Though I did repent:— However anxious I might before have been. The original word Μεταμελεια strictly expresses an after-care and anxiety for any thing that has been done; whereas the word repent always signifies a wish that it had not been done. Now, as what St. Paul did in writing the former epistle was proper, and done under the direction of the divine Spirit, it does not seem reasonable to suppose that he really repented of it; and therefore the above translation, which is agreeable to the original word, seems proper. The word may also signify a kind of misgiving of heart of the success; which is natural when the reproof, however necessary, is given to a person whom one tenderly loves, and where the event is dubious, as it might be in this instance. Dr. Heylin renders the last clause, though but for a short time.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 7:8
2 Corinthians 7:8
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.