Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:15

What does 2 Corinthians 1:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 1:15 means

Confident of a healthy relationship, Paul had planned to visit Corinth first, so they might receive a “second benefit”—likely two visits bracketing a trip, multiplying encouragement. He sought their good, not convenience for himself. The wording emphasizes pastoral intent: his presence was meant to bless them. This sets up why his later change of plans should not be read as indifference. His original design was generous. Recognizing this helps the church interpret the alteration rightly: even when plans shift, the motive remains their spiritual profit. Paul’s leadership aims to increase grace among them, not to impress with rigid itineraries or to satisfy critics’ expectations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And being certain of this, it was my purpose to come to you before, so that you might have a second grace;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in this confidence I was purposing to come unto you before, that a second favour ye might have,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in this confidence I had a mind to come to you before, that you might have a second grace:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And with this confidence I purposed to come to you previously, that ye might have a second favour;

Context

Paul moves from principles of integrity to specifics. He had formed an itinerary with Corinth as a priority, anticipating a double blessing for them. This background is essential for hearing the explanation of changes that follows. The next verse will detail the planned route—through them to Macedonia and back again, with their support for travel to Judaea. Then Paul will confront the charge of fickleness, insisting that his decisions were not worldly vacillation but shaped by fidelity to God and to their welfare.

v.14as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

v.15This passage

v.16and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:25

    And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;

  • 1 Corinthians 4:19

    But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:34

    If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.

  • Romans 15:29

    And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

  • Romans 1:11

    For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

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