2 Corinthians 2:10

δ κεχάρισμαι εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι (אABCFGO) rather than εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι ᾦ κεχάρισμαι (DKL). εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι is too well attested to be rejected as a gloss.

10. ᾦ δέ τι χαρίζεσθε, κἀγώ. The δέ is ignored in the A.V. and most earlier English Versions. It may be a mere particle of transition; or may introduce a further reason why the Corinthians should ratify love towards the offender. ‘You have proved your loyalty by your submission to discipline. But, if you now forgive, you may be sure that your forgiveness is confirmed by mine.’ He is not exactly giving them a carte blanche to act as they please; he is expressing his approval of a public act of forgiveness. “We may observe (1) that S. Paul acts upon the report of the Corinthian Church properly authenticated by Titus, his representative there (ch. 2 Corinthians 7:6-14), and (2) that he gives his official sanction to their act” (Lias). In almost all places κἀγώ, κἀμοί, κἀμέ, not καὶ ἐγώ, καί ἑμοί, καὶ ἐμέ are found in the best MSS. Gregory, Prolegomena, p. 96.

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ ὅ κεχάρισμαι, εἵ τι κεχάρισμαι. For also what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything. As in 2 Corinthians 2:5, the εἰ intimates no doubt as to the fact; and here, as there, the perfect must be retained in English: εἴ τις λελύπηκεν and εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι are parallel. The translation, ‘what I have been forgiven, if I have been forgiven anything’ does not fit the context. Note the καί: S. Paul confirms what he has said by a further consideration. The order of the words emphasizes ἑγώ as a fresh point. The meaning is, ‘I entreat you to forgive him, and you may be sure that I shall do the same; indeed for your sakes I have forgiven him already.’

ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ. This is added to prevent a misapprehension of διʼ ὑμᾶς. He acts, not out of weak affection, merely to please them, but with a full sense of responsibility. But the exact meaning is uncertain. Either, in the person of Christ, acting as His vicegerent, in persona Christi (Vulgate), in Christ’s stead’ (Luther); or, in the presence of Christ, with Him as a witness (Proverbs 8:30), in conspectu Christi (Calvin). Comp. σὺν τῇ δυνάμει τ. κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ, (1 Corinthians 5:4). In three passages in this letter the meaning of πρόσωπον is doubtful (2 Corinthians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 4:6); in three it certainly means ‘face’ (2 Corinthians 3:7; 2 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18).