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

The verse signifies that the Corinthians' readiness to obey Paul and their mingled tears and joy upon his arrival demonstrated their genuine and loving reception of him, which deepened his affection and respect for them.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Context

In Second Corinthians chapter 7, Paul is expressing his profound relief and joy at the positive reception he received from the Corinthian church. This comes after a period of painful correspondence and conflict where he had to confront them about serious issues. The previous verses describe how the news of their repentance and obedience, brought by Titus, greatly comforted Paul, alleviating his anxieties and confirming his genuine paternal love for them. Verse 15 specifically highlights their willingness to embrace his previous sternness and their emotional reaction upon his arrival as proof of their true love and their understanding of his sincerity. This verse serves as a concluding statement of reconciliation and affirmation of the bond between Paul and the Corinthians, solidifying the positive outcome of their reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Word Analysis

• And: Connects the two clauses, showing the relationship between their former fear and their present attitude.
• when: Temporal conjunction, marking the moment of Paul's remembrance.
• I remember: Paul reflects on a past event, recalling the Corinthians' prior disposition. This "remembering" is active, shaping his current feelings.
• your: Possessive pronoun, emphasizing that these feelings and actions belong to the Corinthians.
• obedience: Greek: hupakoē (ὑπακοή). Refers to heedfulness, listening to, and submitting to authority. It signifies their receptiveness to Paul's apostolic instruction and correction.
• all: Indicates the completeness or entirety of their obedience, suggesting no significant reservation.
• with: Preposition indicating accompaniment or manner.
• fear: Greek: phobos (φόβος). Can denote dread, alarm, or reverential awe. In this context, it likely signifies a reverent fear of God's judgment and a humble apprehension of Paul's apostolic authority and its implications, rather than mere timidity.
• and: Connects the two contrasting states.
• trembling: Greek: tromos (τρόμος). A quivering or shaking, signifying deep concern, earnestness, and perhaps a measure of awe or solicitude. It underlines the seriousness with which they took Paul's words and their desire to please God.
• your: Again, pointing to the Corinthians.
• reception: Greek: dechē (δέξῃ). Can mean acceptance, welcoming, or receiving. It speaks to how they embraced Paul upon his arrival, including his ministry and his person.
• of me: Identifies the recipient of their reception.
• the: Definite article.
• most: Adverb of degree, intensifying the love.
• in: Preposition indicating location or state.
• everything: Refers to all aspects of Paul's interactions, teachings, and presence.
• my: Possessive pronoun, belonging to Paul.
• joy: Greek: chara (χαρά). A feeling of deep pleasure or gladness. This refers to Paul's personal joy resulting from their response.
• also: Conjunction, indicating an additional aspect of his feeling.
• of you: Indicates that the joy is about or from the Corinthians.

Grouped Word Analysis:

• fear and trembling: This pairing, reminiscent of Old Testament language describing encounters with God (Exodus 20:18; Deuteronomy 5:5; Nehemiah 8:9), conveys a profound seriousness and reverence. It speaks to a response that is not just superficial agreement but a deep, heart-felt acknowledgment of spiritual truth and authority. This is a healthy, God-honoring fear.
• your reception of me: This highlights how they welcomed Paul back. It implies an acceptance that goes beyond merely tolerating him; it suggests a genuine embrace of his person, his ministry, and the truth he represented, even after a difficult period.
• your obedience, with fear and trembling: This links their submission to God's word, as mediated through Paul, with a demeanor of deep reverence and attentiveness. It implies they listened, considered, and acted upon his counsel with utmost seriousness, fearing any deviation.
• most joy of you: This speaks to Paul's abundant and superlative happiness derived from observing their genuine repentance and renewed commitment. It's a joy that is profound and complete, stemming from their transformed attitude.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Bonus Section

The phrase "fear and trembling" often appears in Scripture to describe a reverential awe in the presence of divine power or pronouncements. For instance, the Israelites at Mount Sinai trembled (Exodus 19:16). In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe the believers' own salvation (Philippians 2:12). Here, it characterizes the Corinthians' mature response to Paul’s apostolic authority and their understanding of God's word, signifying a sober recognition of truth and consequence. Paul’s reciprocal joy underscores the profound emotional investment in the well-being of those he ministers to, demonstrating a relational aspect of spiritual leadership rooted in genuine love and shared spiritual experience, mirroring the "sowing in tears, reaping in joy" of Psalm 126:5.

2 Corinthians 7 15 Commentary

Paul states that he remembers the Corinthians' obedience with both fear and trembling, and this memory brings him great joy. Their sincere repentance was not just a verbal confession but manifested in a reverent obedience that acknowledged the gravity of their past errors and the authority of God's word through Paul. When he arrived, their reception of him, devoid of the former resistance or defensiveness, demonstrated this internalized transformation. This sincere welcoming, which combined a recognition of past failings (fear) with a hearty embrace of the truth and the messenger (trembling and joyful reception), confirmed the effectiveness of his ministry and deeply pleased Paul. Their loving submission and heartfelt welcome filled him with exceeding joy, underscoring the healthy reconciliation that had occurred. This illustrates the principle that true godly sorrow leads to a changed life and a renewed relationship built on genuine love and submission.