2 Corinthians 2:5-8
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul's phrasing here is incredibly nuanced; he's not just saying the offender hurt the church generally, but he's gently guiding the Corinthians to see their own hurt in the situation too. It's a way of saying, "This sin affected us all, and your feelings of pain are valid and shared."
Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a difficult situation within the Corinthian church where someone has caused significant hurt and division. He's writing this letter to deal with this issue, and this verse is a crucial part of his approach, shifting from a focus on the offender to the church's collective response and the need for forgiveness and restoration. After this, Paul will go on to discuss his own suffering and his desire to bring about reconciliation and healing for the community.
Ever felt the sting of division in a community? The Apostle Paul certainly did, and he addresses it with a pastor's heart.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a community that was struggling with internal division and harshness. It seems a specific individual had caused significant pain, perhaps through public sin or by attacking Paul's authority.
A Tender Response
Instead of seeking retribution, Paul's primary concern is the well-being of the entire church and the repentant individual. He emphasizes that the pain inflicted was not just personal to him, but a wound to the whole community. This shows us that church discipline and dealing with sin have ripple effects, impacting everyone. Paul's approach here is to bring healing, not further condemnation, once repentance has occurred.
How do we deal with sin in the church? Paul walks a tightrope between necessary discipline and abundant grace.
Paul acknowledges the seriousness of the offense ('caused pain') but immediately softens his tone ('not to put it too severely'). This delicate balance is crucial.
The Goal: Restoration
He had previously instructed the Corinthians to deal with the offender (as seen in 1 Corinthians 5). Now, having seen repentance, Paul urges them towards forgiveness and reconciliation. The goal isn't to crush the person but to ensure they are 'not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.' True Christian discipline aims for restoration, not destruction. Paul's concern is that the individual's spirit might be broken beyond repair if the discipline is too harsh or prolonged.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
epitimia · Greek Noun
The judicial or corrective measures imposed on someone who has transgressed against moral or community standards, aimed at restoration or discipline rather than mere vengeance.
charizomai · Greek Verb
The act of letting go of an offense, releasing the debtor from the debt, and removing the barrier caused by sin to restore a relationship.
parakaleo · Greek Verb
To call alongside; an act of encouragement, strengthening, or consolation that provides spiritual support to someone in distress.
lype · Greek Noun
An intense, profound state of emotional pain, sadness, or mourning, often associated with the consequences of sin or separation from God.
agape · Greek Noun
The selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional commitment to the well-being of another, modeled perfectly by God’s love for His people.
This passage emerges from a highly charged situation within the Corinthian church, where a specific individual's sin had caused deep hurt not only to Paul but also to the community, necessitating painful discipline and a subsequent letter.
c. AD 53-55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues. He likely deals with a severe case of sin within the church during this time.
c. AD 56
The Painful Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult visit to Corinth, likely to confront and discipline an individual who had grievously sinned against Paul and the church. This visit is deeply painful for all involved.
c. AD 56
The 'Severe Letter'
Following the painful visit, Paul writes a stern, 'severe' letter (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8-9) to the Corinthian church, demanding repentance and a restoration of order. This letter likely details the sin and the required discipline.
c. AD 56— this verse
Paul Receives News of Repentance
Titus brings Paul good news: the majority in Corinth have repented, and the one who caused the pain has also expressed sorrow and remorse. This brings relief to Paul.
c. AD 57
Writing 2 Corinthians
Paul writes the letter we know as 2 Corinthians. In chapter 2, he reflects on the recent events, expressing his joy at the church's repentance and offering forgiveness to the repentant sinner.
This passage describes a similar situation where a member of the Corinthian church had caused offense, and Paul addresses how the community should respond with both discipline and restoration.
Galatians 6:1Paul here provides a guiding principle for how spiritual leaders and the community should approach those who have fallen into sin, emphasizing gentleness and self-awareness.
2 Corinthians 7:8-12This passage shows Paul's relief and joy as he sees the Corinthians' repentance after his firm letter, highlighting the positive outcome of the pain and his intention for their spiritual well-being.
Matthew 18:15-17Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing steps that aim for reconciliation and restoration, paralleling Paul's desire for the offender's eventual reintegration.
Paul's phrasing here is incredibly nuanced; he's not just saying the offender hurt the church generally, but he's gently guiding the Corinthians to see their own hurt in the situation too. It's a way of saying, "This sin affected us all, and your feelings of pain are valid and shared."
Paul is addressing a difficult situation within the Corinthian church where someone has caused significant hurt and division. He's writing this letter to deal with this issue, and this verse is a crucial part of his approach, shifting from a focus on the offender to the church's collective response and the need for forgiveness and restoration. After this, Paul will go on to discuss his own suffering and his desire to bring about reconciliation and healing for the community.
Paul is addressing a difficult situation within the Corinthian church where someone has caused significant hurt and division. He's writing this letter to deal with this issue, and this verse is a crucial part of his approach, shifting from a focus on the offender to the church's collective response and the need for forgiveness and restoration. After this, Paul will go on to discuss his own suffering and his desire to bring about reconciliation and healing for the community.
"Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he…" — Paul's phrasing here is incredibly nuanced; he's not just saying the offender hurt the church generally, but he's gently guiding the Corinthians to see their own hurt in the situation too. It's a w…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
