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2 Corinthians 2:10
ESV Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,
NIV Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
NASB But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
CSB Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven--if I have forgiven anything--it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ,
NLT When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit,
KJV To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

What does 2 Corinthians 2:10 mean?

Paul said his previous letter—a now-lost text written after his letter of 1 Corinthians—and now this one provided a test to see whether the Corinthians would obey him, and ultimately God. Their charge was to first correct a sinful man in their midst, then to restore him once he repented.

Now Paul adds that he will affirm their right response. Though he is the one who was personally wronged by the man, he will follow their lead and forgive anyone they choose to forgive. Paul shows that his connection to them is not simply that of an authority and his subjects. He loves them and wants to share with them in this expression of forgiveness and love.

What he adds in this verse shows just how high the stake were when it comes to forgiveness. Paul said his choice to forgive—anyone, not just this man—is for their sake. He says this "in the presence of Christ," meaning that Christ would agree he is speaking the truth.

The following verse shows why this forgiveness is such a big deal. Satan uses unforgiveness and bitterness between Christians to divide. This destroys closeness, ministry, and the church's example to the world. That's why Paul will join with the Corinthians in forgiving this man and anyone else he needs to in the church.
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