2 Corinthians 2:7

comfort him Better, perhaps, encourage him. See note on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:3.

such a one ὁ τοιοῦτος, the man of that description, the name by which St Paul always denotes the offender. See note on 1 Corinthians 5:5. St Paul will not disgrace him to all future ages by mentioning his name.

swallowed up Some commentators have supposed that St Paul here meant apostasy or suicide. But he designedly leaves the result indefinite. It is impossible to foresee what will become of a man overwhelmed with excessive sorrow.

with overmuch sorrow Literally, by the excess of sorrow. "Nothing is more dangerous than to give Satan a handle whereby he may harass a sinner into despair." Calvin. Cf. also Galatians 6:1 and Sir 8:5.