2 Corinthians 2:7

7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.
The Message Bible (MSG)
7 Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
7 so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
7 So now forgive and comfort him. Such distress could overwhelm someone like that if he's not forgiven and comforted.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
7 so now you should forgive and comfort him instead; otherwise, this one may be overwhelmed by excessive grief.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
7 Now you should forgive him and comfort him. Then he won't be sad more than he can stand.

2 Corinthians 2:7 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:7

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him
On the other hand, so far the apostle suggests they should be from inflicting any other punishment on him, or by any means adding to, and increasing what was inflicted, that they ought to forgive him his offence, by taking off the censure from him, which had been sufficient for the purpose, and had continued on him a sufficient time:

and comfort him;
by restoring him to the communion of the church, and to an enjoyment of all the privileges and ordinances of the house of God: and this was necessary to be done,

lest perhaps such an one should be swallowed up with over much
sorrow:
be overwhelmed with trouble, engulfed in despair, and so become unfit for the exercise of grace, and discharge of duty; to prevent therefore such dangerous and pernicious consequences, it is incumbent on the churches of Christ, as soon as ever they observe that censures have answered the end in bringing persons to a sense and acknowledgment of sin and amendment of life, to remove them, and restore such to fellowship.

2 Corinthians 2:7 In-Context

5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.
6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.
7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
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