2 Corinthians 7:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλύπησεν

G3076

I made

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν

G1722

with

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

τῇ

G3588

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

ἐπιστολὴ

G1992

a letter

a written message

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

μετεμελόμην

G3338

I did repent

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

#11

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#12

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

μετεμελόμην

G3338

I did repent

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

#14

βλέπω

G991

I perceive

to look at (literally or figuratively)

#15

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#16

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#17

ἡ

G3588

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

#18

ἐπιστολὴ

G1992

a letter

a written message

#19

ἐκείνη

G1565

the same

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#20

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#21

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

πρὸς

G4314

for

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,

#23

ὥραν

G5610

a season

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#24

ἐλύπησεν

G3076

I made

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

#25

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?