2 Corinthians 7:9

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry Another instance of the tender consideration of St Paul (see note on 2 Corinthians 7:3). He will not run the risk of being supposed, even for a moment, to have taken pleasure in others" pain.

repentance It cannot be too strongly insisted upon that the Greek word translated repentance (penaunce, Wiclif and the Rhemish Version) contains neither the idea of sorrow nor of penitential discipline. The word means change of mindor purpose. Sorrow may or may not accompany it. In most cases, as in this, it will do so. But the essence of Gospel repentance is not the sorrow it produces, but the change it works. The word translated repentin 2 Corinthians 7:8 is a different word, and has precisely the meaning usually in our days attached to the word repentance. It, or its cognate verb, only occurs here and in Matthew 21:29; Matthew 21:32; Matthew 27:3, and Hebrews 7:21. It is a misfortune that the A. V. has employed the same word to express two very different ideas.

after a godly manner The original is stronger, according to God, i.e. in such a manner as He had commanded or would approve. Cf. Romans 8:27.

receive damage The word signifies to suffer injury or loss. See Matthew 16:26, where it is translated lose; Luke 9:25, where it is translated cast away. See also 1 Corinthians 3:15. Wiclif renders here suffer pairement; Tyndale, ye were hurte; the Rhemish, well, suffer detriment.