2 Corinthians 2:1-11 - Tender-Hearted And Forgiving
In these opening words Paul evidently refers to the sin mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. His judgment had been strong and stringent, the Corinthian church had acted upon it, and the offender had suffered severely in consequence. But the result had been more than satisfactory. He had repented with great brokenness of spirit. Indeed, it seemed as if he would be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow, 2 Corinthians 2:7.
The Apostle desires the Corinthians to understand that he also had shed many tears over the case, 2 Corinthians 2:4. His was a very affectionate and tender disposition, which shrank from inflicting pain, and yet was resolute at all costs to maintain truth. We get a sidelight here as to the heart of God. May we not believe that whenever He chastens us, it is with profound pity? Whom He loves He chastens; and whom He receives, He scourges. But when there is full and frank repentance, there should be forgiveness. The penitent offender was to be restored to church fellowship and received with brotherly welcome. The Savior Himself speaks through forgiveness. It is His love that moves, His voice that declares; while an unforgiving spirit sets an open door to the entrance of Satan. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 2
1Having shown the reason why he came not to them, 6he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person, 10even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him; 12declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia, 14and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:8
To confirm [κυρωσαι] First aorist active infinitive of old verb κυροω kuroō to make valid, to ratify, from κυρος kuros (head, authority). In N.T. only here and Galatians 3:15. [source]
Confirm your love [κυρῶσαι ἀγάπην] The verb is found only here and Galatians 3:15. From κύρος supremepower, authority. Hence to take judicial resolution to treat the offender with brotherly love. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 2:8
Galatians 3:15Though it be but a man‘s covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed [ομως αντρωπου κεκυρωμενην διατηκην] Literally, “Yet a man‘s covenant ratified.” On Διατηκη Diathēkē as both covenant and will see note on Matthew 26:28; note on 1 Corinthians 11:25; note on 2 Corinthians 3:6; notes on Hebrews 9:16. On κυροω kuroō to ratify, to make valid, see note on 2 Corinthians 2:8. Perfect passive participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation. Maketh it void (ατετει athetei). See note on Galatians 2:21 for this verb. Both parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise. Addeth thereto Present middle indicative of the double compound verb επιδιατασσομαι epidiatassomai a word found nowhere else as yet. But inscriptions use διατασσομαι διαταχισ διαταγη διαταγμα diatassomaiεπι diataxisδιαταχεις diatagēdiatagma with the specialized meaning to “determine by testamentary disposition” (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 90). It was unlawful to add (epi) fresh clauses or specifications (diataxeis). [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 2:8 mean?
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:8
First aorist active infinitive of old verb κυροω kuroō to make valid, to ratify, from κυρος kuros (head, authority). In N.T. only here and Galatians 3:15. [source]
The verb is found only here and Galatians 3:15. From κύρος supremepower, authority. Hence to take judicial resolution to treat the offender with brotherly love. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 2:8
PoSee 2 Corinthians 2:8. In lxx, Genesis 23:20; Leviticus 25:30; 4Macc. 7:9. From κῦρος supremepower. Hence the verb carries the sense of authoritative confirmation, in this case by the contracting parties. [source]
Literally, “Yet a man‘s covenant ratified.” On Διατηκη Diathēkē as both covenant and will see note on Matthew 26:28; note on 1 Corinthians 11:25; note on 2 Corinthians 3:6; notes on Hebrews 9:16. On κυροω kuroō to ratify, to make valid, see note on 2 Corinthians 2:8. Perfect passive participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation. Maketh it void (ατετει athetei). See note on Galatians 2:21 for this verb. Both parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise. Addeth thereto Present middle indicative of the double compound verb επιδιατασσομαι epidiatassomai a word found nowhere else as yet. But inscriptions use διατασσομαι διαταχισ διαταγη διαταγμα diatassomaiεπι diataxisδιαταχεις diatagēdiatagma with the specialized meaning to “determine by testamentary disposition” (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 90). It was unlawful to add (epi) fresh clauses or specifications (diataxeis). [source]