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2 Corinthians 7:9-11

I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold, this same thing, that you were grieved in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.

World English Bible · Public Domain
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2 Corinthians 7:9-11 sits inside this longer paragraph.

For though I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you grieve, though just for a while. I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold, this same thing, that you were grieved in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter. So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God. Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth. His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him. I rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.

    For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.

    For behold, this same thing, that you were grieved in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    But I now reioyce not that ye were sory but that ye so sorowed that ye repented. For ye sorowed godly: so that in nothynge ye were hurte by vs.

    For godly sorowe causeth repentaunce vnto salvacion not to be repented of: when worldly sorow causeth deeth.

    Beholde what diligence this godly sorowe that ye toke hath wrought in you: yee it caused you to cleare youre selves. It caused indignacion it caused feare that caused desyre it caused a fervent mynde it caused punysshment. For in all thynges ye have shewed youreselues that ye were cleare in that matter.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    I nowe reioyce, not that ye were sorie, but that ye sorowed to repentance: for ye sorowed godly, so that in nothing ye were hurt by vs.

    For godly sorowe causeth repentance vnto saluation, not to be repented of: but the worldly sorowe causeth death.

    For beholde, this thing that ye haue bene godly sory, what great care it hath wrought in you: yea, what clearing of yourselues: yea, what indignation: yea, what feare: yea, howe great desire: yea, what a zeale: yea, what reuenge: in all things ye haue shewed your selues, that ye are pure in this matter.

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Cross-references (95)

  • Acts 3:19 (v10) “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the…
  • Acts 11:18 (v10) When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to…
  • 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (v10) in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, and they may…
  • 2 Samuel 12:13 (v10) David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die.
  • Luke 18:13 (v10) But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a…
Show all 93 cross-references
  • Luke 15:10 (vv9–10) Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”
  • 1 Kings 8:47-50 (v10) yet if they repent in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who…
  • Jonah 3:10 (v10) God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he didn’t do…
  • Hebrews 12:17 (v10) For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind…
  • Romans 14:18 (v11) For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
  • Job 33:27-28 (v10) He sings before men, and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn’t profit me. He has redeemed my soul from…
  • 1 Timothy 5:21-22 (v11) I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing…
  • Proverbs 17:22 (v10) A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
  • Matthew 21:28-32 (v10) But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ He answered, ‘I will…
  • Luke 15:7 (v9) I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no…
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 (v11) Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
  • Ezekiel 18:27-30 (v10) Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he will save his…
  • Jeremiah 31:18-20 (vv9, 11) “I have surely heard Ephraim grieving thus, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as an untrained calf. Turn me, and I will be…
  • Psalms 2:11 (v11) Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
  • Proverbs 15:15 (v10) All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
  • Jonah 4:9 (v10) God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the vine?” He said, “I am right to be angry, even to death.”
  • Matthew 26:75 (v10) Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept…
  • Ephesians 5:11 (v11) Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them.
  • Genesis 4:13-15 (v10) Cain said to Yahweh, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me out today from the surface of the ground. I will…
  • 1 Samuel 30:6 (v10) David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons…
  • 2 Samuel 13:4 (v10) He said to him, “Why, son of the king, are you so sad from day to day? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother…
  • Psalms 38:18 (v9) For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.
  • Proverbs 15:13 (v10) A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
  • Proverbs 18:14 (v10) A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
  • Ecclesiastes 7:3 (v9) Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
  • Jeremiah 31:9 (v10) They will come with weeping. I will lead them with petitions. I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which…
  • Ezekiel 7:16 (v10) But those of those who escape, they will escape and will be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, everyone in…
  • Jonah 3:8 (v10) but let them be covered with sackcloth, both man and animal, and let them cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn everyone from his evil…
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 (v11) But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 (v11) and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and…
  • 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 (v9) For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold, this…
  • 2 Corinthians 13:8-10 (v9) For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your…
  • Ephesians 4:26 (v11) “Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
  • Hebrews 12:15-16 (v11) looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many…
  • 1 Peter 2:2 (v11) as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,
  • Jude 1:23 (v11) and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
  • Revelation 3:19 (v11) As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.
  • Genesis 30:1 (v10) When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I will die.”
  • 2 Samuel 17:23 (v10) When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went home, to his city, and set his house in…
  • 1 Kings 21:4 (v10) Ahab came into his house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not…
  • Psalms 35:13 (v11) But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom.
  • Psalms 38:9 (v11) Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you.
  • Psalms 42:1 (v11) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.
  • Zechariah 12:10 (v9) I will pour on David’s house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom…
  • Matthew 27:4-5 (v10) saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.” He threw down the pieces of…
  • Acts 17:16 (v11) Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
  • Romans 11:20 (v11) True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:2 (v11) You are arrogant, and didn’t mourn instead, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:25 (v11) that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:6 (v11) This punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one;
  • 2 Corinthians 6:4 (v11) but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 (v11) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear…
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 (v11) for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your…
  • 2 Corinthians 10:8-10 (v9) For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down, I…
  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 (v10) that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented…
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 (v11) Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as…
  • Philippians 2:12 (v11) So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation…
  • Titus 3:8 (v11) This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be…
  • Hebrews 4:1 (v11) Let’s fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
  • 1 Peter 1:17 (v11) If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as…
  • Genesis 44:6-7 (v11) He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your…
  • 2 Samuel 12:5-7 (v11) David’s anger burned hot against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this deserves to die! He must…
  • Nehemiah 5:6-13 (v11) I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and…
  • Nehemiah 13:25 (v11) I contended with them, and cursed them, and struck certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, “You shall not…
  • Psalms 69:9 (v11) For the zeal of your house consumes me. The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
  • Psalms 119:139 (v11) My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
  • Psalms 130:6 (v11) My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
  • Psalms 145:19 (v11) He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
  • Proverbs 14:16 (v11) A wise man fears and shuns evil, but the fool is hot headed and reckless.
  • Proverbs 28:14 (v11) Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 (v11) Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes…
  • Isaiah 6:9-11 (v9) He said, “Go, and tell this people, ‘You hear indeed, but don’t understand. You see indeed, but don’t perceive.’ Make the heart of this…
  • Isaiah 26:8 (v11) Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, we have waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul.
  • Isaiah 66:2 (v11) For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is…
  • Daniel 6:14 (v11) Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the going…
  • Zechariah 12:10-14 (v11) I will pour on David’s house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom…
  • Matthew 5:29-30 (v11) If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your…
  • Mark 3:5 (v11) When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”…
  • Mark 9:43-48 (v11) If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go…
  • Luke 15:17-24 (v9) But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger! I will…
  • John 2:17 (v11) His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”
  • Acts 20:21 (v9) testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 (v9) For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of…
  • 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (v9) Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with…
  • Job 42:6 (v11) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
  • Luke 15:32 (v9) But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ ”
  • 2 Corinthians 2:16 (v9) to the one a stench from death to death, to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
  • 2 Corinthians 7:9 (v11) I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might…

93 distinct cross-references across this passage (95 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (23 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9. Not because you have been made sorry. He…

9. Not because you have been made sorry. He means, that he feels no pleasure whatever in their sorrow — nay more, had he his choice, he would endeavor to promote equally their welfare and their joy, by the same means; but that as he could not do otherwise, their welfare was of so much importance in his view, that he rejoiced that they had been made sorry unto repentance. For there are instances of physicians, who are, indeed, in other respects good and faithful, but are at the same time harsh, and do not spare their patients. Paul declares, that he is not of such a disposition as to employ harsh cures, when not constrained by necessity. As, however, it had turned out well, that he had made trial of that kind of cure, he congratulates himself on his success. He makes use of a similar form of expression in 2 Corinthians 5:4,

We in this tabernacle groan, being burdened, because we are desirous not to be unclothed, but clothed upon.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv9–10 Insomuch that that sorrow did you much good toward…
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry,…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv10–11 Note here, that sorrow for sin, will be of…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry,....…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv10–11 The sorrow of the world - Sorrow that arises…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Verse 9. Ye sorrowed to repentance] Ye had such…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv9–10 Now I rejoice, &c. I should have been inconsolable,…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Now I rejoice--Whereas "I did repent" or regret having…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9. To repentance—Over their sorrow alone he could not…
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv9–11 (9) That ye sorrowed to repentance.—Here the true word…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv9–11 Not that ye were made sorry. They might have…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v11 For … ye sorrowed after a godly sort.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9. Now I rejoice. Not because they were made…
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On v10 2 Corinthians
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv9–11 I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry,…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v10 salvation (See Scofield "Rom 1:16")
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v9 Paul’s rejoicing over the result of his measures:
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v11 See what great determination
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v9 7:9-10 Two kinds of sorrow are mentioned: (1) Worldly…
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