2 Corinthians 2:5 Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you--to some degree, not to overstate it.

Bible > 2 Corinthians > Chapter 2 > Verse 5

◄ 2 Corinthians 2:5 ►

New International Version
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.

New Living Translation
I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me.

English Standard Version
Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you.

Berean Standard Bible
Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.

Berean Literal Bible
But if anyone has caused grief, he not grieved me, but--in part, that I might not put it too severely--you all.

King James Bible
But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

New King James Version
But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe.

New American Standard Bible
But if anyone has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not for me, but in some degree—not to say too much—for all of you.

NASB 1995
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree— in order not to say too much— to all of you.

NASB 1977
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—in order not to say too much—to all of you.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—in order not to say too much—to all of you.

Amplified Bible
But if someone has caused [all this] sorrow, he has caused it not to me, but in some degree—not to put it too severely—[he has distressed and grieved] all of you.

Christian Standard Bible
If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate —to all of you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate—to all of you.

American Standard Version
But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

Contemporary English Version
I don't want to be hard on you. But if one of you has made someone feel bad, I am not really the one who has been made to feel bad. Some of you are the ones.

English Revised Version
But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If someone caused distress, I'm not the one really affected. To some extent-although I don't want to emphasize this too much-it has affected all of you.

Good News Translation
Now, if anyone has made somebody sad, he has not done it to me but to all of you--in part, at least. (I say this because I do not want to be too hard on him.)

International Standard Version
But if anyone has caused grief, he didn't cause me any grief. To some extent—I don't want to emphasize this too much—it has affected all of you.

Majority Standard Bible
Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.

NET Bible
But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well.

New Heart English Bible
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if any hath caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

Weymouth New Testament
Now if any one has caused sorrow, it has been caused not so much to me, as in some degree--for I have no wish to exaggerate--to all of you.

World English Bible
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And if anyone has caused sorrow, he has not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all;

Berean Literal Bible
But if anyone has caused grief, he not grieved me, but--in part, that I might not put it too severely--you all.

Young's Literal Translation
And if any one hath caused sorrow, he hath not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all;

Smith's Literal Translation
And if any have grieved, he has not grieved me, but by part; that I might not overload you all.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And if any one have caused grief, he hath not grieved me; but in part, that I may not burden you all.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if anyone has brought sorrow, he has not sorrowed me. Yet, for my part, this is so that I might not burden all of you.

New American Bible
If anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure (not to exaggerate) to all of you.

New Revised Standard Version
But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent—not to exaggerate it—to all of you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me only, but to a certain degree all of you, therefore the news will not be a shock to you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But if a man grieves me, it is not me he grieves, but in a small fashion all of you, so that this statement should not weigh upon you.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But if any one has caused grief, he has grieved, not me only, but, in some measure—not to speak harshly—all of you.

Godbey New Testament
But if any one has grieved you all, he has not grieved me, but in part, that I may not burden you excessively.

Haweis New Testament
Now if any person hath given cause for grief, he hath not grieved me merely, but partly all of you; that I may add no farther burden.

Mace New Testament
The affliction I have had, comes only from a particular quarter, so that my resentment does not affect the whole church.

Weymouth New Testament
Now if any one has caused sorrow, it has been caused not so much to me, as in some degree--for I have no wish to exaggerate--to all of you.

Worrell New Testament
But, if any one has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

Worsley New Testament
And if any one hath caused grief, it hath grieved me only as to part of you, (that I may not overcharge you

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Reaffirm Your Love
…4For 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. 5Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you— to some degree, not to overstate it. 6The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Corinthians 5:1-5
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? / Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. ...

Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

2 Corinthians 7:12
So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong or the one who was harmed, but rather that your earnestness on our behalf would be made clear to you in the sight of God.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. ...

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

2 Corinthians 2:6-8
The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him. / So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

Luke 17:3-4
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

2 Corinthians 1:23-24
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. / Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

2 Corinthians 12:21
I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Treasury of Scripture

But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

any.

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5,12,13
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife…

Galatians 5:10
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

grieved.

Galatians 4:12
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

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Burden Cause Caused Degree Grief Grieved Heavily Measure Order Over-Hard Pain Part Press Severely Sorrow Wish

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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.

Berean Study Bible

Now if anyone has caused grief
The phrase "caused grief" comes from the Greek word "λυπέω" (lypeō), which means to cause sorrow or distress. In the context of the Corinthian church, this likely refers to a specific incident or individual who has caused emotional pain or disruption within the community. Historically, this could be linked to the individual mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, who was involved in a grievous sin. The Apostle Paul is addressing the communal impact of sin, emphasizing that sin is not just a personal issue but affects the entire body of believers. This highlights the interconnectedness of the church and the importance of maintaining purity and unity within the body of Christ.

he has not grieved me
Paul's statement here reflects his pastoral heart and his focus on the well-being of the church rather than his personal feelings. The Greek word "λυπέω" is again used, showing that while Paul acknowledges the wrongdoing, his primary concern is not his own emotional response but the health of the church. This demonstrates a selfless leadership model, where the leader prioritizes the spiritual welfare of the congregation over personal grievances. It serves as an example for Christian leaders to follow, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the collective good rather than individual offenses.

but all of you
This phrase underscores the communal nature of the grief caused by sin. The Greek word "πάντας" (pantas) means "all" or "everyone," indicating that the impact of the wrongdoing was felt by the entire church community. This reflects the biblical principle that the church is one body, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where the actions of one member affect the whole. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility each believer has to live righteously, as their actions can either edify or harm the community of faith.

to some degree
The phrase "to some degree" suggests a measured response to the situation. Paul is careful not to exaggerate the impact of the offense, which reflects a balanced and fair approach to church discipline. The Greek phrase "ἀπὸ μέρους" (apo merous) implies a partial or limited extent, indicating that while the offense was significant, it was not insurmountable. This teaches the importance of addressing sin with both truth and grace, ensuring that discipline is administered with the aim of restoration rather than condemnation.

not to overstate it
Paul's caution "not to overstate it" reveals his desire to maintain perspective and avoid unnecessary division or escalation of the issue. The Greek word "ἐπιβαρῶ" (epibarō) means to burden or weigh down, suggesting that Paul is mindful of the potential for excessive focus on the offense to become a burden to the church. This highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in handling church matters, ensuring that responses are proportionate and aimed at healing and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that the ultimate goal of addressing sin is to restore relationships and strengthen the unity of the church.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) But if any have caused grief.--The man who had been the chief cause of his sorrow is now prominent in his thoughts. He will not name him. He is, as in 1Corinthians 5:1-5, and here in 2Corinthians 2:7, "a man," "such a one." The abrupt introduction of the qualifying clause, "but in part," and the absence of any authoritative punctuation, makes the construction ambiguous. It admits of three possible explanations: (1) "If any have caused grief, it is not I alone whom he hath grieved, but in part, to some extent--not to press the charge against him too heavily--all of you" They, the members of the Corinthian Church, were really the greatest sufferers from the scandal which brought shame upon it. (2) "If any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, save in part" (i.e., he is not the only offender), "that I may not press the charge against all of you--so that I may not treat you as if you were all open to the same condemnation, or had all caused the same sorrow." (3) Combining parts of (1) and (2): "It is not I whom he hath grieved, save in part, that I may not lay the blame on all of you." Of these (1) seems the simplest and most natural. In any case, it is important to remember that the position of the pronoun in the Greek, "me he hath not grieved," makes it specially emphatic.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 5-11. - The results of his letter in their treatment of the incestuous offender. Verse 5. - But if any have caused grief. The word "pain" or "grief" which has been so prominent in the last verses, naturally reminds St. Paul of the person whose misdoings had caused all this trouble. The "any" is in the singular. He hath not grieved me, but in part, etc. Of the various ways of taking this verse, the most tenable seems to be this: "If any one has caused pain, he has not pained me but partly (not to weigh down too heavily) all of you. St. Paul is denying that the feelings with which he hat(written his severe letter were due to mere personal sorrow or indignation. In writing he felt for the wrong done to them, to the whole Corinthian Church, at least as much as for the smart of his own grief and disappointment. The word "partly" is introduced, as St. Chrysostom says, to soften the expression, "he has grieved you all." It will then mean "to a certain extent." The words, "that I may not overcharge," or rather, as in the Revised Version, "that I press not too heavily," assign the reason for the modifying clause, "in part." When St. Paul says that this man's conduct had even to any extent grieved the whole community, his words may seem to conflict with 1 Corinthians 5:2; but he is thinking, not of the immediate condonation of the offender there alluded to, but of the agony of subsequent repentance which his letter had awoke in the whole (or practically the whole) community (2 Corinthians 7:11). The phrase, "that I press not too heavily," refers then to the offender: "I will not say outright that he has grieved not me, but all of you, because I do not wish to bear too hard on him" (comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8), "but I will say that he has grieved you and me alike to some extent." The phrase, "in part," occurs also in Romans 11:25.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Now
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

has caused grief,
λελύπηκεν (lelypēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3076: To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.

he has not grieved
λελύπηκεν (lelypēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3076: To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.

me,
ἐμὲ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

of you—
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

some degree,
μέρους (merous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313: A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

overstate [it].
ἐπιβαρῶ (epibarō)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1912: To put a burden on, be burdensome. From epi and bareo; to be heavy upon, i.e. to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards.

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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any has caused sorrow he (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)