2 Corinthians 2:6
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
Original Language Analysis
ἱκανὸν
Sufficient
G2425
ἱκανὸν
Sufficient
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
1 of 10
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτῳ
to such a man
G5108
τοιούτῳ
to such a man
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 10
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιτιμία
punishment
G2009
ἐπιτιμία
punishment
Strong's:
G2009
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, esteem, i.e., citizenship; used (in the sense of g2008) of a penalty
αὕτη
is this
G3778
αὕτη
is this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 10
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
was inflicted of
G5259
ὑπὸ
was inflicted of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
8 of 10
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.2 Corinthians 7:11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Historical Context
Ancient voluntary associations (guilds, religious societies) commonly practiced exclusion as punishment for violations. Paul adapts this practice but with a distinctly redemptive focus—discipline aims at restoration, not permanent expulsion. This was revolutionary in a culture where honor loss was often irreversible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does church discipline today often fail to have a clear endpoint?
- What role should the congregation play in both implementing and ending discipline?
- How can churches discern when discipline has achieved its redemptive purpose?
Analysis & Commentary
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many—The term epitimia (ἐπιτιμία, "punishment, censure") refers to formal church discipline, and pleionōn (πλειόνων, "of the many") indicates congregational involvement, likely meaning the majority enacted the discipline Paul had demanded. The word hikanon (ἱκανὸν, "sufficient") is crucial—Paul declares the punishment adequate and calls for its termination.
This verse provides a biblical pattern for church discipline:
The "sufficiency" of the discipline means the offender has demonstrated genuine repentance, fulfilling discipline's redemptive purpose. Continuing punishment beyond repentance would shift from restoration to revenge.