2 Corinthians 8:23
What does 2 Corinthians 8:23 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 8:23 means
Paul summarizes: if anyone asks about Titus, he is Paul’s partner and fellow worker for the Corinthians’ good. As for the other brothers, they are messengers of the churches and a glory of Christ. These titles honor their roles and underscore their trustworthiness. Calling them “the glory of Christ” suggests that their faithful service reflects Christ’s beauty and honor. The Corinthians can receive them as Christ-honoring representatives of the wider church. This verse seals the credentials of the delegation and invites the church’s full cooperation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If any question comes up about Titus, he is my brother-worker, working with me for you; or about the others, they are the representatives of the churches to the glory of Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whether--about Titus--my partner and towards you fellow-worker, whether--our brethren, apostles of assemblies--glory of Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whether as regards Titus, [he is] my companion and fellow-labourer in your behalf; or our brethren, [they are] deputed messengers of assemblies, Christ's glory.
Context
After describing the team members individually, Paul now gives a concise endorsement of each: Titus as partner and coworker, the others as church-sent messengers and Christ’s glory. This summation readies the final appeal in verse 24 for the Corinthians to show tangible love and justify Paul’s confidence in them before the watching churches. The flow heads toward a practical, public response.
v.22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you.
v.23This passage
v.24Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:7
even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
- 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?
- Philemon 1:17
If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.
- 3 John 1:8
We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
- Philippians 4:3
Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
- Luke 5:7
and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
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