2 Corinthians 7 15

2 Corinthians 7:15 kjv

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

2 Corinthians 7:15 nkjv

And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.

2 Corinthians 7:15 niv

And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.

2 Corinthians 7:15 esv

And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

2 Corinthians 7:15 nlt

Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 15 Meaning

This verse conveys that Titus's deep affection for the Corinthian believers significantly intensified because he vividly recalled their collective obedience to the apostolic message, demonstrating their respect and serious commitment as they humbly received him. It signifies a profound emotional bond fostered by their positive spiritual response.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Context

The immediate context is Paul's profound relief and comfort after Titus returned from Corinth. Paul had sent Titus to the Corinthians to gauge their reaction to a previous, stern letter (often referred to as the "severe letter"). In 2 Corinthians 7:6-7, Paul expresses his comfort not only by Titus's arrival but especially by the good news Titus brought regarding the Corinthians' repentance and concern for Paul. Verse 15 specifically highlights Titus's personal, growing affection for the Corinthians as a direct result of observing their humble and respectful response to his visit, which served as a representation of Paul's authority. This favorable report significantly eased Paul's anxieties about the church and confirmed their renewed loyalty.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Word analysis

• And his affection (σπλάγχνα, splagchna): Literally referring to the inward parts or intestines, this Greek term is an idiom for the deepest, most tender feelings of compassion, love, or sympathy. It implies a heartfelt, visceral bond, not a superficial sentiment, suggesting Titus's care was profoundly moving.
• is more abundant (περισσοτέρως, perissoterōs): An adverb intensifying the emotion, meaning "more exceedingly," "much more," or "even more so." It indicates that Titus's already existing affection for the Corinthians had grown and overflowed due to their positive response.
• toward you: Directly specifies the recipients of Titus's deepened love and concern – the believers in Corinth.
• as he remembers (ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου, anamimnēskomenou): A present participle meaning "while he recalls" or "as he is vividly remembering." It signifies a fresh, active recollection, the very act of which stirred his emotions. The memory of their actions served as the direct catalyst for his increased affection.
• the obedience (ὑπακοὴν, hypakoēn): Derived from "hearing under," meaning compliance, submission, or dutiful attentiveness. Here, it refers to the Corinthians' positive and submissive response to Paul's instructions and Titus's message, likely regarding the repentance concerning their internal issues. It implies their readiness to yield to apostolic authority.
• of you all: This emphasizes the collective and widespread nature of their obedience, indicating a unified spiritual change within the congregation rather than an isolated few. It highlights the corporate impact of their transformation.
• how with fear (φόβου, phobou): Not servile dread or terror, but rather a profound respect, reverence, and awe. In this context, it signifies their earnestness and serious regard for spiritual matters and for God's message conveyed through Titus. It speaks to a healthy apprehension of spiritual realities.
• and trembling (τρόμου, tromou): Often paired with "fear," this term denotes a cautious earnestness, deep concern, or an outward expression of intense humility and solicitude. It represents an inward humility and willingness to submit, signifying their sincerity and gravity in receiving Titus's message.
• you received him: This refers to their warm, respectful, and open acceptance of Titus as Paul's representative and messenger. Their reception was characterized by the profound humility and seriousness of their "fear and trembling," validating their acceptance of the message he carried.

Words-group analysis:

• "his affection is more abundant toward you": This phrase beautifully encapsulates the growth of love and compassion, indicating a strengthening of the bond between the spiritual leader (Titus, as Paul's representative) and the church members. Their spiritual maturity evoked a deeper love in him.
• "as he remembers the obedience of you all": This connects the cause and effect directly. The Corinthian church's corporate decision to obey apostolic instruction, prompted by their genuine repentance, became a vivid and cherished memory for Titus, sparking his heightened affection.
• "how with fear and trembling you received him": This is the key explanatory clause, detailing the manner of their obedience. It underscores that their acceptance of Titus and his message was not casual but deeply serious, humble, reverent, and accompanied by a palpable sense of awe at the spiritual weight of the situation. It points to a teachable and penitent spirit.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Bonus section

• The phrase "fear and trembling" in the New Testament, while indicating seriousness and caution, is generally used in a positive sense, reflecting proper reverence before God or solemn application to one's spiritual life (as in Php 2:12), rather than servile fear or terror.
• Titus's deepened affection, along with Paul's relief (2 Cor 7:6-7), completed the cycle of a difficult but ultimately redemptive confrontation, confirming the Corinthians' changed hearts and restoring trust between them and the apostle.
• This verse illustrates that genuine spiritual transformation and humble obedience within a congregation can profoundly impact and encourage those in spiritual leadership, fostering greater love and dedication in their service.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Commentary

2 Corinthians 7:15 serves as Paul's commendation of the Corinthians through Titus's eyes, underscoring the spiritual bond that grows through repentance and humble obedience. Titus, having delivered Paul's stern letter and witnessed their contrite response, found his deep compassion for them not merely confirmed, but significantly augmented. This increase in affection was directly attributed to his clear recollection of how they received him: not defensively or resentfully, but with sincere "fear and trembling." This phrase encapsulates a profound respect, serious consideration of divine truth, and a humble willingness to submit to apostolic guidance, indicative of their true repentance and turning toward God. It signifies a church taking its spiritual standing seriously before the Lord, creating joy and deeper affection in their spiritual leaders.