2 Corinthians 7:12

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἄρα
G686
Wherefore
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
#2
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#3
καὶ
G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἔγραψα
G1125
I wrote
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#5
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#6
οὐχ
G3756
I did it not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
εἵνεκεν
G1752
for his cause
on account of
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀδικηθέντος
G91
that had done the wrong
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#10
οὐδὲ
G3761
nor
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#11
εἵνεκεν
G1752
for his cause
on account of
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἀδικηθέντος
G91
that had done the wrong
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#14
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#15
εἵνεκεν
G1752
for his cause
on account of
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
φανερωθῆναι
G5319
might appear
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
#18
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
σπουδὴν
G4710
care
"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness
#20
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#21
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#23
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#24
πρὸς
G4314
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#25
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#26
ἐνώπιον
G1799
in the sight
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#27
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection