1
Ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας, ἀγαπητοί, καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ παντὸς μολυσμοῦ σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος, ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην ἐν φόβῳ θεοῦ.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Inference / exhortationοὖνThe inferential οὖν draws the appeal of 6:14–18 to its hortatory climax: because we hold the promises of God's indwelling and fatherhood, the fitting response is self-cleansing and completed holiness.
ΤαύταςtheseAccusativeattributive demonstrative (w/ ἐπαγγελίας)
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the consequence from the promises cited in 6:16–18.
ἔχοντεςhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωcausal/circumstantial participle→ present (concurrent, durative)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; here of holding promises in present possession — the ground of the exhortation.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἐπαγγελίαςpromisesAccusativedirect object of ἔχοντεςἐπαγγελία: 'promise'; the divine pledges of indwelling, walking-among, fatherhood and sonship just cited (6:16–18).
ἀγαπητοίbelovedVocativevocative of addressἀγαπητός: 'beloved'; an affectionate direct address that softens the imperative and signals pastoral warmth.
καθαρίσωμενlet us cleanseAor Act Subj 1 Pl · καθαρίζωhortatory subjunctive (main verb)→ ingressive/constative aorist (decisive act)καθαρίζω: 'cleanse, purify'; cultic/moral cleansing — Paul includes himself in the call (1 Pl).
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativereflexive direct object
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
παντὸςeveryGenitiveattributive adjective
μολυσμοῦdefilementGenitiveobject of ἀπό (source of separation)μολυσμός: 'defilement, contamination' (NT hapax; cf. LXX Jer 23:15); the stain idolatry leaves on body and spirit.
σαρκὸςof fleshGenitivegenitive of source/sphere (defilement that touches the flesh)σάρξ: 'flesh'; here the outward, bodily aspect of the person, paired with πνεῦμα for totality.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πνεύματοςof spiritGenitivegenitive of source/sphereπνεῦμα: here the human spirit, the inner aspect; flesh-and-spirit together = the whole person.
ἐπιτελοῦντεςperfectingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐπιτελέωadverbial participle of means/result→ present (ongoing process)ἐπιτελέω: 'bring to completion, accomplish' (ἐπί-intensive of τελέω); holiness is carried through to its goal.
ἁγιωσύνηνholinessAccusativedirect object of ἐπιτελοῦντεςἁγιωσύνη: 'holiness'; the consecrated state befitting God's temple (cf. Rom 1:4; 1 Thess 3:13).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/manner)
φόβῳfearDativedat. of manner (reverent atmosphere of the work)φόβος: 'fear, reverence'; here the awed reverence due to God, not dread — the climate of true holiness.
θεοῦof GodGenitiveobjective genitive (fear directed toward God)
2
Χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς· οὐδένα ἠδικήσαμεν, οὐδένα ἐφθείραμεν, οὐδένα ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν.
Make room for us; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one.
Renewed appeal (asyndeton)asyndetonAsyndeton marks an abrupt return to the open-hearted appeal of 6:11–13. The terse triple denial — wronged, corrupted, defrauded none — clears Paul of the charges his rivals pressed.
Χωρήσατεmake room forAor Act Impv 2 Pl · χωρέωimperative (renewed appeal)→ ingressive aorist (do it now)χωρέω: 'make room, give place to'; take us into your hearts — the counterpart to 'be enlarged' in 6:13.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object
οὐδέναno oneAccusativedirect object (fronted for emphasis)οὐδείς: 'no one'; the threefold anaphora οὐδένα … οὐδένα … οὐδένα hammers the denial home.
ἠδικήσαμενwe wrongedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀδικέωmain verb→ constative aorist (whole conduct surveyed)ἀδικέω: 'do wrong, injure'; the broad term for injustice — Paul has wronged none in his dealings.
οὐδέναno oneAccusativedirect object (fronted)
ἐφθείραμενwe corruptedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · φθείρωmain verb→ constative aoristφθείρω: 'ruin, corrupt, destroy'; perhaps moral or doctrinal corruption — Paul led none astray.
οὐδέναno oneAccusativedirect object (fronted)
ἐπλεονεκτήσαμενwe took advantage ofAor Act Indic 1 Pl · πλεονεκτέωmain verb→ constative aoristπλεονεκτέω: 'defraud, exploit for gain' (from πλεονέκτης, the greedy); Paul did not fleece them financially (cf. 12:17).
3
πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω· προείρηκα γὰρ ὅτι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συζῆν.
I do not say this to condemn you; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.
Clarification / groundγάρPaul guards against misreading the denials of v.2 as accusation: he speaks not to condemn, for (γάρ) he has already affirmed that the Corinthians are held in his heart in a bond unto death and life.
πρὸςfor / towardpreposition + accusative (purpose/aim)
κατάκρισινcondemnationAccusativeobject of πρός (purpose)κατάκρισις: 'condemnation, censure' (κατά + κρίσις); Paul's aim is not to pass sentence on them (cf. 3:9).
οὐnotnegative particle
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ present (of the present utterance)λέγω: 'say, speak'; here referring to the denials just made in v.2.
προείρηκαI have said beforePerf Act Indic 1 Sg · προερέωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ intensive perfect (a settled, abiding statement)προερέω/προλέγω: 'say beforehand'; the perfect marks a prior declaration still in force (cf. 6:11–12).
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὅτιthatconjunction (introduces content clause)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
καρδίαιςheartsDativedat. of place (locus of affection)καρδία: 'heart'; the seat of love and loyalty — the Corinthians are lodged within Paul's affections.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (content of ὅτι clause)→ stative present
εἰςfor / untopreposition + articular infinitive (purpose/result)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (nominalizes infinitives)
συναποθανεῖνto die togetherAor Act Inf · συναποθνῄσκωarticular infinitive (of association)→ constative aoristσυναποθνῄσκω: 'die together with' (σύν + ἀποθνῄσκω); the bond holds even unto a shared death — fellowship to the uttermost.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συζῆνto live togetherPres Act Inf · συζάωarticular infinitive (coordinate)→ present (ongoing shared life)συζάω: 'live together with' (σύν + ζάω); the order death-then-life heightens the pledge of unbreakable union.
4
πολλή μοι παρρησία πρὸς ὑμᾶς, πολλή μοι καύχησις ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν· πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει, ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν.
Great is my boldness toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I have been filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
Emotional summary (asyndeton)asyndetonAn exuberant, balanced outpouring caps the appeal: parallel πολλή … πολλή, then two verbs of fullness (filled, overflowing) that anticipate the joy-amid-affliction theme of vv.5–7.
πολλήgreat / muchNominativepredicate adjective (verbless clause)πολύς: 'much, great'; fronted for emphasis in a verbless clause — boldness in abundance.
μοιto me / I haveDativedat. of possession
παρρησίαboldnessNominativesubject (verbless clause)παρρησία: 'frankness, confidence' (πᾶν + ῥῆσις, 'all speech'); openness to speak freely toward them.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction/relation)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
πολλήgreatNominativepredicate adjective (parallel clause)
μοιto meDativedat. of possession
καύχησιςboastingNominativesubject (verbless clause)καύχησις: 'boasting, the act of glorying'; Paul's confident pride in the Corinthians — a key motif of the letter.
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (reference/advantage)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
πεπλήρωμαιI have been filledPerf Pass Indic 1 Sg · πληρόωmain verb→ intensive perfect (filled and remaining full)πληρόω: 'fill, make full'; the perfect = a fullness now possessed — brim-full of comfort.
τῇwith theDativearticle
παρακλήσειcomfortDativedat. of content/means (that which fills)παράκλησις: 'comfort, encouragement' (παρά + καλέω); the leading theme of 1:3–7 here recurs in personal key.
ὑπερπερισσεύομαιI overflowPres Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · ὑπερπερισσεύωmain verb→ present (overflowing state)ὑπερπερισσεύω: 'superabound, overflow' (ὑπέρ-intensive of περισσεύω); joy more than brims — it spills over.
τῇwith theDativearticle
χαρᾷjoyDativedat. of content/cause (the overflowing joy)χαρά: 'joy'; the dominant note of vv.4–16, paradoxically rising amid affliction.
ἐπὶin / amidpreposition + dative (attendant circumstance)
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjective
τῇtheDativearticle
θλίψειafflictionDativedat. (circumstance amid which joy abounds)θλῖψις: 'pressure, tribulation' (lit. a crushing); the joy is not despite but in the very midst of the affliction (cf. v.5).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
5
Καὶ γὰρ ἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν, ἀλλ' ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι· ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι.
For indeed, when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn — without were conflicts, within were fears.
Substantiation (narrative resumed)Καὶ γάρΚαὶ γάρ ('for indeed') grounds the affliction of v.4 by resuming the travel narrative dropped at 2:13: arriving in Macedonia, Paul found no relief — outward conflicts, inward fears.
Καὶindeed / evenadjunctive (with γάρ)καὶ γάρ: 'for indeed, for even'; a strengthened causal connective introducing confirming evidence.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐλθόντωνhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἔρχομαιgenitive absolute (temporal)→ constative aorist (antecedent action)ἔρχομαι: 'come, go'; the genitive absolute sets the temporal frame — 'when we came.'
ἡμῶνweGenitivesubject of genitive absolute
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
ΜακεδονίανMacedoniaAccusativeobject of εἰς (destination)Μακεδονία: Macedonia, the northern Roman province; the place where Titus rejoined Paul (cf. 2:13).
οὐδεμίανnoAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ ἄνεσιν)οὐδείς (fem. οὐδεμία): 'not one, no'; emphatic total negation of rest.
ἔσχηκενhadPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ perfect with aoristic/narrative force (vivid)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the perfect here functions as a vivid past — the restless state stamped on memory (cf. 2:13).
ἄνεσινrest / reliefAccusativedirect objectἄνεσις: 'relaxation, relief' (from ἀνίημι, 'let loose'); a loosening of pressure — the opposite of θλῖψις.
ἡtheNominativearticle
σὰρξfleshNominativesubjectσάρξ: here 'the flesh' as the weak human self that feels the strain — equivalent to 'we, bodily' (cf. πνεῦμα at 2:13).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; a strong contrast — far from rest, every kind of affliction.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
παντὶevery (way)Dativesubstantival adj. (object of ἐν)πᾶς: 'all, every'; ἐν παντί = 'in every way, on every side' — total pressure.
θλιβόμενοιbeing afflictedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · θλίβωparticiple (anacoluthic; shift to logical subject 'we')→ present (ongoing affliction)θλίβω: 'press, afflict'; the participle agrees with the suppressed 'we,' a slight grammatical shift typical of Paul's vivid style.
ἔξωθενwithout / outsideadverb (place)ἔξωθεν: 'from outside, without'; the external front of the affliction.
μάχαιconflictsNominativesubject (verbless clause)μάχη: 'fight, quarrel, conflict'; here open hostilities/strife from without (cf. Jas 4:1).
ἔσωθενwithinadverb (place)ἔσωθεν: 'from inside, within'; the inner front — Paul's anxious dread.
φόβοιfearsNominativesubject (verbless clause)φόβος: 'fear'; here apprehensive dread — chiefly over the Corinthians' response to the painful letter.
6
ἀλλ' ὁ παρακαλῶν τοὺς ταπεινοὺς παρεκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ θεὸς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ Τίτου·
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus —
Contrast / turn to comfortἀλλάThe adversative ἀλλά pivots from affliction to its relief: the God who comforts the lowly comforted Paul, and the means was Titus' arrival — the first of two grounds of comfort (arrival, then report).
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the strong turn from despair to divine comfort.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes the participle)
παρακαλῶνwho comfortsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · παρακαλέωsubstantival participle (title of God; appos. to ὁ θεός)→ gnomic present (characteristic of God)παρακαλέω: 'comfort, encourage, exhort'; God characterized as 'the Comforter of the lowly' (cf. Isa 49:13).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ταπεινοὺςdowncast / lowlyAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ταπεινός: 'lowly, humble, depressed'; here the dejected/downcast — those whom God characteristically lifts (cf. Isa 49:13 LXX).
παρεκάλεσενcomfortedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ constative aorist (the act of comforting)παρακαλέω: 'comfort'; the deliberate echo of the participle — the Comforter comforted.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject (in apposition w/ ὁ παρακαλῶν)θεός: God; named as the true author of the comfort, Titus being merely the means.
ἐνby / inpreposition + dative (means)
τῇtheDativearticle
παρουσίᾳcoming / presenceDativedat. of means (the instrument of comfort)παρουσία: 'arrival, presence' (παρά + οὐσία); the ordinary sense here — Titus' arrival, not the technical eschatological 'coming.'
Τίτουof TitusGenitivesubjective genitive (Titus' coming)Τίτος: Titus, Paul's Greek co-worker (cf. 2:13; 8:6); his return brought the longed-for news from Corinth.
7
οὐ μόνον δὲ ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ' ὑμῖν, ἀναγγέλλων ἡμῖν τὴν ὑμῶν ἐπιπόθησιν, τὸν ὑμῶν ὀδυρμόν, τὸν ὑμῶν ζῆλον ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ, ὥστε με μᾶλλον χαρῆναι.
and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted over you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Amplification (not only … but also)οὐ μόνον δὲ … ἀλλὰ καὶThe comfort came not merely through Titus' arrival but through the comfort Titus himself had received at Corinth: his report of their longing, mourning, and zeal multiplied Paul's joy.
οὐnotnegative (with μόνον)
μόνονonlyadverb (correlative w/ ἀλλὰ καί)μόνον: 'only'; οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί = 'not only … but also,' an ascending correlative.
δὲnow / anddevelopmental conjunction
ἐνby / inpreposition + dative (means)
τῇtheDativearticle
παρουσίᾳcomingDativedat. of meansπαρουσία: 'arrival'; resumed from v.6 — not by the arrival alone.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (subjective)
ἀλλὰbutadversative (correlative)
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means)
τῇtheDativearticle
παρακλήσειcomfortDativedat. of means (antecedent of ᾗ)παράκλησις: 'comfort'; here the comfort Titus had himself received among the Corinthians, now passed on to Paul.
ᾗwith whichDativerelative pronoun (dat. of means; cognate w/ παρεκλήθη)
παρεκλήθηhe was comfortedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb (relative clause)→ constative aoristπαρακαλέω: 'comfort'; Titus himself was encouraged by what he found at Corinth.
ἐφ'over / concerningpreposition + dative (occasion/ground)ἐπί: here 'over, concerning' — the occasion of Titus' comfort was the Corinthians.
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐπί
ἀναγγέλλωνreportingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀναγγέλλωadverbial participle of means (modifying παρεκλήθη/the comfort)→ present (concurrent with the comforting)ἀναγγέλλω: 'report, announce' (ἀνά + ἀγγέλλω); Titus relayed the Corinthians' state of heart.
ἡμῖνto usDativeindirect object
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (fronted within article phrase)
ἐπιπόθησινlongingAccusativedirect object of ἀναγγέλλων (first of a triad)ἐπιπόθησις: 'longing, yearning' (cf. ἐπιποθέω); their eager desire to see Paul reconciled and present.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ὀδυρμόνmourningAccusativedirect object (second of triad)ὀδυρμός: 'lamentation, mourning'; deep grief — here their sorrow over the offence (cf. v.10).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ζῆλονzealAccusativedirect object (third of triad)ζῆλος: 'zeal, ardor'; their fervent partisanship for Paul against the wrongdoer (cf. v.11).
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (advantage)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (emphatic)
ὥστεso thatconjunction (result, + infinitive)ὥστε: 'so that'; introduces the actual result — Paul's heightened joy.
μεI / meAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
μᾶλλονstill moreadverb (comparative degree)μᾶλλον: 'more, rather'; the report added joy upon the joy of Titus' mere arrival.
χαρῆναιto rejoiceAor Pass Inf · χαίρωinfinitive of result (w/ ὥστε)→ ingressive aorist (came to rejoice)χαίρω: 'rejoice'; the deponent aorist passive expresses the joy that welled up in Paul.
8
ὅτι εἰ καὶ ἐλύπησα ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἐπιστολῇ, οὐ μεταμέλομαι· εἰ καὶ μετεμελόμην, βλέπω γὰρ ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη εἰ καὶ πρὸς ὥραν ἐλύπησεν ὑμᾶς,
For though I grieved you by my letter, I do not regret it — though I did regret it; for I see that that letter grieved you, even if only for an hour.
Ground of joy (the painful letter)ὅτιPaul explains the source of his joy: the severe letter, though it caused grief, occasions no lasting regret. The clause is grammatically suspended, its resolution coming in v.9 ('now I rejoice').
ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (grounds the joy of v.7)
εἰif / thoughconditional conjunction (concessive w/ καί)εἰ καί: 'even if, though'; concessive — granting the fact of the grief while denying lasting regret.
καὶevenadjunctive (concessive force)
ἐλύπησαI grievedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λυπέωmain verb (protasis)→ constative aoristλυπέω: 'grieve, pain, distress'; the keyword of vv.8–11 — to cause sorrow.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐνby / inpreposition + dative (means)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐπιστολῇletterDativedat. of means (the instrument of grief)ἐπιστολή: 'letter'; the 'painful/severe letter' written between 1 and 2 Corinthians (cf. 2:3–4).
οὐnotnegative particle
μεταμέλομαιI regretPres Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · μεταμέλομαιmain verb (apodosis)→ present (current stance)μεταμέλομαι: 'regret, feel remorse, change one's mind'; the affective 'rue,' to be distinguished from μετάνοια (v.9).
εἰif / thoughconditional conjunction (concessive)
καὶevenadjunctive (concessive)
μετεμελόμηνI did regretImpf Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · μεταμέλομαιmain verb (concessive aside)→ imperfect (a passing earlier feeling)μεταμέλομαι: here the imperfect marks the regret Paul once felt — a transient anxiety, now resolved.
βλέπωI seePres Act Indic 1 Sg · βλέπωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ present (present perception)βλέπω: 'see, perceive'; Paul now perceives the letter's good outcome (the γάρ explains the dropped regret).
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause of βλέπω)
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἐπιστολὴletterNominativesubjectἐπιστολή: 'letter'; the same severe letter, here the subject of the result clause.
ἐκείνηthatNominativeattributive demonstrativeἐκεῖνος: 'that (one)'; the distal demonstrative points back to the well-known letter.
εἰif / even ifconditional conjunction (concessive)
καὶevenadjunctive (concessive)
πρὸςforpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
ὥρανan hourAccusativeaccusative of duration (πρὸς ὥραν = 'for a while')ὥρα: 'hour'; πρὸς ὥραν = 'for a short time, momentarily' — the grief was brief.
ἐλύπησενgrievedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λυπέωmain verb (content of ὅτι/βλέπω)→ constative aoristλυπέω: 'grieve'; the letter did cause real, if temporary, sorrow.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
9
νῦν χαίρω, οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε, ἀλλ' ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε εἰς μετάνοιαν· ἐλυπήθητε γὰρ κατὰ θεόν, ἵνα ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν.
now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved into repentance; for you were grieved according to God, so that you suffered loss in nothing from us.
Resolution / corrective contrastνῦνThe suspended thought of v.8 resolves: 'now I rejoice.' A οὐχ … ἀλλά corrective sharpens the point — not the grief itself, but its God-ward direction (εἰς μετάνοιαν), gives joy and ensures they lost nothing.
νῦνnowadverb (temporal; logical 'as it is')νῦν: 'now'; marks the present, settled outcome over against the earlier anxiety.
χαίρωI rejoicePres Act Indic 1 Sg · χαίρωmain verb→ present (present joy)χαίρω: 'rejoice'; the resolution Paul has been building toward since v.8.
οὐχnotnegative (correlative w/ ἀλλά)
ὅτιthatconjunction (causal/content)
ἐλυπήθητεyou were grievedAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · λυπέωmain verb (first ὅτι clause)→ constative aoristλυπέω (pass.): 'be grieved, made sorry'; the grief itself is not Paul's joy.
ἀλλ'butadversative (corrective)
ὅτιthatconjunction (causal/content)
ἐλυπήθητεyou were grievedAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · λυπέωmain verb (second ὅτι clause)→ constative aorist
εἰςinto / untopreposition + accusative (result/goal)
μετάνοιανrepentanceAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal of the grief)μετάνοια: 'repentance, change of mind' (μετά + νοῦς); a transformed disposition — distinct from mere remorse (μεταμέλεια).
ἐλυπήθητεyou were grievedAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · λυπέωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ constative aorist
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/norm)κατὰ θεόν: 'in a godly way, as God would have it'; the idiom defining 'godly grief.'
θεόνGodAccusativeobject of κατά (norm)
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose/result, + subjunctive)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
μηδενὶnothingDativedat. of respect (ἐν μηδενί = 'in no respect')μηδείς: 'no one, nothing'; ἐν μηδενί = 'in nothing, in no way.'
ζημιωθῆτεyou might suffer lossAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · ζημιόωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ constative aoristζημιόω: 'cause loss, damage'; the grief's God-ward aim ensured the Corinthians lost nothing through Paul's severity.
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source/agency)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ἐξ (source)
10
ἡ γὰρ κατὰ θεὸν λύπη μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἀμεταμέλητον ἐργάζεται· ἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη θάνατον κατεργάζεται.
For godly grief produces a repentance unto salvation without regret; but the grief of the world produces death.
Maxim / grounding antithesisγάρA gnomic maxim grounds v.9: an antithesis of two griefs. Godly grief works repentance unto salvation that is never regretted; worldly grief works death — the verbs (ἐργάζεται / κατεργάζεται) sharpen the contrast.
ἡtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (attributive: 'godly')κατὰ θεόν: here attributive, 'godly' — the grief whose norm and source is God.
θεὸνGodAccusativeobject of κατά
λύπηgriefNominativesubjectλύπη: 'grief, sorrow, pain'; the noun answering to λυπέω — the inner sorrow itself.
μετάνοιανrepentanceAccusativedirect object of ἐργάζεταιμετάνοια: 'repentance'; the salutary fruit godly grief produces.
εἰςuntopreposition + accusative (goal)
σωτηρίανsalvationAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal of repentance)σωτηρία: 'salvation, deliverance'; the ultimate terminus of the repentance.
ἀμεταμέλητονwithout regretAccusativeattributive adjective (of μετάνοιαν or σωτηρίαν)ἀμεταμέλητος: 'not to be regretted, irrevocable' (alpha-privative + μεταμέλομαι); a deliberate wordplay on μεταμέλομαι (v.8) — this is repentance one never rues.
ἐργάζεταιproduces / worksPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb→ gnomic present (timeless principle)ἐργάζομαι: 'work, produce, bring about'; the simple verb for the good grief, contrasted with the compound κατεργάζεται.
ἡtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative/contrastive conjunction
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κόσμουworldGenitivegenitive of source/possession ('the world's grief')κόσμος: 'world'; the grief characteristic of the world — mere remorse without God, hopeless self-pity.
λύπηgriefNominativesubject (second member of antithesis)
θάνατονdeathAccusativedirect object of κατεργάζεταιθάνατος: 'death'; the deadly terminus of worldly grief — the antithesis of σωτηρία.
κατεργάζεταιproduces / brings aboutPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · κατεργάζομαιmain verb→ gnomic present (timeless principle)κατεργάζομαι: 'achieve, produce fully' (κατά-perfective); the intensified verb fittingly drives worldly grief 'all the way down' to death.
11
ἰδοὺ γὰρ αὐτὸ τοῦτο τὸ κατὰ θεὸν λυπηθῆναι πόσην κατειργάσατο ὑμῖν σπουδήν, ἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν, ἀλλὰ ἀγανάκτησιν, ἀλλὰ φόβον, ἀλλὰ ἐπιπόθησιν, ἀλλὰ ζῆλον, ἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν. ἐν παντὶ συνεστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς ἁγνοὺς εἶναι τῷ πράγματι.
For behold, this very thing, being grieved in a godly way — what earnestness it produced in you, what defense, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! In everything you proved yourselves to be pure in the matter.
Demonstration (proof from the result)γάρἰδού summons the Corinthians to look at the evidence: their own grief produced a sevenfold harvest of zealous reactions, escalated by anaphoric ἀλλά. The conclusion: in everything they proved themselves pure in the matter.
ἰδοὺbeholddemonstrative particle (attention-getter)ἰδού: 'see! behold!'; a frozen imperatival form of ὁράω calling attention to the proof.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
αὐτὸveryNominativeintensive adjective (w/ τοῦτο)αὐτός: here intensive — αὐτὸ τοῦτο, 'this very thing.'
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative (subject phrase, in apposition to the infinitive)
τὸtheNominativearticle (nominalizes the infinitive)
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (attributive: 'godly')
θεὸνGodAccusativeobject of κατά
λυπηθῆναιto be grievedAor Pass Inf · λυπέωarticular infinitive (subject of κατειργάσατο)→ constative aoristλυπέω (pass.): 'be grieved'; substantivized — 'the being-grieved-in-a-godly-way' is what produced the fruit.
πόσηνhow much / whatAccusativeinterrogative-exclamatory adjective (w/ σπουδήν)πόσος: 'how much/great'; here exclamatory — 'what earnestness!'
κατειργάσατοit producedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεργάζομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (the whole effect)κατεργάζομαι: 'produce, bring about'; the same verb as v.10 — but here the good fruit it worked in them.
ὑμῖνin youDativedat. of advantage/locale
σπουδήνearnestnessAccusativedirect object (first of the sevenfold list)σπουδή: 'eagerness, diligence, earnestness'; the leading fruit — wholehearted seriousness to set things right.
ἀλλὰyes / whatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora: 'yes, and …')ἀλλά: here not adversative but climactic/ascensive — repeated to pile up the list ('yes, and what …').
ἀπολογίανdefenseAccusativedirect object (apposition; second item)ἀπολογία: 'defense, vindication' (the legal 'apology'); their eagerness to clear themselves of complicity.
ἀλλὰwhatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora)
ἀγανάκτησινindignationAccusativedirect object (third item)ἀγανάκτησις: 'indignation, vexation' (NT hapax); righteous outrage at the wrong done.
ἀλλὰwhatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora)
φόβονfearAccusativedirect object (fourth item)φόβος: 'fear'; reverent alarm — perhaps before God or before Paul's apostolic authority.
ἀλλὰwhatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora)
ἐπιπόθησινlongingAccusativedirect object (fifth item)ἐπιπόθησις: 'longing'; the same word as v.7 — their yearning for restored fellowship with Paul.
ἀλλὰwhatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora)
ζῆλονzealAccusativedirect object (sixth item)ζῆλος: 'zeal, ardor'; their fervor for the right — again echoing v.7.
ἀλλὰwhatascensive ἀλλά (anaphora)
ἐκδίκησινpunishment / vindicationAccusativedirect object (seventh and climactic item)ἐκδίκησις: 'vengeance, requital, doing justice'; here their readiness to punish the wrongdoer and so vindicate the right (cf. 2:6).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
παντὶeverythingDativesubstantival adj. (ἐν παντί = 'in every respect')
συνεστήσατεyou proved / commendedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · συνίστημιmain verb→ constative aoristσυνίστημι: 'commend, demonstrate, prove' (lit. 'stand together'); their conduct established their innocence.
ἑαυτοὺςyourselvesAccusativereflexive object (subject of the infinitive)
ἁγνοὺςpure / innocentAccusativepredicate accusative (complement of εἶναι)ἁγνός: 'pure, innocent, guiltless'; cleared of complicity in the offence.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (object/complement of συνεστήσατε)→ stative present
τῷin theDativearticle
πράγματιmatterDativedat. of respect (in the affair)πρᾶγμα: 'deed, matter, affair'; the offence and its aftermath — the whole business in view.
12
ἄρα εἰ καὶ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν, οὐχ ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἀδικήσαντος, οὐδὲ ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἀδικηθέντος, ἀλλ' ἕνεκεν τοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.
So then, although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one wronged, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made manifest to you in the sight of God.
Inference (the letter's true purpose)ἄραThe inferential ἄρα states the conclusion about why Paul wrote. A οὐχ … οὐδὲ … ἀλλά structure clears away two apparent aims (offender, offended) for the real one: that their earnest care be made manifest before God.
ἄραso theninferential particleἄρα: 'consequently, so then'; draws the inference about the letter's purpose.
εἰif / althoughconditional conjunction (concessive w/ καί)εἰ καί: 'although'; concessive — granting that he did write.
καὶevenadjunctive (concessive)
ἔγραψαI wroteAor Act Indic 1 Sg · γράφωmain verb (protasis)→ epistolary/constative aoristγράφω: 'write'; refers again to the severe letter (cf. 2:3–4; 7:8).
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
οὐχnotnegative
ἕνεκενfor the sake ofimproper preposition + genitive (cause/purpose)ἕνεκεν: 'on account of, for the sake of'; governs the genitives that follow.
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀδικήσαντοςwho did wrongAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἀδικέωsubstantival participle (object of ἕνεκεν)→ constative aoristἀδικέω: 'do wrong, injure'; the offender — likely the man who had wronged Paul or another (cf. 2:5–11).
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction
ἕνεκενfor the sake ofimproper preposition + genitive
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀδικηθέντοςwho was wrongedAor Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἀδικέωsubstantival participle (object of ἕνεκεν)→ constative aoristἀδικέω (pass.): 'be wronged'; the injured party — perhaps Paul himself or another member.
ἀλλ'butadversative (corrective)
ἕνεκενfor the sake ofimproper preposition + genitive (articular infinitive)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (nominalizes infinitive)
φανερωθῆναιto be made manifestAor Pass Inf · φανερόωarticular infinitive of purpose (w/ ἕνεκεν)→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make manifest, reveal'; the true aim — to bring their loyalty into the open.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
σπουδὴνearnestnessAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitiveσπουδή: 'earnestness, eager care'; the same word as v.11 — their devotion to Paul.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (with the ὑπέρ phrase, attributive)
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
πρὸςto / beforepreposition + accusative (relation: 'to you')
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός (made manifest 'to you')
ἐνώπιονin the sight ofimproper preposition + genitive (place/witness)ἐνώπιον: 'before, in the presence of'; the manifestation occurs as in God's own sight — a solemn coram Deo.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον
13
διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα. Ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ παρακλήσει ἡμῶν περισσοτέρως μᾶλλον ἐχάρημεν ἐπὶ τῇ χαρᾷ Τίτου, ὅτι ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν·
Therefore we have been comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more abundantly at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
Conclusion + new developmentδιὰ τοῦτοδιὰ τοῦτο caps the section ('therefore we have been comforted'); then δέ opens the closing movement — Paul's joy is multiplied by Titus' own joy, whose spirit they refreshed.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)διὰ τοῦτο: 'for this reason, therefore'; sums up vv.8–12 as the ground of comfort.
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (demonstrative)
παρακεκλήμεθαwe have been comfortedPerf Pass Indic 1 Pl · παρακαλέωmain verb→ intensive perfect (comforted and remaining so)παρακαλέω: 'comfort'; the perfect marks an abiding state of consolation now possessed.
Ἐπὶin addition to / atpreposition + dative (basis/addition)ἐπί: here 'in addition to, besides' (or 'over and above') our comfort.
δὲand / nowdevelopmental conjunction
τῇtheDativearticle
παρακλήσειcomfortDativeobject of ἐπί (basis)παράκλησις: 'comfort'; Paul's own consolation, now augmented by Titus' joy.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
περισσοτέρωςmore abundantlyadverb (comparative degree)περισσοτέρως: 'more abundantly, all the more'; comparative adverb intensifying the joy.
μᾶλλονstilladverb (reinforces the comparative)μᾶλλον: 'more, rather'; piled with περισσοτέρως for emphatic doubling — 'far more abundantly.'
ἐχάρημενwe rejoicedAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · χαίρωmain verb→ ingressive aorist (came to rejoice)χαίρω: 'rejoice'; the deponent aorist — joy that broke out anew.
ἐπὶat / overpreposition + dative (occasion/ground)
τῇtheDativearticle
χαρᾷjoyDativeobject of ἐπί (occasion of rejoicing)χαρά: 'joy'; Titus' own gladness becomes a fresh cause of joy for Paul.
Τίτουof TitusGenitivesubjective genitive (Titus' joy)Τίτος: Titus; his gladness mirrors and amplifies Paul's.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
ἀναπέπαυταιhas been refreshedPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀναπαύωmain verb (causal clause)→ intensive perfect (refreshed and at rest)ἀναπαύω: 'give rest, refresh' (ἀνά + παύω); the perfect = a settled refreshment — Titus' anxiety eased into rest.
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: here Titus' own spirit/inner self — the seat of his restored peace.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency/source)ἀπό: here marking the source/agent of the refreshment — 'by you all.'
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό (source of refreshment)
14
ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι, οὐ κατῃσχύνθην, ἀλλ' ὡς πάντα ἐν ἀληθείᾳ ἐλαλήσαμεν ὑμῖν, οὕτως καὶ ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη.
For if I have boasted to him anything on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth.
Ground (the vindicated boast)ὅτιPaul grounds Titus' joy: his prior boasting about the Corinthians was not put to shame. A comparison (ὡς … οὕτως) binds Paul's truthful speech to them and his truthful boast to Titus — both proved true.
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
εἴifconditional conjunction (first class, real)εἰ: 'if'; a real condition — Paul grants that he did boast.
τιanythingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (object of κεκαύχημαι)τις: 'someone/something'; here 'anything (about you).'
αὐτῷto himDativedat. of indirect object (to Titus)
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage/reference)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
κεκαύχημαιI have boastedPerf Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · καυχάομαιmain verb (protasis)→ intensive perfect (a boast that stands)καυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; the perfect marks the boast as an abiding commitment Paul had made to Titus.
οὐnotnegative
κατῃσχύνθηνI was put to shameAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · καταισχύνωmain verb (apodosis)→ constative aoristκαταισχύνω: 'put to shame, disgrace' (κατά-intensive of αἰσχύνω); the boast was not exposed as false.
ἀλλ'butadversative (corrective)
ὡςascomparative conjunction (correlative w/ οὕτως)ὡς … οὕτως: 'as … so'; a comparison binding the two truths together.
πάνταall thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
ἀληθείᾳtruthDativedat. of manner (ἐν ἀληθείᾳ = 'truthfully')ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; Paul's words to the Corinthians were always truthful — no flattery, no deceit.
ἐλαλήσαμενwe spokeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · λαλέωmain verb (comparative clause)→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak, utter'; the whole of Paul's speaking to them was true.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
οὕτωςsocorrelative adverb (w/ ὡς)
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἡtheNominativearticle
καύχησιςboastingNominativesubjectκαύχησις: 'boasting'; Paul's act of glorying about them to Titus.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἡthe (one)Nominativearticle (attributive, w/ ἐπὶ Τίτου)
ἐπὶbefore / topreposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐπί: here 'before, in the presence of' — the boast made to Titus' face.
ΤίτουTitusGenitiveobject of ἐπί
ἀλήθειαtruthNominativepredicate nominative (complement of ἐγενήθη)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the boast 'became truth' — i.e. proved true in the event.
ἐγενήθηproved to beAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (equative)→ constative aorist (came to be)γίνομαι: 'become, prove to be'; the boast was vindicated as truth by the Corinthians' conduct.
15
καὶ τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐστιν ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν, ὡς μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν.
And his affection is more abundantly toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.
Continuation (Titus' deepened affection)καὶA coordinate continuation: Titus' heart goes out to them all the more, his memory dwelling on their obedience and the reverent fear-and-trembling with which they had received him.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheNominativearticle
σπλάγχναaffection / heartNominativesubjectσπλάγχνα: lit. 'inward parts, bowels'; the Greek seat of deep feeling — here tender affection (cf. 6:12; Phil 1:8).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
περισσοτέρωςmore abundantlyadverb (comparative degree)περισσοτέρως: 'more abundantly'; Titus' affection grows beyond its former measure.
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἀναμιμνῃσκομένουas he remembersPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἀναμιμνῄσκωgenitive absolute / temporal-causal participle (agreeing w/ αὐτοῦ)→ present (concurrent, ongoing recollection)ἀναμιμνῄσκω: 'remind, recall' (mid. 'remember'); Titus' affection is fed by his recollection of their welcome.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πάντωνof allGenitiveattributive genitive (within the noun phrase)
ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive of relationship
ὑπακοήνobedienceAccusativedirect object of ἀναμιμνῃσκομένουὑπακοή: 'obedience' (lit. 'hearing under'); their compliant, submissive response to Paul's instruction through Titus.
ὡςhowconjunction (introduces manner clause)
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (attendant manner)
φόβουfearGenitiveobject of μετά (manner)φόβος: 'fear, reverence'; here reverent awe — μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου is a Pauline idiom for earnest, humble seriousness (cf. Phil 2:12).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τρόμουtremblingGenitiveobject of μετά (coordinate)τρόμος: 'trembling, quaking' (from τρέμω); paired with φόβος to express deep, anxious reverence.
ἐδέξασθεyou receivedAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · δέχομαιmain verb (manner clause)→ constative aoristδέχομαι: 'receive, welcome'; their hospitable, submissive reception of Titus as Paul's envoy.
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object (Titus)
16
χαίρω ὅτι ἐν παντὶ θαρρῶ ἐν ὑμῖν.
I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
Climactic conclusion (asyndeton)asyndetonA terse, joyful asyndeton closes the section and the reconciliation narrative: Paul rejoices that in every respect he can take full confidence in the Corinthians — the perfect hinge into the collection appeal of chs. 8–9.
χαίρωI rejoicePres Act Indic 1 Sg · χαίρωmain verb→ present (present, settled joy)χαίρω: 'rejoice'; the keyword of the section returns as its closing note (cf. vv.7, 9, 13).
ὅτιthatconjunction (causal/content of χαίρω)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
παντὶeverythingDativesubstantival adj. (ἐν παντί = 'in every respect')πᾶς: 'all, every'; ἐν παντί = 'in everything, in every respect' — total confidence.
θαρρῶI have confidence / am boldPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θαρρέωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ present (settled confidence)θαρρέω: 'be confident, be of good courage' (cf. 5:6, 8; 10:1); Paul's restored boldness of trust in them.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (object of confidence)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (the ground/object of his confidence)