Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:17

What does 2 Corinthians 8:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:17 means

Titus not only accepted Paul’s encouragement; he was already very eager and went to the Corinthians of his own accord. His initiative shows genuine love, not mere obedience. Voluntariness, so central to the Macedonians’ giving, characterizes the messengers too. Paul wants the Corinthians to see that the team handling the gift is motivated by earnest care, not by compulsion or profit. Titus’s willingness to go demonstrates trust in the Corinthians and commitment to see the work completed for their benefit and for the saints in Jerusalem.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For while he gladly gave ear to our request, he was interested enough to go to you from the impulse of his heart.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because indeed the exhortation he accepted, and being more diligent, of his own accord he went forth unto you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he received indeed the entreaty, but, being full of zeal, he went of his own accord to you;

Context

Following the acknowledgment that God put care for Corinth into Titus’s heart, verse 17 affirms Titus’s personal eagerness. This strengthens the bond between messenger and church and assures the Corinthians that the visit is for their good. The flow then introduces an additional brother with a strong reputation (v. 18), expanding the team and signaling transparency and accountability in handling the offering.

v.16But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

v.17This passage

v.18And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches;

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:10

    And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

  • Hebrews 13:22

    But I exhort you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation: for I have written unto you in few words.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

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