Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:13

What does 2 Corinthians 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:13 means

Despite the open door in Troas, Paul found no rest because Titus did not meet him there. His spirit remained heavy, likely due to uncertainty about Corinth’s response to his severe letter. He chose to move on to Macedonia, seeking Titus and the needed report. This candid admission shows that apostles feel real human anxiety. Yet it also shows responsible action: he does not abandon the mission but adjusts his path to attend to pressing pastoral matters. Paul’s honesty invites readers to see that weakness and concern do not negate faith; they are the very context in which God’s guidance is experienced.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I had no rest in my spirit because Titus my brother was not there: so I went away from them, and came into Macedonia.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have not had rest to my spirit, on my not finding Titus my brother, but having taken leave of them, I went forth to Macedonia;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but bidding them farewell, I went into Macedonia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I had no rest in my spirit at not finding Titus my brother; but bidding them adieu, I came away to Macedonia.

Context

The narrative intensifies: Paul’s unease in Troas drives him toward Macedonia in search of Titus. This sets up the surprising shift in verse 14, where he erupts in thanksgiving for God’s continual triumph, reframing his anxieties in light of Christ’s victory. The travelogue thus becomes the doorway to a larger meditation on ministry as a God‑led procession that spreads the knowledge of Christ everywhere, regardless of circumstances.

v.12Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

v.13This passage

v.14But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 12:18

    I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

    But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:13

    Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:6

    Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

  • Acts 20:1

    And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

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