2 Corinthians 7:11

after a godly sort See note on last verse. Also 2 Corinthians 7:9.

what carefulness Literally diligence (so Tyndale and Grammer; bisynes, Wiclif; moral earnestness, Robertson). See Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39, where it is translated haste.

what clearing of yourselves Literally, defence or excuse, but a better translation than that in the text is impossible.

indignation or vexation, a sort of feeling between indignation and disgust at themselves for having been -puffed up," and not having -rather mourned that he that had done this deed had not been taken away from among them." 1 Corinthians 5:2.

fear Ne cum virga venirem. Bengel. See 1 Corinthians 4:21, and 2 Corinthians 7:15. Or, perhaps, fear of God's wrath. See 2 Corinthians 7:1. But cf. note below.

vehement desire Rather, longing, i.e. for St Paul's presence (see Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:26; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; also ch. 2 Corinthians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 9:14). The same word in 2 Corinthians 7:7 is translated earnest desire. Theophylact detects here another instance of the anxiety of the Apostle not to lay too much stress on his authority. To the idea of fear he immediately subjoins that of affection.

zeal (a fervent mynde, Tyndale). See note on 2 Corinthians 7:7.

revenge punysshment, Tyndale. The word is used of punishment inflicted by judicial process. See Luke 18:3. Also ch. 2 Corinthians 10:6. Such a process had taken place in this case. Cf. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, with 2 Corinthians 2:6. Bengel remarks that the six results mentioned by the Apostle fall into three pairs. The first two relate to their feelings towards themselves, the next to their feelings towards the Apostle, the last to their feelings towards the offender and his offence.