2 Corinthians 7:2
Intermediate2 Corinthians 7:2 · World English Bible (WEB)
“Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.”
Tip: highlight any word or phrase above to go deeper on exactly that.
Overview
Paul appeals for restored affection and trust between himself and the Corinthian believers.
Paul asks the church to “open” themselves to him again because his ministry among them was not abusive, corrupting, or self-serving. This is not a cold defense of reputation; it is a pastoral plea for reconciled hearts.
What Makes This Verse Confusing?
The phrase is literally an appeal to “make room” for Paul. It connects back to 2 Corinthians 6:12-13, where Paul says the Corinthians are not restricted by him, but “restricted in their own affections.” He is not merely asking for polite listening; he is asking them to receive him again with love, trust, and relational space.
The English wording supplies “hearts,” but the underlying expression is broader: “make room for us.” The verse itself does not repeat the earlier context that explains what kind of “room” Paul means.
This changes the verse from a generic request for attention into a deeply personal call to reconciliation. Paul is seeking not a platform, but their restored affection in Christ.
Cultural & Historical Context
The Corinthian church, a congregation Paul had founded and loved, but whose relationship with him had been strained by suspicion, correction, and outside influence.
Paul had written severely to the Corinthians and had endured grief over their response. In this section of 2 Corinthians, he is rejoicing that they had responded with godly sorrow, yet he still appeals for full relational restoration.
- ✦Traveling teachers and public speakers could use influence for money, honor, or control. Paul distances his apostolic ministry from that kind of exploitation: he did not preach Christ as a way to profit from Christ’s people.
Original Language
to make room for — χωρέω , -ῶ [in LXX: Gen.13:6 (נָשָׂא), 3Ki.7:26 7:38 (כּוּל hi.), 2Ch.4:5 (חָזַק hi.), Wis.7:23-24 , al. ;] __I. Intrans., __1. to make room, give way, retire, pass : before εἰς, Mat.15:17; metaphorically (EV, come), εἰς μετάνοιαν, 2Pe.3:9. __2. to go forward, advance, progress (Plat., Polyb., al.) ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐμὸς οὐ χωρεῖ. ἐν ὑμῖν, Jhn.8:37 (R, txt., hath not free course; R, mg., hath no place, fo…
This word carries the idea of making space or room. Paul’s plea is not merely emotional—he is asking the Corinthians to remove the inward barrier that has kept him at a distance.
to destroy — φθείρω [in LXX chiefly for שָׁחַת hi., pi., also for חָבַל, etc. ;] to destroy, corrupt, spoil (on the varied usage and distinctive meaning of the word, see Mayor on 2Pe, App. , 175 ff.): with accusative, 1Co.3:17 15:23 , 2Co.7:2 ; before ἀπό, 2Co.11:3; ἐν, 2Pe.2:12 , Ju 10 , Rev.19:2 ; κατά, Eph.4:22 (cf. δια-, κατα-φθείρω).† (AS)
This word can speak of ruining or destroying. Paul is denying that his ministry damaged their spiritual life; his correction was painful, but it was not corrupting. Godly pastoral rebuke may wound pride while healing the soul.
to exploit — πλεονεκτέω , -ῶ (πλεονέκτης, which see), [in LXX: Hab.2:9 , Eze.22:27 (בָּצַע), Jdg.4:11 B* ;] __1. intrans., to have more, to have an advantage (cl., with genitive of person(s)). __2. Trans., in late writers (see M, Pr. , 65), to overreach, defraud : with accusative of person(s), 2Co.7:2 12:17-18 ; ἐν τ. πράγματιι, 1Th.4:6 (see M, Th. , in l); pass., 2Co.2:11 (as also in cl.; see LS, see word).†…
This word highlights greedy exploitation. Paul’s ministry was free from manipulation for personal gain, which matters because trust in a shepherd is deeply tied to whether he seeks the flock’s good or his own advantage.
Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)
Related Passages
2 Corinthians 6:12-13
backgroundPaul had just said the Corinthians were “restricted” in their own affections and urged them to widen their hearts.
Acts 20:33
parallelPaul tells the Ephesian elders, “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.”
2 Corinthians 11:9
Background1 Thessalonians 2:3-6
parallelPaul similarly defends his ministry as free from deceit, impurity, flattery, greed, and the pursuit of human glory.
Romans 16:18
Background1 Samuel 12:3-4
BackgroundMatthew 10:14
BackgroundMatthew 10:40
BackgroundCross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · openbible.info (CC-BY)
How This Applies Today
This verse speaks directly to broken trust within the body of Christ. Love sometimes requires both an honest defense of integrity and a humble invitation for hearts to be opened again.
- →When reconciliation is needed, pursue not only being “right,” but making relational room for restored love.
- →Measure spiritual leadership by whether it serves, protects, and builds up the flock rather than exploiting it.
- Is there a faithful brother, sister, or shepherd in Christ whom I have kept at a distance because of suspicion that needs to be examined before God?
Analysis generated on September 4, 2026 · version 2.0
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