2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's analysis of the Corinthians' 'godly sorrow' and its sevenfold fruit — 'carefulness, clearing of yourselves, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, revenge' — provides a detailed phenomenology of genuine repentance contrasted with 'the sorrow of the world' (7:10) that leads to death. The term 'carefulness' (spoudē, earnestness, diligence) heads the list, suggesting that true repentance is not passive regret but active, energetic response to what sin has damaged. The phrase 'clearing of yourselves' (apologia, defense, vindication) implies that genuine repentance produces a desire to demonstrate one's actual innocence of ongoing complicity, not merely emotional sorrow. The passage became important in Reformation discussions of true versus false repentance, and Luther's distinction between 'contrition, confession, and satisfaction' engages this text directly.
Other Translations
For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter.
for, lo, this same thing--your being made sorry toward God--how much diligence it doth work in you! but defence, but displeasure, but fear, but longing desire, but zeal, but revenge; in every thing ye did approve yourselves to be pure in the matter.
For you see what care was produced in you by this very sorrow of yours before God, what clearing of yourselves, what wrath against sin, what fear, what desire, what serious purpose, what punishment. In everything you have made it clear that you are free from sin in this business.
Cross References
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And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
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Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my …