2 Corinthians 2:7
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
So
G5620
ὥστε
So
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 14
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
μᾶλλον
ought rather
G3123
μᾶλλον
ought rather
Strong's:
G3123
Word #:
3 of 14
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
χαρίσασθαι
to forgive
G5483
χαρίσασθαι
to forgive
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
5 of 14
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
καὶ
him and
G2532
καὶ
him and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλέσαι
comfort
G3870
παρακαλέσαι
comfort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
7 of 14
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περισσοτέρᾳ
G4053
περισσοτέρᾳ
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
10 of 14
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
καταποθῇ
should be swallowed up
G2666
καταποθῇ
should be swallowed up
Strong's:
G2666
Word #:
12 of 14
to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.Isaiah 28:7But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Colossians 3:13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Psalms 124:3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:Psalms 21:9Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.Proverbs 1:12Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:1 Corinthians 15:54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.2 Corinthians 5:4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.2 Corinthians 7:10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Historical Context
Roman legal practice often demanded perpetual shame for certain offenses. Paul's insistence on restoration after repentance reflects Hebrew concepts of restoration (as in Psalm 51) rather than Greco-Roman honor codes. The church operates by grace, not shame-based social control.
Questions for Reflection
- How does ongoing punishment of the repentant contradict the Gospel of grace?
- What practical steps should accompany verbal forgiveness in restoration?
- How can churches guard against both laxness in discipline and harshness in restoration?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him—Paul employs two imperatives: charisasthai (χαρίσασθαι, "to forgive, show grace") and parakalesai (παρακαλέσαι, "to comfort, encourage"). The verb charizomai shares its root with charis (grace), indicating forgiveness is a gracious gift, not earned merit. Having disciplined, the church must now actively restore—forgiveness requires intentional comfort, not merely ceasing hostility.
Lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow—The verb katapothē (καταποθῇ, "to swallow up, overwhelm") suggests drowning or complete engulfment. The phrase perissotera lupē (περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, "excessive sorrow") warns of despair leading to spiritual destruction. Unrelenting discipline can drive the repentant to abandon faith entirely. Satan's goal (v. 11) is accomplished whether through unrepentant sin or through excessive grief that destroys the penitent. Paul's pastoral wisdom recognizes both dangers.