2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Study Note
Study Note
The distinction between 'godly sorrow' that 'worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of' and 'the sorrow of the world' that 'worketh death' provides one of the New Testament's clearest diagnostic criteria for genuine repentance versus mere regret. Paul writes in the aftermath of his 'painful letter' to Corinth and the community's subsequent repentance, making this not abstract theory but observed pastoral experience. The contrast has been developed in Protestant homiletics as the distinction between contrition (sorrow over sin before God) and attrition (sorrow over consequences before men) — though Paul's categories resist too precise a scholastic taxonomy. Judas's remorse (Matthew 27:3-5) and Peter's repentance (Luke 22:62) are often cited as the canonical illustrations of the difference.
Other Translations
For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
for the sorrow toward God reformation to salvation not to be repented of doth work, and the sorrow of the world doth work death,
For the sorrow which God gives is the cause of salvation through a change of heart, in which there is no reason for grief: but the sorrow of the world is a cause of death.
Cross References
They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the …
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? …
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. …
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the …
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go …
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no …
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon …
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that …
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles …