2 Corinthians 7:11 Meaning and Explanation
“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul points to the fruit of their godly sorrow -- earnestness, eagerness to set things right, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and justice -- which proved them clear in the matter.
What Does 2 Corinthians 7:11 Mean?
Paul invites the Corinthians to look at what their grief produced. Godly sorrow is not idle; it sets the heart in motion. He lists the evidence point by point.
Their sorrow stirred up diligence, a desire to clear themselves, holy indignation at the wrong, reverent fear, longing, zeal, and a readiness to see justice done. By all of this they showed themselves to be innocent and earnest in dealing with the offense. Repentance that is real bears visible fruit; the changed heart shows itself in changed action, eager to make things right before God and one another.
2 Corinthians 7:11 in the Original Language
spoude (σπουδή), 'carefulness' -- earnest diligence and eager haste to do what is right.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 7:11
What does 2 Corinthians 7:11 mean?
Paul points to the fruit of their godly sorrow -- earnestness, eagerness to set things right, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and justice -- which proved them clear in the matter.