2 Corinthians 7:11

Authorized King James Version

For 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτὸ

G846

selfsame thing

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

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατὰ

G2596

after

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

θεὸν

G2316

a godly sort

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

λυπηθῆναι

G3076

ye sorrowed

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ὑμᾶς,

G5209

that

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#10

πόσην

G4214

what

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

#11

κατειργάσατο

G2716

it wrought

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

#12

ὑμῖν

G5213

in you

to (with or by) you

#13

σπουδήν

G4710

carefulness

"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness

#14

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#15

ἀπολογίαν

G627

what clearing of yourselves

a plea ("apology")

#16

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#17

ἀγανάκτησιν

G24

what indignation

indignation

#18

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#19

φόβον

G5401

what fear

alarm or fright

#20

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#21

ἐπιπόθησιν

G1972

what vehement desire

a longing for

#22

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#23

ζῆλον

G2205

what zeal

properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or

#24

ἀλλ'

G235

yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#25

ἐκδίκησιν

G1557

what revenge

vindication, retribution

#26

ἐν

G1722

! In

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#27

παντὶ

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#28

συνεστήσατε

G4921

things ye have approved

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

#29

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

yourselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#30

ἁγνοὺς

G53

clear

properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect

#31

εἶναι

G1511

to be

to exist

#32

ἐν

G1722

! In

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#33

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#34

πράγματι

G4229

this matter

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?