2 Corinthians 2:1
New International Version
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.

New Living Translation
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit.

English Standard Version
For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.

Berean Standard Bible
So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.

Berean Literal Bible
For I judged this within myself, not to come to you again in grief.

King James Bible
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

New King James Version
But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.

New American Standard Bible
But I decided this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again.

NASB 1995
But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again.

NASB 1977
But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again.

Legacy Standard Bible
But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.

Amplified Bible
But I made up my mind not to grieve you with another painful visit.

Christian Standard Bible
In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit.

American Standard Version
But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

Contemporary English Version
I have decided not to make my next visit with you so painful.

English Revised Version
But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I decided not to visit you again while I was distressed.

Good News Translation
So I made up my mind not to come to you again to make you sad.

International Standard Version
Now I decided not to pay you another painful visit.

Majority Standard Bible
So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.

NET Bible
So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.

New Heart English Bible
For I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.

Webster's Bible Translation
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

Weymouth New Testament
But, so far as I am concerned, I have resolved not to have a painful visit the next time I come to see you.

World English Bible
But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I decided this to myself, not to come again to you in sorrow,

Berean Literal Bible
For I judged this within myself, not to come to you again in grief.

Young's Literal Translation
And I decided this to myself, not again to come in sorrow unto you,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I determined this to myself, not to come to you again in sadness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But I determined this with myself, not to come to you again in sorrow.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I determined this within myself, not to return again to you in sorrow.

New American Bible
For I decided not to come to you again in painful circumstances.

New Revised Standard Version
So I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
BUT I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in sadness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I decided this in myself that I would not come again in sorrow to you.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But I determined this in myself, that with sorrow I would not again come to you:

Godbey New Testament
But I determined this to myself, not again to come unto you in sorrow.

Haweis New Testament
BUT I prescribed to myself this rule, not to come again to you with sorrow.

Mace New Testament
But I purposed in my self, I would not be the occasion of any uneasiness to you when I come again.

Weymouth New Testament
But, so far as I am concerned, I have resolved not to have a painful visit the next time I come to see you.

Worrell New Testament
But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.

Worsley New Testament
But I determined with myself, not to come to you again in grief:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Reaffirm Your Love
1So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:23
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 12:21
I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

1 Corinthians 16:7
For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Philippians 1:25-26
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, / so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.

Philippians 2:24
And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

1 Thessalonians 2:17
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Romans 1:10-13
in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you. / For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, / that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. ...

Romans 15:22-24
That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. / But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you, / I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.

Galatians 4:20
how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.

Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”


Treasury of Scripture

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

I determined.

2 Corinthians 1:15-17
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; …

Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Acts 15:2,37
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question…

that.

2 Corinthians 2:4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

2 Corinthians 1:23
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

2 Corinthians 7:5-8
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears…

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Concerned Decided Decision Determined Far Grief Heaviness Judged Mind Painful Resolved Sake Sorrow Time Visit
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Concerned Decided Decision Determined Far Grief Heaviness Judged Mind Painful Resolved Sake Sorrow Time Visit
2 Corinthians 2
1. Having shown the reason why he came not to them,
6. he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person,
10. even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him;
12. declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia,
14. and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places.














So I made up my mind
The phrase "made up my mind" reflects a deliberate and conscious decision by the Apostle Paul. The Greek word used here is "krinō," which means to judge, decide, or determine. This indicates that Paul is exercising discernment and wisdom, weighing the consequences of his actions. In the context of Christian leadership, this highlights the importance of making decisions that are not impulsive but are guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit. Paul’s decision-making process serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration in our interactions with others.

that I would not make
The phrase "that I would not make" underscores Paul's intention to avoid a particular course of action. The Greek word "poieō" is used here, which means to do, make, or cause. This reflects Paul's proactive approach in managing his relationship with the Corinthian church. It is a reminder that sometimes, choosing not to act can be as significant as taking action. In the Christian life, discernment often involves knowing when to refrain from certain actions to promote peace and healing within the body of Christ.

another painful visit
The term "another painful visit" refers to a previous visit by Paul to the Corinthian church that was marked by distress and confrontation. The Greek word for "painful" is "lupē," which conveys sorrow, grief, or distress. This highlights the emotional and relational challenges that can arise within church communities. Paul’s decision to avoid another painful encounter demonstrates his pastoral sensitivity and desire to foster reconciliation and unity. It serves as a reminder that Christian leaders must sometimes make difficult choices to protect the well-being of their congregations.

to you
The phrase "to you" personalizes Paul's message, addressing the Corinthian believers directly. This reflects the relational nature of Paul's ministry and his deep concern for the spiritual health of the church. The use of "you" emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where individual actions and decisions impact the broader community. It reminds believers of the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within the church and the responsibility to act in love and consideration for one another.

II.

(1) But I determined this with myself.--Better, I determined for myself. The chapter division is here obviously wrong, and interrupts the sequence of thought. St. Paul continues his explanation. He did not wish to come again, i.e., to make his second visit to Corinth, in grief, and if he had carried out his first plan that would have been the almost inevitable result. He consulted his own feelings ("for myself") as well as theirs.

Verse 1. - But I determined this. The division of chapters is here unfortunate, since this and the next three verses belong to the paragraph which began at 2 Corinthians 1:23. The verb means, literally, "I judged," but is rightly rendered "determined," as in 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 7:37. He is contrasting his final decision with his original desire, mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:15. With myself; rather, for myself; as the best course which I could take. That I would net come again to you in heaviness. The "again" in the true reading is not placed immediately before the verb, but it seems (as Theodoret says) to belong to it, so that the meaning is not "that I would not pay you a second sad visit," but "that my second visit to you should not be a sad one." There have been interminable discussions, founded on this expression and on ch. 13:1, as to whether St. Paul had up to the time of writing this letter visited Corinth twice or only once. There is no question that only one visit is recorded in the Acts (Acts 18:1-18) previous to the one which he paid to this Church after this Epistle had been sent (Acts 20:2, 3). If he paid them a second brief, sad, and unrecorded visit, it can only have been during his long stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:8, 10). But the possibility of this does not seem to be recognized in Acts 20:31, where he speaks of his work at Ephesus "night and day" during this period. The assumption of such a visit, as we shall see, is not necessitated by 2 Corinthians 13:1, but in any case we know nothing whatever about the details of the visit, even if there was one, and the question, being supremely unimportant, is hardly worth the time which has been spent upon it. If he had paid such a visit, it would be almost unaccountable that there should be no reference to it in the First Epistle, and here in 2 Corinthians 1:19 he refers only to one occasion on which he had preached Christ in Corinth. Each fresh review of the circumstances convinces me more strongly that the notion of three visits to Corinth, of which one is unrecorded, is a needless and mistaken inference, due to unimaginative literalism in interpreting one or two phrases, and encumbered with difficulties on every side. In heaviness. The expression applies as much to the Corinthians as to himself, he did not wish his second visit to Corinth to be a painful one.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[So]
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I made up my mind
Ἔκρινα (Ekrina)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to make
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

another
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

painful {visit}
λύπῃ (lypē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3077: Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:1 But I determined this for myself that (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 1:24
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