2 Corinthians 2:4 net — For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know…

NET Bible

"For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you."

— 2 Corinthians 2:4, NET Bible

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2 Corinthians 2:4 in Other Translations

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2 Corinthians 2 — Context

1

So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.

2

For if I make you sad, who would be left to make me glad but the one I caused to be sad?

3

And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came I would not have sadness from those who ought to make me rejoice, since I am confident in you all that my joy would be yours.

4

For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.

5

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.

6

This punishment on such an individual by the majority is enough for him,

7

so that now instead you should rather forgive and comfort him. This will keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive grief to the point of despair.

2 Corinthians 2:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Corinthians 2:4 say?
2 Corinthians 2:4 in the NET Bible reads: “For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.”
Where is 2 Corinthians 2:4 in the Bible?
2 Corinthians 2:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 2, verse 4.
Who wrote 2 Corinthians?
2 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55–56.
What is the book of 2 Corinthians about?
Paul's most personal letter — a defense of his ministry against "false apostles" and a window into the suffering, comfort, weakness, and strength of a true servant of Christ. It contains some of the New Testament's most striking words on generosity, reconciliation, and the new creation.
What are the major themes of 2 Corinthians?
2 Corinthians explores themes including Ministry, Suffering, Comfort, Reconciliation, Generosity, New Creation. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Corinthians 2:4.
What translation should I read 2 Corinthians 2:4 in?
2 Corinthians 2:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Corinthians 2:4?
2 Corinthians 2:4 reads (NET): “For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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