New Testament · Letter

2 Corinthians 7

Godly Sorrow

There is a sorrow that leads to repentance and a sorrow that leads to death. Paul is overjoyed because the Corinthians chose the right one.

King James Version BSB KJV

1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

8For 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.

9Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

13Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

16I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

Understand This

2 Corinthians 7, explained

What 2 Corinthians 7 is saying

Paul expresses overflowing joy at Titus's report that the Corinthians responded to his severe letter with godly grief (lypē kata theon) that produced repentance. He distinguishes this from worldly grief that produces death. The chapter reveals the relational texture of Paul's apostleship—his anxiety, relief, and deep affection—while celebrating the Corinthians' earnestness, indignation, and zeal in addressing the offense.

The background behind it

Titus served as Paul's emissary to Corinth and returned with the encouraging news that met Paul in Macedonia. The severe letter (distinct from 1 Corinthians) had caused Paul considerable anguish, revealing the personal cost of pastoral confrontation.

Themes running underneath

Godly grief versus worldly grief is a pastoral distinction with lasting significance: one leads to repentance and life, the other to death. Paul's vulnerability—admitting his fear, sleeplessness, and relief—humanizes apostolic ministry. Reconciliation between pastor and congregation models the gospel itself.

Why it still matters

This chapter validates the pain of honest confrontation while demonstrating its redemptive potential. It also models emotional transparency in leadership—Paul's willingness to be known in his weakness strengthens rather than undermines his authority.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.