2Cor 2:3-4 | RWP | e4.org | I wrote this very thing ( εγραψα τουτο αυτο ). Is this (and εγραψα in verses , , ) the epistolary aorist referring to the present letter? In itself that is possible as the epistolary aorist does occur in the N.T. as in ; (Robertson, Grammar , p. 854f.). If not epistolary aorist as seems improbable from the context and from , to what Epistle does he refer? To or to a lost letter? It is possible, of course, that, when Paul decided not to come to Corinth, he sent a letter. The language that follows in verses , ; can hardly apply to I Corinthians. Should have sorrow ( λυπην σχω ). Second aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of εχω , should get sorrow, after ινα μη negative final particles. From them of whom ( αφ' ων ). Antecedent omitted, απο τουτων αφ' ων (from those from whom). I ought ( εδε με ). Imperfect for unrealized present obligation as often and like English. Having confidence ( πεποιθως ). Second perfect active participle of πειθω ( ).

‏ 2 Corinthians 2:3-4

I wrote this very thing ( εγραψα τουτο αυτο ). Is this (and εγραψα in verses 4, 9, 12) the epistolary aorist referring to the present letter? In itself that is possible as the epistolary aorist does occur in the N.T. as in 8:18; 9:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 854f.). If not epistolary aorist as seems improbable from the context and from 7:8-12, to what Epistle does he refer? To 1Co 5 or to a lost letter? It is possible, of course, that, when Paul decided not to come to Corinth, he sent a letter. The language that follows in verses 3, 4; 7:8-12 can hardly apply to I Corinthians.

Should have sorrow ( λυπην σχω ). Second aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of εχω, should get sorrow, after ινα μη negative final particles.

From them of whom ( αφ' ων ). Antecedent omitted, απο τουτων αφ' ων (from those from whom).

I ought ( εδε με ). Imperfect for unrealized present obligation as often and like English.

Having confidence ( πεποιθως ). Second perfect active participle of πειθω (1:9).

Anguish ( συνοχης ). Ablative case after εκ (out of). Old word from συνεχω, to hold together. So contraction of heart (Cicero, contractio animi), a spiritual angina pectoris. In N.T. only here and Lu 21:25.

With many tears ( δια πολλων δακρυων ). He dictated that letter "through tears" (accompanied by tears). Paul was a man of heart. He writes to the Philippians with weeping ( κλαιων ) over the enemies of the Cross of Christ (Php 3:18). He twice mentions his tears in his speech at Miletus (Ac 20:19-31).

But that ye might know the love ( αλλα την αγαπην ινα γνωτε ). Proleptic position of αγαπην and ingressive second aorist active subjunctive γνωτε, come to know.