2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this same unto you, 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔγραψα
I wrote
G1125
ἔγραψα
I wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 26
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
αὐτὸ
same
G846
αὐτὸ
same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐλθὼν
when I came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
when I came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἔχω
I should have
G2192
ἔχω
I should have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 26
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀφ'
from
G575
ἀφ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὧν
them of whom
G3739
ὧν
them of whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδει
ought
G1163
ἔδει
ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
13 of 26
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
χαίρειν
to rejoice
G5463
χαίρειν
to rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
15 of 26
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
πεποιθὼς
having confidence
G3982
πεποιθὼς
having confidence
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
16 of 26
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
20 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.2 Corinthians 8:22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.Philemon 1:21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Historical Context
Letter-writing in antiquity often substituted for personal presence. Paul's "severe letter" (now lost) was carried by Titus and achieved its purpose of prompting repentance. The anxiety Paul felt awaiting Titus's return (2 Cor 7:5-7) shows the high stakes of ancient correspondence.
Questions for Reflection
- When is written communication more effective than face-to-face confrontation?
- How does Paul's confidence in the Corinthians model faith in God's work in others?
- What does shared joy in a congregation reveal about its spiritual health?
Analysis & Commentary
I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow—The phrase touto auto (τοῦτο αὐτὸ, "this very thing") likely refers to the "severe letter" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8, now lost. Paul's purpose was preventative: writing allowed the Corinthians to address issues before his arrival, sparing both parties another painful confrontation.
Having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all—The term pepoithōs (πεποιθώς, "having confidence") expresses Paul's trust in their response. Despite previous disappointments, he believes in their fundamental solidarity with him. The repeated "all" (pantōn, πάντων) emphasizes congregational unity—Paul's joy and theirs are not separate but shared. This mutual joy is rooted in their common participation in Christ, not merely personal affection.