2 Corinthians 2:6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 2:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was [inflicted] by the many;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was [inflicted] by the many;
2 Corinthians 2:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was [inflicted] by the many;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, etc..] By this punishment is meant, the excommunication of the incestuous person, or the censure that was laid upon him by the church: for this was inflicted by many; not by the pastor only, or by the elders or more eminent persons in the church, but by the multitude, by the whole congregation, at least upo twn pleionwn, “by the more”; the greater, or major part; and not by one, or a few only: in inflicting this punishment, or laying on this censure in the public manner they did, they were certainly right, and to be commended; but inasmuch as there appeared signs of true repentance, it was sufficient, it had answered the purpose for which it was…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Sufficient--without increasing it, which would only drive him to despair (Co2 2:7), whereas the object of the punishment was, "that (his) spirit might be saved" in the last day. to such a man--a milder designation of the offender than if he had been named [MEYER]. Rather, it expresses estrangement from such a one who had caused such grief to the Church, and scandal to religion (Act 22:22; Co1 5:5). this punishment--His being "delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh"; not only excommunication, but bodily disease (see on Co1 5:4-5). inflicted of many--rather, "by the majority" (the more part of you). Not by an individual priest, as in the Church of Rome, nor by the bishops and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Sufficient to such a man - The incestuous person who had been by Paul’s direction removed from the church. The object of Paul here is to have him again restored. For that purpose he says that the punishment which they had inflicted on him was “sufficient.” It was: A sufficient expression of the evil of the offence, and of the readiness of the church to preserve itself pure; and, It was a sufficient punishment to the offender. It had accomplished all that he had desired. It had humbled him, and brought him to repentance; and doubtless led him to put away his “wife”; compare note, 1 Corinthians 5:1. As that had been done, it was proper now that he should be again restored to the privileges of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sufficient for such an one - With what a remarkable tenderness does St. Paul treat this offender! He never once mentions his name. Nor does he here so much as mention his crime. By many - Not only by the rulers of the church: the whole congregation acquiesced in the sentence. 2 Corinthians 2:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“punishment: or, censure which: Co2 13:10; Co1 5:4, Co1 5:5; Ti1 5:20 2 Corinthians 2:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification