2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?
2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained?
2 If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me?
2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?
2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.
3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy.
3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
3 That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming - so I wouldn't have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you.
3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.
3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won't be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful.
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-4)
The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their benefit and his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of disquiet from him. We should always give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it must be given.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:2
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:1-4
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-4)
The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their benefit and his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of disquiet from him. We should always give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it must be given.