2 Corinthians 7:8
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνη
the same
G1565
ἐκείνη
the same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
19 of 25
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
22 of 25
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,
Historical Context
The 'severe letter' (probably lost, though some identify it with 1 Corinthians or chapters 10-13) was delivered by Titus. Paul's anxiety (2:13) about its reception shows even apostles wrestle with doubt after difficult confrontations. His relief that the sorrow was 'for a season' (pros hōran, "for an hour") teaches that godly discipline may cause immediate pain but shouldn't produce permanent estrangement.
Questions for Reflection
- When have I avoided necessary confrontation because I feared causing 'sorrow,' and what was the long-term cost?
- How do I distinguish between godly regret over my tone/timing (which Paul felt) versus compromise on truth (which he rejected)?
- If someone's correction causes me temporary sorrow, do I immediately dismiss them or wait to see if the pain produces spiritual fruit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent—Hoti ei kai elypēsa hymas en tē epistolē, ou metamelomai, ei kai metelomēn (ὅτι εἰ καὶ ἐλύπησα ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἐπιστολῇ, οὐ μεταμέλομαι, εἰ καὶ μετεμελόμην, "although I caused you sorrow with the letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it"). Paul uses metameleomai (μεταμέλεομαι, "to regret") not metanoeō (μετανοέω, "to repent")—he questioned his timing/harshness, not the truth spoken. Elypēsa (ἐλύπησα, "I caused sorrow") from lypeō (λυπέω, "to grieve/pain").
For I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season—Blepō gar hoti hē epistolē ekeinē ei kai pros hōran elypēsen hymas (βλέπω γὰρ ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη εἰ καὶ πρὸς ὥραν ἐλύπησεν ὑμᾶς, "I see that letter grieved you, though only for a while"). Temporary pain produced lasting gain—a pastoral calculus faithful leaders must embrace. Paul distinguishes method (the letter's severity, which he momentarily regretted) from message (confronting sin, which he never regretted).