2 Corinthians 2:4 For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

Bible > 2 Corinthians > Chapter 2 > Verse 4

◄ 2 Corinthians 2:4 ►

New International Version
For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

New Living Translation
I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

English Standard Version
For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Berean Standard Bible
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

Berean Literal Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

New American Standard Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

NASB 1995
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

NASB 1977
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

Legacy Standard Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have abundantly for you.

Amplified Bible
For I wrote to you out of great distress and with an anguished heart, and with many tears, not to cause you sorrow but to make you realize the [overflowing] love which I have especially for you.

Christian Standard Bible
For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not that you should be hurt, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

American Standard Version
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Contemporary English Version
At the time I wrote, I was suffering terribly. My eyes were full of tears, and my heart was broken. But I didn't want to make you feel bad. I only wanted to let you know how much I cared for you.

English Revised Version
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I was deeply troubled and anguished. In fact, I had tears in my eyes when I wrote to you. I didn't write to make you uncomfortable but to let you know how much I love you.

Good News Translation
I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart and with many tears; my purpose was not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all.

International Standard Version
I wrote to you out of great sorrow and anguish of heart—along with many tears—not to make you sad but to let you know how much love I have for you.

Majority Standard Bible
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

NET Bible
For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.

New Heart English Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.

Webster's Bible Translation
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly to you.

Weymouth New Testament
For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love for you.

World English Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made to grieve, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for out of much tribulation and pressure of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you.

Berean Literal Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears, not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you.

Young's Literal Translation
for out of much tribulation and pressure of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not that ye might be made sorry, but that ye might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you.

Smith's Literal Translation
For out of much pressure and anxiety of heart I wrote to you through many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love I have more abundantly towards you.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you should be made sorrowful: but that you might know the charity I have more abundantly towards you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For with much tribulation and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not so that you would be sorrowful, but so that you might know the charity that I have more abundantly toward you.

New American Bible
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you might be pained but that you might know the abundant love I have for you.

New Revised Standard Version
For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For out of great affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote you with many tears; not to make you feel distressed, but that you may know the abundant love I have for you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I wrote to you these things in many tears from great suffering and anguish of heart, not so that you would grieve, but so that you would know the abundant love that I have for you.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For out of much affliction and distress of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you might be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.

Godbey New Testament
For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart, I wrote to you through many tears; not in order that you may be grieved, but that you may know the divine love which I have unto you exceedingly.

Haweis New Testament
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 towards you.

Mace New Testament
for out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears; not to make you uneasy, but to make you sensible of the overflowing tenderness which I have for you.

Weymouth New Testament
For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love for you.

Worrell New Testament
For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote to you, through many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly toward you.

Worsley New Testament
For through much affliction and distress of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that ye might be grieved, but that ye might know the love with which I abound towards you.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Reaffirm Your Love
…3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. 4For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. 5Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 20:19
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

Philippians 3:18
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Romans 9:2
I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. / We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.

1 Corinthians 4:14
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

Galatians 4:19
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

2 Corinthians 11:28-29
Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. / Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

2 Corinthians 7:8-9
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— / yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us.

2 Corinthians 12:15
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Jeremiah 9:1
Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.

Lamentations 3:48-49
Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. / My eyes overflow unceasingly, without relief,

Isaiah 22:4
Therefore I said, “Turn away from me, let me weep bitterly! Do not try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people.”

Psalm 119:136
My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.

Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

Treasury of Scripture

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

out.

Leviticus 19:17,18
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him…

Psalm 119:136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Proverbs 27:5,6
Open rebuke is better than secret love…

not.

2 Corinthians 7:8,9,12
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season…

2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

that you might.

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Jump to Previous

Abundant Abundantly Affliction Anguish Cause Deep Distress Especially Great Grieve Grieved Heart Hope Love Order Pain Pressure Showing Sorrow Sorrowful Sorry Spirit Suffering Tears Towards Tribulation Trouble Weeping Write Wrote

Jump to Next

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.

Berean Study Bible

For through many tears
The phrase "through many tears" reveals the deep emotional state of the Apostle Paul as he writes to the Corinthians. The Greek word for "tears" is "δάκρυα" (dakrya), which signifies genuine sorrow and emotional pain. This expression underscores the sincerity and vulnerability of Paul, who, despite his apostolic authority, is not afraid to show his humanity. Historically, tears were often seen as a sign of earnestness and truthfulness, indicating that Paul's message is heartfelt and sincere.

I wrote to you
The act of writing, "I wrote to you," emphasizes the personal and direct communication Paul had with the Corinthian church. The Greek verb "ἔγραψα" (egrapsa) indicates a past action with ongoing relevance, suggesting that Paul's previous letter was meant to have a lasting impact. In the historical context, letters were a primary means of communication for early Christians, serving as a vital tool for teaching, correction, and encouragement.

out of great distress
The phrase "out of great distress" highlights the intense emotional turmoil Paul experienced. The Greek word for "distress" is "θλίψεως" (thlipseōs), which can also mean tribulation or pressure. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the trials faced by believers. Paul's distress was not just personal but was deeply connected to his pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians.

and anguish of heart
"Anguish of heart" further intensifies the emotional weight Paul carried. The Greek word "συνοχῆς" (synochēs) for "anguish" conveys a sense of being tightly pressed or constrained, reflecting the internal struggle Paul faced. The "heart" (καρδία, kardia) in biblical terms often represents the center of emotions and will. This phrase indicates that Paul's concern was not superficial but deeply rooted in his innermost being.

not to grieve you
Paul clarifies his intention with "not to grieve you," showing his pastoral sensitivity. The Greek word "λυπήσω" (lypēsō) for "grieve" means to cause sorrow or distress. Paul’s aim was not to inflict pain but to address issues that needed correction. This reflects a biblical principle of speaking the truth in love, balancing correction with compassion.

but to let you know
The phrase "but to let you know" indicates Paul's purpose in writing. The Greek "γνῶτε" (gnōte) implies a deep, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. Paul desired the Corinthians to fully grasp the reasons behind his previous actions and words, fostering a deeper relationship and understanding.

the depth of my love
Finally, "the depth of my love" reveals the ultimate motivation behind Paul's letter. The Greek word "ἀγάπην" (agapēn) for "love" is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. This love is reflective of Christ's love for the church, which Paul emulates. The "depth" (περισσοτέρως, perissoterōs) suggests an abundant, overflowing love that surpasses ordinary affection. Historically, this kind of love was counter-cultural, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel in relationships.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) Out of much affliction and anguish.--Men might think that it had cost him little to write sharp words like those which he has in his mind. He remembers well what he felt as he dictated them--the intensity of his feelings, pain that such words should be needed, anxiety as to their issue, the very tears which then, as at other times (Acts 20:19; Acts 20:31; 2Timothy 1:4), were the outflow of strong emotion. Those who were indignant at his stern words should remember, or at least learn to believe this, and so to see in them the strongest proof of his abounding love for them. The heart of St. Paul was in this matter as the heart of Him who said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Revelation 3:19). The motive in such a case is not to give pain, but to lead those whom we reprove to feel how much we love them. On the word for "anguish," see Note on Luke 21:25. Looking to the fact that it is used only by St. Luke and St. Paul in the New Testament, we may, perhaps, see in it another example of medical terminology. The anguish was like that of a tight pressure or constriction of the heart.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - For. He proceeds to assign the anguish which his First Epistle had caused him as a proof of his confidence that, as a body, they loved him as he loved them. If they had regarded each other with indifference, his letter would not have been written to them, as it were. in his heart's blood. Out of much affliction and anguish of heart. The word for "anguish" means "contraction," "pressure," "spasm" (Luke 21:25). The expression may seem far too strong to be accounted for by the tone of the first letter. Hence some have supposed that he is referring to some other letter now last; and others that ch. 10-13. of this letter, where the whole tone of affection and tenderness suddenly changes into one of impassioned irony and indignation, really belonged to this intermediate letter. There is no need, however, for these hypotheses. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11 he had spoken of the errors of the Church with strong reprobation, and the anguish with which he wrote the letter may have been all the more deeply felt because, in expressing it, he put on his feelings a strong restraint. With many tears. I wrote "out of" anguish, and that anguish showed itself through the tears which bathed my cheeks as I wrote. Such tears, says Calvin, "show weakness, but a weakness more heroic than would have been the iron apathy of a Stoic." It must, however, be remembered that, in ancient times, and in Southern and Eastern lands, men yielded to tears more readily than among Northern nations, who take pride in suppressing as far as possible all outward signs of emotion. In Homer the bravest heroes do not blush to weep in public, and the nervous, afflicted temperament of St. Paul seems to have been often overwhelmed with weeping (Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Timothy 1:4). Not that ye should be grieved. The "not," by a common Hebrew idiom, means "not only," "not exclusively." His object in inflicting pain was not the pain itself, but the results of godly repentance which it produced (2 Corinthians 7:11). The love. In the Greek this word is placed very emphatically at the beginning of the clause. More abundantly. I loved you more than I loved other converts, and the abundance of my love will give you a measure of the pain I felt. The Philippians were St. Paul's best-beloved converts; but next to them he seems to have felt more personal tenderness for the members of this inflated, wayward, erring Church than for any other community, just as a father sometimes loves best his least-deserving son. There was something in the brightness and keenness of the Greek nature which won over St. Paul, in spite of its many faults.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

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

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

many
πολλῶν (pollōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

tears
δακρύων (dakryōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1144: A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear.

I wrote
ἔγραψα (egrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

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

out of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

great
πολλῆς (pollēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

distress
θλίψεως (thlipseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

anguish
συνοχῆς (synochēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4928: Distress, anguish, anxiety. From sunecho; restraint, i.e. anxiety.

of heart,
καρδίας (kardias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

not
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

grieve you
λυπηθῆτε (lypēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3076: To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

let you know
γνῶτε (gnōte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

how much
περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4057: Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.

I love you.
ἀγάπην (agapēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

Links

2 Corinthians 2:4 NIV
2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT
2 Corinthians 2:4 ESV
2 Corinthians 2:4 NASB
2 Corinthians 2:4 KJV

2 Corinthians 2:4 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 2:4 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 2:4 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 2:4 French Bible
2 Corinthians 2:4 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)