Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:16

What does 2 Corinthians 8:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:16 means

Paul thanks God for placing in Titus the same earnest care for the Corinthians that Paul himself holds. God is the one who stirs pastoral concern. Titus’s heart mirrors Paul’s, showing unity of purpose among the workers. This is more than logistics; it is love energized by God. By starting with thanksgiving to God, Paul underscores that even administrative diligence is a work of grace. The Corinthians can receive Titus confidently, knowing his motivation is sincere, God-given care for their welfare and for the success of the collection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But praise be to God, who puts the same care for you into the heart of Titus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And thanks to God, who is putting the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thanks [be] toGod, who gives the same diligent zeal for you in the heart of Titus.

Context

With the theological appeal complete, Paul turns to personnel. Verse 16 introduces Titus as a God-stirred, caring emissary, setting a warm tone for the logistical section. The following verses will highlight Titus’s willingness (v. 17), the reputation and appointment of a second brother (vv. 18–19), the commitment to avoid blame (vv. 20–21), and the commendation of a third brother (v. 22). This builds credibility for the collection’s administration.

v.15as it is written, He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.

v.16This passage

v.17For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:20

    For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.

  • Jeremiah 32:40

    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:12

    So although I wrote unto you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest unto you in the sight of God.

  • Nehemiah 2:12

    And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God put into my heart to do for Jerusalem; neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:7

    and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.

  • Colossians 3:17

    And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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