2Cor 2:5-11 | RWP | e4.org | If any ( ε τις ). Scholars disagree whether Paul refers to , where he also employs τισ, τοιουτος , and Σατανας as here, or to the ringleader of the opposition to him. Either view is possible. In both cases Paul shows delicacy of feeling by not mentioning the name. But in part ( αλλα απο μερους ). "But to some extent to you all." The whole Corinthian Church has been injured in part by this man's wrongdoing. There is a parenthesis ( that I press not too heavily , ινα μη επιβαρω ) that interrupts the flow of ideas. Επιβαρεω , to put a burden on ( επι, βαρος ), is a late word, only in Paul in N.T. (here and ; ). He does not wish to give pain by too severe language.

‏ 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

If any ( ε τις ). Scholars disagree whether Paul refers to 1Co 5:1, where he also employs τισ, τοιουτος, and Σατανας as here, or to the ringleader of the opposition to him. Either view is possible. In both cases Paul shows delicacy of feeling by not mentioning the name.

But in part ( αλλα απο μερους ). "But to some extent to you all." The whole Corinthian Church has been injured in part by this man's wrongdoing. There is a parenthesis ( that I press not too heavily, ινα μη επιβαρω ) that interrupts the flow of ideas. Επιβαρεω, to put a burden on ( επι, βαρος ), is a late word, only in Paul in N.T. (here and 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8). He does not wish to give pain by too severe language.

Punishment ( επιτιμια ). Late word for old Greek to επιτιμιον (so papyri), from επιτιμαω, to show honour to, to award, to adjudge penalty. Only here in N.T.

By the many ( υπο των πλειονων ). By the more, the majority. If Paul refers to the case in 1Co 5, they had taken his advice and expelled the offender.

So that on the contrary ( ωστε τουναντιον ). The natural result expressed by ωστε and the infinitive. Τουναντιον is by crasis for το εναντιον and accusative of general reference.

Rather ( μαλλον ). Absent in some MSS.

Lest by any means ( μη πως ). Negative purpose.

Swallowed up ( καταποθη ). First aorist passive subjunctive of καταπινω, to drink down (1Co 15:54).

With his overmuch sorrow ( τη περισσοτερα λυπη ). Instrumental case, "by the more abundant sorrow" (comparative of adjective περισσος ).

To confirm ( κυρωσα ). First aorist active infinitive of old verb κυροω, to make valid, to ratify, from κυρος (head, authority). In N.T. only here and Ga 3:15.

That I might know the proof of you ( ινα γνω την δοκιμην υμων ). Ingressive second aorist active subjunctive, come to know. Δοκιμη is proof by testing. Late word from δοκιμος and is in Dioscorides, medical writer in reign of Hadrian. Earliest use in Paul and only in him in N.T. (2Co 2:9; 8:2; 9:13; 13:3; Ro 5:4; Php 2:22).

Obedient ( υπηκοο ). Old word from υπακουω, to give ear. In N.T. only in Paul (2Co 2:9; Php 2:8; Ac 7:39).

In the person of Christ ( εν προσωπω Χριστου ). More exactly, "in the presence of Christ," before Christ, in the face of Christ. Cf. ενωπιον του θεου (4:2) in the eye of God, ενωπιον Κυριου (8:21).

That no advantage may be gained over us ( ινα μη πλεονεκτηθωμεν ). First aorist passive subjunctive after ινα μη (negative purpose) of πλεονεκτεω, old verb from πλεονεκτης, a covetous man (1Co 5:10f.), to take advantage of, to gain, to overreach. In N.T. only in 1Th 4:6; 2Co 2:11; 7:2; 12:17f. "That we may not be overreached by Satan."

His devices ( αυτου τα νοηματα ). Νοημα from νοεω to use the νους is old word, especially for evil plans and purposes as here.