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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 2:4 For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/47_2Co_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 2:4 - Reaffirm Your Love" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/2-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm" title="2 Corinthians 2:3">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 2:4 <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm" title="2 Corinthians 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/2.htm">New International Version</a> For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have abundantly for you. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I wrote to you out of great distress and with an anguished heart, and with many tears, not to cause you sorrow but to make you realize the [overflowing] love which I have especially for you. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not that you should be hurt, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At the time I wrote, I was suffering terribly. My eyes were full of tears, and my heart was broken. But I didn't want to make you feel bad. I only wanted to let you know how much I cared for you. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I was deeply troubled and anguished. In fact, I had tears in my eyes when I wrote to you. I didn't write to make you uncomfortable but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart and with many tears; my purpose was not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> I wrote to you out of great sorrow and anguish of heart—along with many tears—not to make you sad but to let you know how much love I have for you. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly to you. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love for you. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made to grieve, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for out of much tribulation and pressure of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for out of much tribulation and pressure of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not that ye might be made sorry, but that ye might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For out of much pressure and anxiety of heart I wrote to you through many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love I have more abundantly towards you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you should be made sorrowful: but that you might know the charity I have more abundantly towards you. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For with much tribulation and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not so that you would be sorrowful, but so that you might know the charity that I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you might be pained but that you might know the abundant love I have for you. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For out of great affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote you with many tears; not to make you feel distressed, but that you may know the abundant love I have for you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And I wrote to you these things in many tears from great suffering and anguish of heart, not so that you would grieve, but so that you would know the abundant love that I have for you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For out of much affliction and distress of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.<CM> <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears; not in order that you may be grieved, but that you may know the divine love which I have unto you exceedingly. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears, not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly towards you.<CM> <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears; not to make you uneasy, but to make you sensible of the overflowing tenderness which I have for you. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love for you. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote to you, through many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly toward you. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For through much affliction and distress of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that ye might be grieved, but that ye might know the love with which I abound towards you. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=277" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Reaffirm Your Love</a> …3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. 4<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollōn (Adj-GNP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/1144.htm" title="1144: dakryōn (N-GNP) -- A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear.">tears</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: egrapsa (V-AIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I wrote</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollēs (Adj-GFS) -- Much, many; often. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/2347.htm" title="2347: thlipseōs (N-GFS) -- Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.">distress</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4928.htm" title="4928: synochēs (N-GFS) -- Distress, anguish, anxiety. From sunecho; restraint, i.e. anxiety.">anguish</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">of heart,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3076.htm" title="3076: lypēthēte (V-ASP-2P) -- To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.">grieve you</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōte (V-ASA-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">let you know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4057.htm" title="4057: perissoterōs (Adv) -- Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.">how much</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">I love you.</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echō (V-PIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> 5Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19</a> I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18</a> For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. <a href="/romans/9-2.htm">Romans 9:2</a> I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:7-8</a> On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. / We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a> My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a> Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">2 Corinthians 11:28-29</a> Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. / Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8-9</a> Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time— / yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a> And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? <a href="/jeremiah/9-1.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a> Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. <a href="/lamentations/3-48.htm">Lamentations 3:48-49</a> Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. / My eyes overflow unceasingly, without relief, <a href="/isaiah/22-4.htm">Isaiah 22:4</a> Therefore I said, “Turn away from me, let me weep bitterly! Do not try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people.” <a href="/psalms/119-136.htm">Psalm 119:136</a> My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed. <a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a> Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly to you.out.<a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17,18</a> Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him… <a href="/psalms/119-136.htm">Psalm 119:136</a> Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.<a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">Proverbs 27:5,6</a> Open rebuke is better than secret love… not.<a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8,9,12</a> For 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… <a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a> And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.that you might.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a> For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-5.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Abundantly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/romans/9-2.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-26.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-13.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-24.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">Pressure</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Showing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Sorrowful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-5.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-18.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-6.htm">Tribulation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/4-15.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Abundantly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-17.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-8.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Pressure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Showing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">Sorrowful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-13.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-8.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Tribulation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 2</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Having shown the reason why he came not to them,</a> 6. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-6.htm">he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person,</a> 10. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him;</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia,</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For through many tears Paul's emotional state is evident here, reflecting the deep pastoral concern he had for the Corinthian church. His tears signify genuine sorrow and empathy, reminiscent of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (<a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41</a>). This emotional expression underscores the seriousness of the issues he addressed in his previous letter, likely 1 Corinthians, where he dealt with moral and doctrinal problems within the church.I wrote you Paul's reference to writing indicates the importance of his epistolary ministry. Letters were a primary means of communication in the ancient world, especially for someone like Paul who was often traveling. This highlights the apostolic authority and the personal nature of his correspondence, as he sought to guide and correct the church from afar.out of great distress and anguish of heart The terms "distress" and "anguish" suggest intense emotional turmoil. This reflects the gravity of the situation in Corinth, where divisions, immorality, and false teachings were prevalent. Paul's heartache is akin to the prophets of the Old Testament, who often lamented over Israel's unfaithfulness (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/9.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a>).not to grieve you Paul clarifies that his intention was not to cause sorrow but to bring about repentance and restoration. This aligns with the biblical principle of speaking the truth in love (<a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>). His approach mirrors that of a loving father disciplining his children, aiming for their ultimate good (<a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6-11</a>).but to let you know how much I love you Paul's love for the Corinthians is the driving force behind his actions. This love is sacrificial and Christ-like, reflecting the love of Jesus for His church (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>). Paul's relationship with the Corinthians serves as a model for pastoral care, emphasizing the importance of love in leadership and correction.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He is expressing his deep emotional state and love for the Corinthian church. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece where the church Paul is addressing is located. Known for its diverse culture and moral challenges. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers facing various issues, including divisions and moral lapses. 4. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_previous_letter.htm">Paul's Previous Letter</a> Refers to a previous letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians, which was stern and corrective in nature. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_emotional_state.htm">Paul's Emotional State</a> The distress and anguish Paul felt, demonstrating his pastoral heart and deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_a_pastor.htm">The Heart of a Pastor</a> Paul’s tears and anguish reveal the heart of a true pastor who deeply cares for his flock. Pastoral ministry involves emotional investment and genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of others. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_correction.htm">The Purpose of Correction</a> Correction in the church is not meant to harm but to heal and restore. Paul’s intention was to express love and guide the Corinthians back to righteousness. <a href="/topical/e/expressing_love_through_truth.htm">Expressing Love Through Truth</a> True love sometimes requires difficult conversations. Paul’s letter, though painful, was an expression of his deep love for the Corinthians. <a href="/topical/e/emotional_transparency_in_leadership.htm">Emotional Transparency in Leadership</a> Paul’s openness about his feelings sets an example for leaders to be transparent and vulnerable, fostering trust and authenticity in relationships. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_truth_and_love.htm">Balancing Truth and Love</a> Paul exemplifies the balance between truth and love, showing that both are necessary for healthy relationships and spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 2</a> <a href="/q/is_paul's_distress_in_2_cor_2_4_genuine.htm">In 2 Corinthians 2:4, is Paul’s emotional distress genuine or a literary device to manipulate his readers? </a> <a href="/q/do_2_corinthians_4_claims_clash_with_ot_signs.htm">Throughout 2 Corinthians 4, aren't these grand spiritual claims inconsistent with more concrete Old Testament narratives that focus on tangible signs and wonders?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_heart.htm">What defines the heart?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_laodicea_letter_missing.htm">If the Bible is divinely preserved, why is the letter mentioned in Colossians 4:16 (addressed to Laodicea) missing? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Out of much affliction and anguish.--Men might think that it had cost him little to write sharp words like those which he has in his mind. He remembers well what he felt as he dictated them--the intensity of his feelings, pain that such words should be needed, anxiety as to their issue, the very tears which then, as at other times (<a href="/acts/20-19.htm" title="Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:">Acts 20:19</a>; <a href="/acts/20-31.htm" title="Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.">Acts 20:31</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm" title="Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy;">2Timothy 1:4</a>), were the outflow of strong emotion. Those who were indignant at his stern words should remember, or at least learn to believe this, and so to see in them the strongest proof of his abounding love for them. The heart of St. Paul was in this matter as the heart of Him who said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (<a href="/revelation/3-19.htm" title="As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.">Revelation 3:19</a>). The motive in such a case is not to give pain, but to lead those whom we reprove to feel how much we love them. On the word for "anguish," see Note on <a href="/luke/21-25.htm" title="And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;">Luke 21:25</a>. Looking to the fact that it is used only by St. Luke and St. Paul in the New Testament, we may, perhaps, see in it another example of medical terminology. The anguish was like that of a tight pressure or constriction of the heart.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - For. He proceeds to assign the anguish which his First Epistle had caused him as a proof of his confidence that, as a body, they loved him as he loved them. If they had regarded each other with indifference, his letter would not have been written to them, as it were. in his heart's blood. Out of much affliction and anguish of heart. The word for "anguish" means "contraction," "pressure," "spasm" (<a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25</a>). The expression may seem far too strong to be accounted for by the tone of the first letter. Hence some have supposed that he is referring to some other letter now last; and others that ch. 10-13. of this letter, where the whole tone of affection and tenderness suddenly changes into one of impassioned irony and indignation, really belonged to this intermediate letter. There is no need, however, for these hypotheses. In <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11</a> he had spoken of the errors of the Church with strong reprobation, and the anguish with which he wrote the letter may have been all the more deeply felt because, in expressing it, he put on his feelings a strong restraint. With many tears. I wrote "out of" anguish, and that anguish showed itself through the tears which bathed my cheeks as I wrote. Such tears, says Calvin, "show weakness, but a weakness more heroic than would have been the iron apathy of a Stoic." It must, however, be remembered that, in ancient times, and in Southern and Eastern lands, men yielded to tears more readily than among Northern nations, who take pride in suppressing as far as possible all outward signs of emotion. In Homer the bravest heroes do not blush to weep in public, and the nervous, afflicted temperament of St. Paul seems to have been often overwhelmed with weeping (<a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19, 31</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">2 Timothy 1:4</a>). Not that ye should be grieved. The "not," by a common Hebrew idiom, means "not only," "not exclusively." His object in inflicting pain was not the pain itself, but the results of godly repentance which it produced (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">2 Corinthians 7:11</a>). The love. In the Greek this word is placed very emphatically at the beginning of the clause. More abundantly. I loved you more than I loved other converts, and the abundance of my love will give you a measure of the pain I felt. The Philippians were St. Paul's best-beloved converts; but next to them he seems to have felt more personal tenderness for the members of this inflated, wayward, erring Church than for any other community, just as a father sometimes loves best his least-deserving son. There was something in the brightness and keenness of the Greek nature which won over St. Paul, in spite of its many faults. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. many πολλῶν (pollōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. tears δακρύων (dakryōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear. I wrote ἔγραψα (egrapsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. great πολλῆς (pollēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. distress θλίψεως (thlipseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2347.htm">Strong's 2347: </a> Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. anguish συνοχῆς (synochēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4928.htm">Strong's 4928: </a> Distress, anguish, anxiety. From sunecho; restraint, i.e. anxiety. of heart, καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. not οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. grieve you λυπηθῆτε (lypēthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3076.htm">Strong's 3076: </a> To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. let you know γνῶτε (gnōte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. how much περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly. I love you. ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>