2 Corinthians 7:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
Wherefore
G686
ἄρα
Wherefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 28
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 28
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 #:
4 of 28
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
οὐχ
I did it not
G3756
οὐχ
I did it not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
6 of 28
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικηθέντος
that had done the wrong
G91
ἀδικηθέντος
that had done the wrong
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
9 of 28
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικηθέντος
that had done the wrong
G91
ἀδικηθέντος
that had done the wrong
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
13 of 28
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φανερωθῆναι
might appear
G5319
φανερωθῆναι
might appear
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
17 of 28
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπουδὴν
care
G4710
σπουδὴν
care
Strong's:
G4710
Word #:
19 of 28
"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
22 of 28
"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
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
24 of 28
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,
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.1 Timothy 3:5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)2 Corinthians 7:8For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.2 Corinthians 11:28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.2 Corinthians 11:11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
Historical Context
In Roman legal culture, personal honor and restitution drove justice. Paul subordinates personal vindication to ecclesial health—revolutionary in a patronage-based society. The 'severe letter' functioned like prophetic confrontation in Israel: exposing covenant unfaithfulness to prompt repentance. Paul's concern for the church's 'earnestness' (spoudē) 'before God' shows he pastored with eschatological accountability (1 Cor 3:10-15, 4:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- Do I seek resolution in conflicts primarily for personal vindication or for spiritual health of relationships?
- How does Paul's focus on revealing the Corinthians' 'earnestness before God' challenge shallow reconciliation that avoids heart issues?
- What does it mean to conduct ministry 'in the sight of God' rather than playing to human audiences?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—Ara ei kai egrapsa hymin, ouk heneken tou adikēsantos oude heneken tou adikēthentos (ἄρα εἰ καὶ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν, οὐχ ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἀδικήσαντος οὐδὲ ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἀδικηθέντος, "so although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the wrongdoer nor the one wronged"). Paul's pastoral focus transcends individual justice—he addresses systemic spiritual health. The offender (possibly from 2:5-11) and victim matter, but the church's response reveals its spiritual state.
But that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you—All' heneken tou phanerōthēnai tēn spoudēn hymōn tēn hyper hēmōn pros hymas enōpion tou Theou (ἀλλ' ἕνεκεν τοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, "but that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you before God"). Phaneroō (φανερόω, "to manifest/reveal") suggests uncovering what was hidden. Paul's letter revealed the Corinthians' true spiritual loyalty—not to manipulate but to clarify covenant relationship enōpion tou Theou (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, "before God"). Discipline serves diagnostic and restorative purposes.