2 Corinthians 7 14

2 Corinthians 7:14 kjv

For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

2 Corinthians 7:14 nkjv

For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true.

2 Corinthians 7:14 niv

I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.

2 Corinthians 7:14 esv

For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.

2 Corinthians 7:14 nlt

I had told him how proud I was of you ? and you didn't disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true!

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 14 Meaning

The verse articulates Paul's unwavering confidence in the Corinthian believers and the truthfulness of his report about them to Titus. It reveals that his prior commendations to Titus regarding their faithfulness, repentance, and obedience proved accurate. Paul affirms he was not disgraced by his boast, because the Corinthians’ genuine response to his teaching vindicated his earlier words, demonstrating the integrity of his ministry and the sincerity of their faith.

2 Corinthians 7 14 Context

Chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and his efforts to reconcile with the Corinthian church after sending a previous, more severe letter (often thought to be 2 Cor 2:4 or an earlier lost letter). Paul recounts his deep anxiety in Macedonia awaiting Titus's return with news from Corinth (2 Cor 7:5). His comfort came from God and Titus's arrival, bringing reports of the Corinthians' repentance, longing for Paul, sorrow over their past conduct, and their eagerness to rectify matters (2 Cor 7:6-7). This positive response filled Paul with joy and reassured him that his tough love was justified. The verse stands as a culminating statement of vindication; Paul's faith in the Corinthians was well-placed, confirming his earlier boasts to Titus about their character, thereby establishing his own integrity and their genuine spiritual transformation. Historically, Paul faced significant opposition and criticism in Corinth, questioning his authority and motives, making the affirmation of truth in this verse especially pertinent.

2 Corinthians 7 14 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation, linking this statement directly to Paul's joy and relief in the preceding verses. It clarifies why Paul rejoices—because his earlier statements proved true.
• if I have boasted (εἴ τι ἐκαυχασάμην - ei ti ekauchasamēn): "If I boasted anything" or "whatever I boasted." The verb kauchaomai signifies to boast, glory, or pride oneself. While "boasting" often carries negative connotations (e.g., in human achievements, Rom 3:27), here it implies a confident declaration or commendation based on an expected truth, specifically regarding the Corinthians' spiritual state and responsiveness.
• to him (αὐτῷ - autō): Refers to Titus. Paul had evidently shared his high hopes and expectations for the Corinthians with Titus before sending him to their church.
• somewhat (τι - ti): "Anything" or "something." Modifies the boasting, suggesting Paul's general or particular confident statements about the Corinthians.
• of you (περὶ ὑμῶν - peri hymōn): "Concerning you," directly identifying the Corinthian church as the subject of Paul's boast to Titus.
• I am not ashamed (οὐ κατῃσχύνθην - ou katēschynthēn): The verb kataischynō means "to be put to shame, disgraced, disappointed." Paul was not put to shame, implying his boast was justified and the outcome affirmed his words, bolstering his credibility and the genuineness of the Corinthians. This connects to divine faithfulness (Ps 25:3, Rom 5:5), where those who trust God are not ashamed.
• but (ἀλλ’ - all’): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast or a transition to a confirming statement.
• as we spoke all things (ὡς πάντα ἐλαλήσαμεν - hōs panta elalēsamēn): "Just as all things we spoke." Paul refers to the consistency of his communication and teaching. "All things" implies comprehensive instruction and truth shared with them previously.
• to you (ὑμῖν - hymin): Again referring to the Corinthian believers, emphasizing Paul's direct communication with them.
• in truth (ἐν ἀληθείᾳ - en alētheia): Alētheia means "truth, reality, veracity, sincerity." This is crucial; Paul consistently spoke truthfully to the Corinthians, confirming the authenticity of his message and his ministry (2 Cor 1:18). It underscores the integrity of his words and actions.
• even so (οὕτως - houtōs): "In the same way," indicating a parallel and consistency.
• our boasting (ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν - hē kauchēsis hēmōn): The noun form of "boast," referring to the act or content of boasting. Paul’s commendation to Titus about them.
• to Titus (ἐπὶ Τίτου - epi Titou): Lit. "in the presence of Titus" or "concerning Titus," contextually referring to the words Paul spoke to Titus about them.
• is found a truth (ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη - alētheia egenēthē): "Came to be truth" or "was shown to be true." This confirms the validation of Paul's earlier statements by the subsequent events and Titus's report. It denotes objective reality and veracity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For if I have boasted to him somewhat of you, I am not ashamed: This phrase directly addresses Paul's interaction with Titus. Paul, with a leader's justifiable pride, spoke highly of the Corinthians, asserting their positive qualities or expected faithful response. The outcome, witnessed and reported by Titus, validated Paul's "boast," saving him from potential embarrassment or being labeled untruthful.
• but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus is found a truth: This comparison highlights the consistency and integrity of Paul's entire ministry. He didn't just tell Titus pleasant things; his prior communication with the Corinthians was based on truth, and consequently, his confidence in them, shared with Titus, was also proven true. This reinforces the idea that Paul's ministry was grounded in divine truth, yielding genuine fruit in believers.

2 Corinthians 7 14 Bonus section

This verse serves as a crucial apologetic for Paul's ministry. In a context where his authority was questioned, and his integrity was under scrutiny, his words being "found a truth" directly countered any accusations of being fickle or untrustworthy. It emphasizes the concept of mutual spiritual validation within the Christian community: Paul’s boast was confirmed by the Corinthians’ actions, which in turn validated the truth he had preached to them. This interplay strengthens the bond of trust and respect essential for healthy church life. The verse also implicitly suggests that true spiritual leadership involves both discerning the potential in others and celebrating their growth when it comes to fruition, always with truth as the bedrock.

2 Corinthians 7 14 Commentary

This verse is a powerful testament to Paul’s integrity, the transformative power of the Gospel, and the authenticity of the Corinthians' repentance. Paul, having expressed great anxiety over the Corinthian situation, now declares his relief and joy because his earlier trust and commendation of them to Titus were fully vindicated. This "boasting" was not of human pride but an expression of his deep, Spirit-led confidence in his spiritual children's ability to respond to God's truth. The "truth" theme is paramount; it underscores Paul's consistent messaging to the Corinthians, his honest expectations concerning them, and the ultimate veracity of their repentance and changed behavior. This validation confirmed Paul's genuine apostolic calling and demonstrated that the seed of the Gospel sown among them had truly borne good fruit. It served as an encouragement not only to Paul and Titus but also to the Corinthian believers themselves, reassuring them of their place within the kingdom of God and the faithful witness of their transformation.