2 Corinthians 7:12

So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong or the one who was harmed, but rather that your earnestness on our behalf would be made clear to you in the sight of God.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church immediately after detailing how godly sorrow produced specific moral responses. He writes at the moment of clarification, following his previous correspondence about a specific offense.

The words — ἕνεκεν (heneken) translates literally as "for the sake of," and τοῦ (tou) functions as a neuter singular article meaning "the one." These terms anchor the clause that denies the letter's primary motive was retribution or personal grievance.

The thread — The purpose of corrective writing appears in 2 Corinthians 2:9, where Paul states his aim was to test their obedience. The principle of using household discipline to demonstrate broader care echoes the standard in 1 Timothy 3:5.

Why it lands — The passage states that the letter's goal was to make the readers' earnestness visible before God, not to address a specific wrongdoer. It requires readers to separate their response to rebuke from personal offense and focus on transparent accountability.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 2:9 My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
1 Timothy 3:5 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
2 Corinthians 7:8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time—
2 Corinthians 11:11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
2 Corinthians 11:28 Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.