2 Corinthians 7:15
What does 2 Corinthians 7:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 7:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 7:15 means
Titus’s affection for the Corinthians has increased as he recalls their obedience. They received him “with fear and trembling,” which means they took his visit seriously, honoring his message and the God who sent him. Their responsiveness showed humility and respect for apostolic authority expressed through Titus. Such a posture fosters unity: when a church hears and heeds the Word borne by faithful messengers, love grows on both sides. Titus’s warm remembrance assures Paul that the reconciliation is not superficial; it has produced deep regard and practical obedience—evidence that God has restored the relationship in truth and not merely in words.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And his love to you is the more increased by his memory of you all, how you gave way to his authority, and how you took him to your hearts with fear and honour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and his tender affection is more abundantly toward you, remembering the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye did receive him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And his bowels are more abundantly towards you: remembering the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and his affections are more abundantly towards you, calling to mind the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Context
This verse personalizes the reconciliation by focusing on Titus’s heart. It follows Paul’s statement that his boasting proved true and leads directly to the chapter’s closing affirmation. Having traced holiness, integrity, sorrow, repentance, and mutual comfort, Paul will end by expressing renewed confidence in the Corinthians as a whole, signaling a fresh start for their partnership in the gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:120
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. ע AYIN.
- Ezra 9:4
Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening oblation.
- Job 21:6
Even when I remember I am troubled, And horror taketh hold on my flesh.
- Ezra 10:9
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within the three days (it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month); and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
- Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
- 2 Corinthians 10:5
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
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