5483
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
12 of 19
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
ᾧ
To
G3739
ᾧ
To
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
G5483
κεχάρισμαι
I forgave
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
14 of 19
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
δι'
it for your sakes
G1223
δι'
it for your sakes
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
John 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.1 Corinthians 5:4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Matthew 18:18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Historical Context
Roman patronage systems emphasized the patron's prerogative to grant or withhold favor. Paul inverts this—he foregoes personal prerogative to empower the congregation's decision. This reflects Christ's servant leadership rather than Roman hierarchical authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's deference to the congregation's forgiveness challenge authoritarian church leadership?
- What does it mean to forgive "in the person of Christ"?
- How should church leaders balance personal authority with congregational discernment?
Analysis & Commentary
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also—Paul establishes apostolic alignment with congregational forgiveness. The pronoun hymeis (ὑμεῖς, "you") is emphatic—your forgiveness determines mine. This demonstrates Paul's trust in the congregation's spiritual discernment and his refusal to undermine their corporate decision. Though he initially demanded discipline, he now defers to their judgment about restoration's timing.
For if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ—The phrase en prosōpō Christou (ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ, "in the person/presence of Christ") is remarkable. Paul forgives as Christ's representative, but adds di' hymas (δι' ὑμᾶς, "for your sakes")—his forgiveness serves their welfare. This echoes Christ's prayer in John 17:19: "for their sakes I sanctify myself." Apostolic forgiveness, like Christ's, is vicarious—exercised for the community's benefit. Paul models forgiveness not as personal catharsis but as pastoral service.