Lectionary Calendar
Friday, July 18th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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Bible Commentaries
Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament Bengel's Gnomon
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Bengel, Johann Albrecht. "Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2". Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jab/2-corinthians-2.html. 1897.
Bengel, Johann Albrecht. "Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2". Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (46)New Testament (19)Gospels Only (1)Individual Books (10)
Verse 1
2 Corinthians 2:1 . á¼ÎºÏινα δὲ á¼Î¼Î±Ï Ïá¿· , But I determined for myself ) so far as I myself am concerned, for my own advantage. The antithesis is, to you in this ver.: comp. 2 Corinthians 1:23 . δὲ , but ) This is an antithesis to not as yet , 2 Corinthians 1:23 . Ïάλιν , again ) This is construed with come; not with, come in heaviness ( sorrow ) : he had formerly written in heaviness , he had not come. á¼Î½ λÏÏá¿ , in heaviness (sorrow) twofold; for there follows, for if I make you sorry , and, if any one have caused grief [sorrow, 2 Corinthians 2:5 .] This repetition (anaphora [11] ) forms two antithetic parts, the discussion of which elegantly corresponds to each respectively, I wrote that you might know [ 2Co 2:4 ]; I wrote that I might know , 2 Corinthians 2:9 ; [the joy] of you all; [overcharge] you all , 2 Corinthians 2:3 ; 2 Corinthians 2:5 .
[11] See Append. The frequent repetition of the same word to mark the beginnings of sections.
Verse 2
2 Corinthians 2:2 . ÎÏ Ïá¿¶ , I make you sorry ) either when present with you, or by letters. καὶ ÏÎ¯Ï á¼ÏÏιν , and who is ) The if has an apodosis consisting of two numbers, and who [ καὶ ÏÎ¯Ï ], and I wrote [ καὶ á¼Î³ÏαÏα ]: both, and, i.e. as well, as also. εá½ÏÏαίνÏν με , that maketh me glad ) by the sorrow of repentance. εἰ μὴ , unless ) It affords me no pleasure to have struck with sorrow by my reproofs the man, who now gives me joy by his repentance. I would rather it had not been necessary. á½ Î»Ï ÏοÏÎ¼ÎµÎ½Î¿Ï , he, who is made sorry ) He indicates the Corinthians, but more especially him who had sinned. á¼Î¾ á¼Î¼Î¿á¿¦ , by me ) á¼Ïʼ ὧν , from whom , in the following verse. These particles differ thus: á¼Ïὸ [coming from , or on the part of] applies to something more at large; á¼Î¾ [ out of , by means of], to something more within; comp. 2Co 3:5 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:6 .
Verse 3
2 Corinthians 2:3 . Îαὶ á¼Î³ÏαÏα , and I wrote ) He shows that he had this intention at the time, when he sent his first epistle, in which he had promised a visit, an intention which he explains at 2 Corinthians 2:1 . á¼Ïʼ ὧν , from whom ) as from sons. á½ Ïι , that ) The joy of Paul itself is desirable not for his own sake, but for the sake of the Corinthians.
Verse 4
2 Corinthians 2:4 . á¼Îº Î³á½°Ï , for out of ) I wished to stir you up before I went to you, that afterwards it might not be necessary. Anguish of heart produced tears, much anguish produced many tears . The Corinthians might have seen the marks of tears on his letter, if he himself wrote it a proof of anguish. οὠἵνα ), not so much that , etc. The fruit of sorrow is not sorrow, but the fruit of love is love. Î»Ï Ïηθá¿Ïε , you should be grieved ) He is easily made sorry, who is admonished by a friend himself weeping. Ïὴν á¼Î³Î¬Ïην , love ) The source of sincere reproof and of joy derived from it. γνῶÏε , you might know ) according to my faithful admonition. ÏεÏιÏÏοÏÎÏÏÏ Îµá¼°Ï á½Î¼á¾¶Ï , more abundantly to you ) who have been particularly commended to me by God, Acts 18:10 .
Verse 5
2 Corinthians 2:5 . Î¤á½¶Ï , any ) He now speaks mildly; any one and any thing , 2 Corinthians 2:10 . In both epistles Paul refrained from mentioning the name of him, of whom he is speaking. οá½Îº á¼Î¼á½² λελÏÏηκεν , he hath not grieved me ) i.e. , He has not made me lastingly grieved [I am not now so disposed towards him] á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ á¼Ïὸ μÎÏÎ¿Ï Ï , only in part ) he has occasioned me sorrow. á¼ÏιβαÏá¿¶ , be heavy upon [ overcharge ]) a weightier expression, than I make sorry , 2 Corinthians 2:2 .
Verse 6
2 Corinthians 2:6 . Ἱκανὸν ) Neuter, in place of a substantive; it is sufficient for such a one , so that no more can be demanded of him: ἱκανὸν , a forensic term. It is the part of Christian prudence to maintain moderation. A considerably long time intervened between the writing of the two epistles. á¼ÏιÏιμία , reproof ) In antithesis to forgive , as also, to comfort , 2 Corinthians 2:7 . Ïῶν ÏλειÏνÏν , by many ) not merely by those, who ruled [the bishops and ministers.] The Church at large bears the keys.
Verse 7
2 Corinthians 2:7 . ΧαÏίÏαÏθαι ) This word has the meaning of an indicative, whence he is rather forgiven; and the indicative is a very mild form of exhortation: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ; Matthew 26:18 , note.
Verse 8
2 Corinthians 2:8 . ÎÏ Ïá¿¶Ïαι , to confirm ) the κῦÏÎ¿Ï is connected with love, not with sorrow. The majesty of the ecclesiastical government and discipline consists in love. It is this, which reigns. ×§× , LXX., ÎºÏ ÏοῦÏθαι , Genesis 23:20 ; Leviticus 25:30 .
Verse 9
2 Corinthians 2:9 . Îαὶ á¼Î³ÏαÏα ) not only I write, but I also did write . Ïὴν δοκιμὴν , the proof ) whether you are genuine, loving, obedient sons. [12] Îµá¼°Ï ÏάνÏα , in all things ) in reproof [ 2Co 2:6 ], and in love .
[12] See Titus 1:4 .
Verse 10
2 Corinthians 2:10 . Τὶ , any thing ) He speaks very gently of the atrocious, but acknowledged sin. ÏαÏίζεÏθε , ye forgive ) He has no doubt, but that they will do what he wrote at 2 Corinthians 2:7 . καὶ á¼Î³á½¼ , I also ) He modestly subscribes assent to the act of the Corinthians, and regards himself, as it were in the same category with them. εἲ Ïι κεÏάÏιÏμαι , if I forgave any thing ) The matter is limited by if any thing , in order that Paul may show his willingness to follow up the forgiveness granted to the sinner by the Corinthians. From the present I forgive , the past immediately results, I have forgiven , while Paul is in the act of writing these things. διʼ á½Î¼á¾¶Ï , for your sakes ) namely, I forgave . á¼Î½ ÏÏοÏÏÏῳ ΧÏιÏÏοῦ , in the presence [but Engl. Vers., person ] of Christ ) in the face of [before] Christ, 1 Corinthians 5:4 . ἵνα μὴ ÏλεονεκÏηθῶμεν , lest we should be defrauded [lest an advantage be gained over us.]) The loss of a single sinner is a common loss; therefore he said for your sakes . á½Ïὸ Ïοῦ ΣαÏανᾶ , by Satan ) to whom Paul delivered or was about to deliver the sinner; 1 Corinthians 5:5 . Satan not only devised to destroy the flesh, but the soul: and he seeks an opportunity of doing a very great injury by means of sorrow .
Verse 11
2 Corinthians 2:11 . Îá½ Î³á½°Ï , for not ) True ecclesiastical prudence. Those who have the mind [referring to Î½Î¿á¿¦Ï contained in νοήμαÏα ] of Christ are not ignorant of hostile devices and attempts. νοήμαÏα and á¼Î³Î½Î¿Îµá¿Î½ are conjugates.
Verse 12
2 Corinthians 2:12 . Îαὶ ) even although [Engl. Ver., and ]. Paul would have willingly abode at Troas. θÏÏÎ±Ï , a door ) Nevertheless Paul did not sin, in departing, inasmuch as it remained free to him to do so. á¼Î½ÎµÏιν , rest ) His spirit first began to feel the want of it, then the flesh, 2 Corinthians 7:5 . He was desirous of knowing how the Corinthians had received his former epistle. Ïá¿· ÏνεÏμαÏι , in spirit ) He perceived from this, that it was not imperatively necessary to avail himself of that door . ΤίÏον , Titus ) who was about to come from you.
Verse 13
2 Corinthians 2:13 . Îá¼°Ï Îακεδονίαν , to Macedonia ) where I would be nearer and might be sooner informed [ what was the fruit of my former epistle to you . V. g.] These topics are continued at 2 Corinthians 7:2 ; 2 Corinthians 7:5 : and a most noble digression is here introduced in respect to events, which had in the meantime occurred and sufferings which had been endured by him elsewhere: the benefit of which he makes to flow even towards the Corinthians, whilst he hereby prepares the way for a defence against the false apostles.
Verse 14
2 Corinthians 2:14 . Τῷ δὲ Îεῷ , but [now] to God ) Although I have not come to Corinth, I did not remain at Troas; nevertheless there is no want of the victory of the Gospel even in other places: The modal expression is added [Append. on Modus, i.e. with expression of feeling, not a mere categorical proposition]; Thanks be unto God . ÏάνÏοÏε , always ) The parallel follows, in everyplace . θÏιαμβεÏονÏι á¼¡Î¼á¾¶Ï ) who shows us in triumph , not as conquered, but as the ministers of His victory; not only the victory, but the open ‘showing’ of the victory is denoted: for there follows, Who maketh manifest . The triumph forcibly strikes the eyes; the savour , the nostrils [sense of smell.] Ïὴν á½Ïμὴν , the savour ) The metaphor is taken from all the senses to describe the power of the Gospel. Here the sight (of the triumph) and its savour occur. αá½Ïοῦ , of Him ) of Christ, 2 Corinthians 2:15 . ÏανεÏοῦνÏι , who maketh manifest ) a word, which often occurs in this epistle, and refutes the suspicions of the Corinthians [towards the apostle.] So 1 Corinthians 4:5 .
Verse 15
2 Corinthians 2:15 . Îá½Ïδία ) a sweet savour, i.e. , powerful, grateful to the godly, offensive to the ungodly. The savour of Christ pervades us, as the odour of aromatics pervades garments. á¼Î½ ) in the case of . ÏÏζομÎÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï Â· á¼ÏÎ¿Î»Î»Ï Î¼ÎÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï , in them, who are saved; in them, who perish ) To which class each may belong, is evident from the manner in which he receives the Gospel. Of the former class he treats, 2Co 3:1 to 2 Corinthians 4:2 ; of the latter, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 . á¼ÏÎ¿Î»Î»Ï Î¼ÎÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï , in them that are perishing ) 2 Corinthians 4:3 .
Verse 16
2 Corinthians 2:16 . á½Ïμὴ θανάÏÎ¿Ï , the savour of death ) They reckon us [and our Gospel message] as a thing dead; hence they meet with death as the natural and just consequence. Î¿á¼·Ï Î´á½² , whilst to the former ) who are being saved. This verse, if we compare the antecedents and consequents, has a chiasmus. [13] καὶ ÏÏá½¸Ï ÏαῦÏα ÏÎ¯Ï á¼±ÎºÎ±Î½ÏÏ ; and who is sufficient for these things? ) Who? i.e. but few, viz., we. This sentiment [idea] is modestly hinted at, and is left to be perceived and acknowledged by the Corinthians; comp. the next verse. Paul asserts at considerable length both his own sufficiency ( ἱκανÏÏηÏα ) and that of the few in the following chapter, and repeats this very word, 2 Corinthians 2:5-6 , of that ch., so that his adversaries seem either expressly or in sense [virtually] to have denied, that Paul was sufficient .
[13] See App.
Verse 17
2 Corinthians 2:17 . Îá¼± Ïολλοὶ , the many ) so 2 Corinthians 11:18 . ×ָרַ×Ö¼Ö´×× , 1 Kings 18:25 . The article has force; the many, most men, á¼Î¿Ïμοι , void of savour: comp. Philippians 2:21 . καÏηλεÏονÏÎµÏ [cauponantes]) corrupting [adulterating for gain]; men who do not make it their aim to show forth as much virtue [as much of the power of the Gospel] as possible, but to make gain by it. These men speak of Christ, but not as “from [of] God,” and “in the sight of God.” κάÏηλοι , [caupones], vintners, select their merchandise from different quarters; they adulterate it; they manage it with a view to profit. The apostles deal otherwise with the word of God; for they speak as of God, and as of sincerity, and so as to approve themselves unto God. δολοῦνÏÎµÏ , adulterating, 2 Corinthians 4:2 [Engl. Vers., handling deceitfully], is a synonymous expression, and also á¼Î¼ÏοÏεÏεÏθαι , to make merchandise of, 2 Peter 2:3 . á¼Î¾ εἰλικÏÎ¹Î½ÎµÎ¯Î±Ï , of sincerity) We give our whole attention to [our whole aim is] the word of God by itself. á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ á½¡Ï á¼Îº , but as of) a gradation [ascending climax], but being repeated; as is explanatory. [14] καÏενÏÏιον ÎÎÎÎῦÎÎÎ , in the sight of God we speak ) So decidedly, ch. 2 Corinthians 12:19 . We always think, that God, from [sent by] whom we speak, is present to the speakers; we do not care for men. á¼Î½ , in ) Our discourse, which we hold in Christ, is given and directed from above. λαλοῦμεν , we speak ) We use the tongue; the power belongs to God.
[14] The Germ. Ver., however, omits both the particle á½¡Ï before á¼Î¾ εἰλικÏÎ¹Î½ÎµÎ¯Î±Ï and the particle á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ before á½¡Ï á¼Ï Îεοῦ , although the omission has by no means been approved of by the margins of both Ed. E. B.
ABCD ( Î ) read the á½¡Ï after ἠλλ ’ (or á¼Î»Î»á½° in B), in the first á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ á½¡Ï : G fg Vulg. Memph. Iren. omit it. In the second á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ á½¡Ï , ABCD ( Î ) support the á¼Î»Î»Ê¼ . G fg Vulg. (Fuld.), later Syr. Iren. omit it. ED.