The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 2:4 Explained

2 Corinthians 2:4

KJV: 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.

YLT: 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.

Darby: For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you.

ASV: 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 that I have more abundantly unto you.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 2 Corinthians 2:4 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Paul"s affliction was probably the one referred to above ( 2 Corinthians 1:8-11). His anguish of heart doubtless arose both from his affliction and the condition of the Corinthian church. This verse is one of several in this epistle that gives us a window into the heart of the great apostle. Second Corinthians is one of the most personal of Paul"s epistles.
"The chief element of value in this ep. [1] is the revelation it gives of the apostle himself." [2]
Clearly Paul claimed that love for the Corinthians moved him to write the severe letter. He wanted to make them repentant and consequently joyful, not oppressed and sorrowful. He wept over them. Doubtless he wept again when he learned that his readers had misunderstood his best intentions.
"This passage, as Denney says, "reveals, more clearly perhaps than any passage in the New Testament, the essential qualification of the Christian minister-a heart pledged to his brethren in the love of Christ.... "Depend upon it," he counsels, "we shall not make others weep for that for which we have not wept; we shall not make that touch the hearts of others which has not first touched our own."" [3]
"When the offender is made to feel that, while his sin is punished, he himself is loved; and that the end aimed at is not his suffering but his good, he is the more likely to be brought to repentance. Every pastor must see in the apostle"s love for the Corinthians, and in the extreme sorrow with which he exercised discipline, in the case of offenders, an instructive example for his imitation." [4]
"In a manner that calls to mind Jesus" forgiveness of those who caused him pain at the time of the crucifixion ( Luke 23:34), Paul responded with a deep expression of overflowing love for those who had failed him." [5]
Paul had a special affection for the Corinthian believers.
"His love for them was more abundant, or greater, than that which he had for any other church. This view is borne out by numerous other passages in these two epistles, which go to show that Paul"s love for the Corinthian church was, for some reason, peculiarly strong." [6]
Paul"s example helps Christian leaders learn how to rebuke when we must. He used severity and rebukes very reluctantly. When he did rebuke, he did it without domineering. He did it with love in his heart and desire to see the best in those whom he rebuked. Nonetheless he did it when it was necessary. [7]
It is often difficult to give up our plans, especially if much prayer and deliberation have gone into the planning. What makes this even harder is the possibility of our being misunderstood by others when we make changes. Notwithstanding, God often leads us just one step at a time. We must be willing to alter our plans if it is in the best interests of others and the gospel to do so.
"If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you; but if you live to please God, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage." [8]

Context Summary

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

1  Having shown the reason why he came not to them,
6  he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person,
10  even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him;
12  declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia,
14  and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:4

Anguish [συνοχης]
Ablative case after εκ — ek (out of). Old word from συνεχω — sunechō to hold together. So contraction of heart (Cicero, contractio animi), a spiritual angina pectoris. In N.T. only here and Luke 21:25. [source]
With many tears [δια πολλων δακρυων]
He dictated that letter “through tears” (accompanied by tears). Paul was a man of heart. He writes to the Philippians with weeping He twice mentions his tears in his speech at Miletus (Acts 20:19-31). But that ye might know the love (αλλα την αγαπην ινα γνωτε — alla tēn agapēn hina gnōte). Proleptic position of αγαπην — agapēn and ingressive second aorist active subjunctive γνωτε — gnōte come to know. [source]
But that ye might know the love [αλλα την αγαπην ινα γνωτε]
Proleptic position of αγαπην — agapēn and ingressive second aorist active subjunctive γνωτε — gnōte come to know. [source]
Anguish [συνοχῆς]
Only here and Luke 21:25. Lit., a holding together, constraining, or compressing. See on taken, Luke 4:38. So anguish, from the Latin, angere to choke: anger, which, in earlier English, means affiction, mental torture: anxious: the Latin anguis a snake, marking the serpent by his throttling. In Sanscrit, anhas, from the same root, was the name for sin, the throttler. It reappears obscurely in our medical term quinsy, which was originally quinancy, Greek κυνάγκη dog-throttlingmed., cynanche f0. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 2:4

Luke 21:25 Distress [συνοχη]
From συνεχω — sunechō In the N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 2:4. Anguish. [source]
Acts 20:18 From the first day that [απο πρωτης ημερας απ ης]
“From first day from which.” He had first “set foot” Literally, “How I came (from Asia and so was) with you.” Cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 where Paul likewise dares to refer boldly to his life while with them “all the time” (τον παντα χρονον — ton panta chronon). Accusative of duration of time. So far as we know, Paul stuck to Ephesus the whole period. He had devoted himself consecratedly to the task in Ephesus. Each pastor is bishop of his field and has a golden opportunity to work it for Christ. One of the saddest things about the present situation is the restlessness of preachers to go elsewhere instead of devoting themselves wholly to the task where they are. 19. Serving the Lord It was Paul‘s glory to be the δουλος — doulos (bond-slave) as in Romans 1:1; Philemon 1:1. Paul alone, save Jesus in Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13, uses δουλευω — douleuō six times for serving God (Page). With all lowliness of mind (μετα πασης ταπεινοπροσυνης — meta pasēs tapeinophrosunēs). Lightfoot notes that heathen writers use this word for a grovelling, abject state of mind, but Paul follows Christ in using it for humility, humble-mindedness that should mark every Christian and in particular the preacher. With tears Construed with μετα — meta Paul was a man of the deepest emotion along with his high intellectuality. He mentions his tears again in Acts 20:31, tears of sorrow and of anxiety. He refers to his tears in writing the sharp letter to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:4) and in denouncing the sensual apostates in Philemon 3:18. Adolphe Monod has a wonderful sermon on the tears of Paul. Consider also the tears of Jesus. Trials which befell me (πειρασμων των συμβαντων μοι — peirasmōn tōn sumbantōn moi). Construed also with μετα — meta Second aorist active participle of συνβαινω — sunbain to walk with, to go with, to come together, to happen, to befall. Very common in this sense in the old Greek (cf. Acts 3:10). By the plots of the Jews Like the plot (επιβουλη — epiboulē) against him in Corinth (Acts 20:3) as well as the earlier trial before Gallio and the attacks in Thessalonica. In Acts 19:9 Luke shows the hostile attitude of the Jews in Ephesus that drove Paul out of the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus. He does not describe in detail these “plots” which may easily be imagined from Paul‘s own letters and may be even referred to in 1 Corinthians 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:30.; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 1:4-10; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:23. In fact, one has only to dwell on the allusions in 2 Corinthians 11 to picture what Paul‘s life was in Ephesus during these three years. Luke gives in Acts 19 the outbreak of Demetrius, but Paul had already fought with “wild-beasts” there. [source]
Acts 20:18 Serving the Lord [δουλευων τωι κυριωι]
It was Paul‘s glory to be the δουλος — doulos (bond-slave) as in Romans 1:1; Philemon 1:1. Paul alone, save Jesus in Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13, uses δουλευω — douleuō six times for serving God (Page). With all lowliness of mind (μετα πασης ταπεινοπροσυνης — meta pasēs tapeinophrosunēs). Lightfoot notes that heathen writers use this word for a grovelling, abject state of mind, but Paul follows Christ in using it for humility, humble-mindedness that should mark every Christian and in particular the preacher. With tears Construed with μετα — meta Paul was a man of the deepest emotion along with his high intellectuality. He mentions his tears again in Acts 20:31, tears of sorrow and of anxiety. He refers to his tears in writing the sharp letter to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:4) and in denouncing the sensual apostates in Philemon 3:18. Adolphe Monod has a wonderful sermon on the tears of Paul. Consider also the tears of Jesus. Trials which befell me (πειρασμων των συμβαντων μοι — peirasmōn tōn sumbantōn moi). Construed also with μετα — meta Second aorist active participle of συνβαινω — sunbain to walk with, to go with, to come together, to happen, to befall. Very common in this sense in the old Greek (cf. Acts 3:10). By the plots of the Jews Like the plot (επιβουλη — epiboulē) against him in Corinth (Acts 20:3) as well as the earlier trial before Gallio and the attacks in Thessalonica. In Acts 19:9 Luke shows the hostile attitude of the Jews in Ephesus that drove Paul out of the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus. He does not describe in detail these “plots” which may easily be imagined from Paul‘s own letters and may be even referred to in 1 Corinthians 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:30.; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 1:4-10; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:23. In fact, one has only to dwell on the allusions in 2 Corinthians 11 to picture what Paul‘s life was in Ephesus during these three years. Luke gives in Acts 19 the outbreak of Demetrius, but Paul had already fought with “wild-beasts” there. [source]
Acts 20:18 With tears [δακρυων]
Construed with μετα — meta Paul was a man of the deepest emotion along with his high intellectuality. He mentions his tears again in Acts 20:31, tears of sorrow and of anxiety. He refers to his tears in writing the sharp letter to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:4) and in denouncing the sensual apostates in Philemon 3:18. Adolphe Monod has a wonderful sermon on the tears of Paul. Consider also the tears of Jesus. Trials which befell me (πειρασμων των συμβαντων μοι — peirasmōn tōn sumbantōn moi). Construed also with μετα — meta Second aorist active participle of συνβαινω — sunbain to walk with, to go with, to come together, to happen, to befall. Very common in this sense in the old Greek (cf. Acts 3:10). By the plots of the Jews Like the plot (επιβουλη — epiboulē) against him in Corinth (Acts 20:3) as well as the earlier trial before Gallio and the attacks in Thessalonica. In Acts 19:9 Luke shows the hostile attitude of the Jews in Ephesus that drove Paul out of the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus. He does not describe in detail these “plots” which may easily be imagined from Paul‘s own letters and may be even referred to in 1 Corinthians 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:30.; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 1:4-10; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:23. In fact, one has only to dwell on the allusions in 2 Corinthians 11 to picture what Paul‘s life was in Ephesus during these three years. Luke gives in Acts 19 the outbreak of Demetrius, but Paul had already fought with “wild-beasts” there. [source]
Romans 1:21 Heart [καρδία]
The heart is, first, the physical organ, the center of the circulation of the blood. Hence, the seat and center of physical life. In the former sense it does not occur in the New Testament. As denoting the vigor and sense of physical life, see Acts 14:17; James 5:5; Luke 21:34. It is used fifty-two times by Paul. Never used like ψυχή , soul, to denote the individual subject of personal life, so that it can be exchanged with the personal pronoun (Acts 2:43; Acts 3:23; Romans 13:1); nor like πνεῦμα spiritto denote the divinely-given principle of life. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It is the central seat and organ of the personal life ( ψυχή ) of man regarded in and by himself. Hence it is commonly accompanied with the possessive pronouns, my, his, thy, etc. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Like our heart it denotes the seat of feeling as contrasted with intelligence. 2 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 9:2; Romans 10:1; 2 Corinthians 6:11; Philemon 1:7. But it is not limited to this. It is also the seat of mental action, feeling, thinking, willing. It is used - -DIVIDER-
1. Of intelligence, Romans 1:21; 2 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 1:18. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Of moral choice, 1 Corinthians 7:37; 2 Corinthians 9:7. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
3. As giving impulse and character to action, Romans 6:17; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22. The work of the law is written on the heart, Romans 2:15. The Corinthian Church is inscribed as Christ's epistle on hearts of flesh, 2 Corinthians 3:2-3. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
4. Specially, it is the seat of the divine Spirit, Galatians 4:6; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:22. It is the sphere of His various operations, directing, comforting, establishing, etc., Philemon 4:7; Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:5. It is the seat of faith, and the organ of spiritual praise, Romans 10:9; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It is equivalent to the inner man, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 3:17. Its characteristic is being hidden, Romans 2:28, Romans 2:29; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 14:25. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It is contrasted with the face, 1 Thessalonians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 5:12; and with the mouth, Romans 10:8. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote this very thing [εγραπσα τουτο αυτο]
Is this (and εγραπσα — egrapsa in 2 Corinthians 2:4, 2 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12) the epistolary aorist referring to the present letter? In itself that is possible as the epistolary aorist does occur in the N.T. as in 2 Corinthians 8:18; 2 Corinthians 9:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 854f.). If not epistolary aorist as seems improbable from the context and from 2 Corinthians 7:8-12, to what Epistle does he refer? To 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 or to a lost letter? It is possible, of course, that, when Paul decided not to come to Corinth, he sent a letter. The language that follows in 2 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:8-12 can hardly apply to I Corinthians. [source]
Philippians 3:18 Even weeping [και κλαιων]
Deep emotion as he dictated the letter and recalled these recreant followers of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:4). The enemies of the cross of Christ (τους εχτρους του σταυρου του Χριστου — tous echthrous tou staurou tou Christou). Either the Judaizers who denied the value of the cross of Christ (Galatians 5:11; Galatians 6:12, Galatians 6:14) or Epicurean antinomians whose loose living gave the lie to the cross of Christ (1 John 2:4). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 Having received the word [δεχαμενοι τον λογον]
First aorist middle participle of δεχομαι — dechomai probably simultaneous action (receiving), not antecedent. In much affliction (εν τλιπσει πολληι — en thlipsei pollēi). Late word, pressure. Tribulation (Latin tribulum) from τλιβω — thlibō to press hard on. Christianity has glorified this word. It occurs in some Christian papyrus letters in this same sense. Runs all through the N.T. (2 Thessalonians 1:4; Romans 5:3). Paul had his share of them (Colossians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 2:4) and so he understands how to sympathize with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:3.). They suffered after Paul left Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:14). With joy of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit gives the joy in the midst of the tribulations as Paul learned (Romans 5:3). “This paradox of experience” (Moffatt) shines along the pathway of martyrs and saints of Christ. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 In much affliction [εν τλιπσει πολληι]
Late word, pressure. Tribulation (Latin tribulum) from τλιβω — thlibō to press hard on. Christianity has glorified this word. It occurs in some Christian papyrus letters in this same sense. Runs all through the N.T. (2 Thessalonians 1:4; Romans 5:3). Paul had his share of them (Colossians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 2:4) and so he understands how to sympathize with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:3.). They suffered after Paul left Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:14). [source]
2 Timothy 2:2 Among many witnesses [δια πολλων μαρτυρων]
Plutarch has δια — dia in this sense and Field (Ot. Norv.) suggests that it is a legal phrase “supported by many witnesses.” Not mere spectators, but testifiers. See Paul‘s use of δια — dia 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 2:27; Romans 14:20. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 gives many witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. Commit thou (παρατου — parathou). Second aorist middle imperative of παρατιτημι — paratithēmi (1 Timothy 1:18) to deposit, same metaphor as παρατηκη — parathēkē in 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:14. “Deposit thou.” Faithful “Trustworthy,” “reliable,” as in 1 Timothy 1:12 of Paul himself. Able (ικανοι — hikanoi). Capable, qualified, as in 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:5. Others also Not necessarily “different,” but “others in addition.” This is the way to pass on the torch of the light of the knowledge of God in Christ. Paul taught Timothy who will teach others who will teach still others, an endless chain of teacher-training and gospel propaganda. [source]
Hebrews 9:11 Through a greater and more perfect tabernacle [διὰ]
The preposition is instrumental. Comp. Hebrews 9:12. Const. with ἀρχιερεὺς highpriest, and as qualifying it. “A high priest with a greater and more perfect tabernacle.” It has been shown that the new high priest must have a sanctuary and an offering (Hebrews 8:2-8). Accordingly, as the Levitical priests were attached to (were priests with ) an inferior tabernacle, so Christ appears with a greater and more perfect tabernacle. For this use of διὰ see Romans 2:27; Romans 14:20; 2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 3:11. Note the article with tabernacle, his greater, etc. [source]
Hebrews 9:11 Having come [παραγενομενος]
Second aorist middle participle of παραγινομαι — paraginomai This is the great historic event that is the crux of history. “Christ came on the scene, and all was changed” (Moffatt). Of the good things to come But B D read γενομενων — genomenōn (that are come). It is a nice question which is the true text. Both aspects are true, for Christ is High Priest of good things that have already come as well as of the glorious future of hope. Westcott prefers γενομενων — genomenōn Moffatt μελλοντων — mellontōn Through the greater and more perfect tabernacle Probably the instrumental use of δια — dia (2 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 2:27; Romans 14:20) as accompaniment, not the local idea (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 10:20). Christ as High Priest employed in his work the heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:2) after which the earthly was patterned (Hebrews 9:24). Not made with hands Old compound verbal for which see Mark 14:58; Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24. Cf. Hebrews 8:2. Here in the predicate position. Not of this creation Explanation of ου χιεροποιητου — ou chieropoiētou For κτισις — ktisis see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:19. For the idea see 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 8:2. This greater and more perfect tabernacle is heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24). [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 2:4 mean?

Out of for much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you through many tears not that you might be grieved but the love you might know that I have more abundantly toward you
ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως καὶ συνοχῆς καρδίας ἔγραψα ὑμῖν διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων οὐχ ἵνα λυπηθῆτε ἀλλὰ τὴν ἀγάπην γνῶτε ἣν ἔχω περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς

ἐκ  Out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
πολλῆς  much 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
θλίψεως  affliction 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: θλῖψις  
Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure.
συνοχῆς  anguish 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: συνοχή  
Sense: a holding together, a narrowing.
καρδίας  of  heart 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: καρδία  
Sense: the heart.
ἔγραψα  I  wrote 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: γράφω 
Sense: to write, with reference to the form of the letters.
ὑμῖν  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
πολλῶν  many 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
δακρύων  tears 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: δάκρυον  
Sense: a tear.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
λυπηθῆτε  you  might  be  grieved 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: λυπέω  
Sense: to make sorrowful.
ἀγάπην  love 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγάπη  
Sense: brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence.
γνῶτε  you  might  know 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: γινώσκω  
Sense: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.
ἣν  that 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
ἔχω  I  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
περισσοτέρως  more  abundantly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: περισσῶς  
Sense: beyond measure, extraordinary.
εἰς  toward 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.