2 Corinthians 2:4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
3 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καρδίας
of heart
G2588
καρδίας
of heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
7 of 25
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ἔγραψα
I wrote
G1125
ἔγραψα
I wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
8 of 25
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
διὰ
with
G1223
διὰ
with
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
λυπηθῆτε
that ye should be grieved
G3076
λυπηθῆτε
that ye should be grieved
Strong's:
G3076
Word #:
15 of 25
to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
the love
G26
ἀγάπην
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
18 of 25
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
γνῶτε
ye might know
G1097
γνῶτε
ye might know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
20 of 25
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
22 of 25
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient letters often included emotional self-disclosure, but Paul's level of vulnerability was unusual for authority figures. Roman paterfamilias (household heads) typically maintained emotional distance; Paul's tears represent a radically different model of leadership—one rooted in Christ's compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Paul's tears over the Corinthians model Christ's heart for His church?
- What is the relationship between loving discipline and emotional investment?
- How can leaders today demonstrate that correction flows from love rather than anger?
Analysis & Commentary
Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears—Paul uses three intensifying terms: thlipsis (θλῖψις, "affliction, pressure"), synochē (συνοχῆς, "anguish, distress"), and dakruōn (δακρύων, "tears"). This was no casual rebuke but a letter birthed through emotional agony. Paul's tears authenticate his love—he wounded them not as a detached judge but as a brokenhearted father.
Not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you—The contrast is crucial: grief was the means, not the goal. The phrase perissoteros (περισσοτέρως, "more abundantly") suggests Paul's love exceeded normal pastoral affection. His tears demonstrated that correction flows from love, not animosity. This anticipates his statement in 2 Corinthians 12:15: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." True spiritual authority weeps over those it must discipline.