What does 2 Corinthians 2:7 mean?

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So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:7

Explanation

2 Corinthians 2:7 falls within a section where the Apostle Paul is providing guidance to the Corinthian church regarding their treatment of a member who had previously sinned and caused grief but had since repented. In the context of Christian fellowship, Paul is stressing the importance of forgiveness and the reassurance toward the repentant individual. He suggests that the congregation should actively demonstrate a forgiving attitude and offer comfort so that the person is not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. The verse conveys the principle that while discipline for wrongful actions is necessary within the church, it is equally important to extend forgiveness and comfort to those who genuinely turn away from their transgressions and seek restoration.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians as a follow-up to his previous correspondence and subsequent visit. The historical context of this verse involves an incident in the Corinthian church where a member of the community had been disciplined for some wrongdoing, which is believed to be the same individual mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5 who was involved in a serious sexual misconduct. During the period between the letters, the individual had apparently repented, and Paul is addressing the need for the church to respond appropriately to this repentance.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the Christian doctrine of forgiveness as it reflects God’s own nature; just as God forgives sinners who repent, so too should the believers forgive each other. It reveals the balance between justice and mercy—discipline is necessary, but it must not lead to despair. The verse also hints at the concept of communal responsibility; the emotional and spiritual health of one member affects the whole body, hence the call for communal action in forgiveness and comfort.

Different theological perspectives might underscore various aspects of this verse. Reformed theologians would emphasize God’s graciousness in offering forgiveness to the repentant, while liberation theologians might focus on the social aspects of lifting up a suffering individual.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in everyday situations where individuals face the challenge of forgiving others who have wronged them. It encourages believers to balance discipline with mercy, helping the wrongdoer understand their fault without letting them sink into excessive guilt or shame. The verse’s principles can be applied in personal relationships, churches, and even broader social contexts, urging the creation of environments where growth, healing, and restoration are possible.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse stand out for their meaning:

“Forgive” (χαρίζεσθαι – charizesthai): The word conveys a gracious pardon or the extension of grace.
“Comfort” (παρακαλέσαι – parakalesai): This term carries the notion of exhorting, encouraging, or consoling someone.
“Swallowed up” (καταποθῇ – katapothe): Used metaphorically, it means to be consumed or destroyed by something, in this case, sorrow.
“Overmuch sorrow” (περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ – perissotera lypei): An excessive or overwhelming grief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar themes of forgiveness and restoration are found in various religious traditions. Judaism places a strong emphasis on seeking forgiveness, especially during Yom Kippur. In Islam, the believer is encouraged to forgive as they seek God’s mercy. Culturally, many ancient communities practiced forms of restorative justice, where the focus was on rebuilding community and individuals after wrongdoing, similar in spirit to what Paul encourages in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

Research in psychology supports the idea that forgiveness can be beneficial for both the forgiver and the forgiven, promoting emotional health and reconciliation. Forgiving someone can reduce the forgiver’s experience of anger, depression, and stress and improve their cardiovascular and immune systems. It also helps the offender by reducing feelings of guilt and encouraging better social behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on this verse:

John Calvin remarks on the temperance of discipline, warning against severity that can lead to excessive sorrow.
Matthew Henry emphasizes the need for the balance between sorrow for sinning and joy for forgiveness to prevent despair.
Contemporary commentaries may focus on the psychological understanding of forgiveness and its effects on community health, echoing the Apostle’s concern for the individual’s wellbeing within the Christian community.