2 Corinthians 7:16 kjv
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
2 Corinthians 7:16 nkjv
Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
2 Corinthians 7:16 niv
I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 7:16 esv
I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 7:16 nlt
I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 7 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 2:4 | For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears—not to cause you pain... | Paul's prior suffering in writing the severe letter |
| 2 Cor 7:10 | For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly grief produces death. | Distinction between godly and worldly sorrow |
| 1 Thes 2:16 | indeed, it is we who are in the churches, hindering God, if we have omitted to speak to you… forbidding them to speak to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; so, as to fill up the measure of their sins always. | Paul's commitment to Gentile salvation |
| Gal 4:19 | My little children, for whom I am again in anguish of birth pains until Christ is formed in you— | Paul's fatherly care and spiritual birth pains |
| Gal 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is to be taken in an offense, restore that one in a spirit of gentleness... | Principle of restoration in the church |
| Phil 2:12 | Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. | Exhortation to continued obedience |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. | Goal of spiritual maturity |
| Acts 26:18 | to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God... | The result of preaching the Gospel |
| John 16:8 | And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. | The Holy Spirit's role in conviction and repentance |
| Rom 15:18 | For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, | Paul's ministry as bringing Gentiles to obedience |
| 1 Cor 4:17 | Therefore I have sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. | Timothy as a messenger to Corinth |
| 2 Cor 2:9 | For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. | Purpose of the previous letter |
| Eph 4:24 | and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. | Putting on the new self after repentance |
| Heb 12:11 | For the moment all discipline seems not to be joy but sorrow, yet after that it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. | The positive outcome of godly discipline |
| 1 Peter 1:6 | In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. | Trials producing a purified faith |
| Titus 2:12 | training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. | Grace that trains in godliness |
| Jas 1:2-4 | Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. | Faith tested producing steadfastness |
| 1 John 3:19-20 | By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearts, and knows everything. | Assurance of salvation through a clear conscience |
| 2 Cor 10:12 | For we dare not join or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not wise. | Paul's approach to self-assessment |
| Phil 4:1 | Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. | Paul's affection and desired outcome for believers |
2 Corinthians 7 verses
2 Corinthians 7 16 Meaning
This verse signifies Paul's deep joy and relief that the Corinthians have reached a state of repentance and inner peace through their obedience to God. It confirms their spiritual maturity and reinforces the positive impact of his previous letter, which had brought about sorrow unto salvation. Their willingness to acknowledge faults and undergo godly grief has led to a reaffirmation of their standing in Christ and in the apostolic relationship with Paul.
2 Corinthians 7 16 Context
This verse concludes Paul's triumphant reflection in 2 Corinthians chapter 7. He had previously written a stern letter (the "severe" or "tearful" letter, possibly 1 Corinthians or a lost letter) to the Corinthians because of ongoing divisions, immorality, and a lack of respect for his apostolic authority. This letter caused them grief, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 7:8-9, but it was a grief that led to sincere repentance.
In chapter 7, Paul rejoices over Titus's report that the Corinthians had indeed repented and were obedient. He highlights the positive transformation in their attitude and conduct. This specific verse is the culmination of that assurance, expressing Paul's immense satisfaction that the Corinthians' spiritual well-being has been confirmed through their sorrow and subsequent obedience. Their demonstrated repentance validated Paul's apostleship and their own standing in Christ, providing him great relief and a basis for future ministry.
2 Corinthians 7 16 Word Analysis
“But thanks be to God”: A direct expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of divine agency. This isn't just Paul's own victory but a testament to God's work in the Corinthians' lives.
- “Thanks be”: (eucharistō) - from (eu) (well) and (charizomai) (to give grace, to be favorable). Expressing thankfulness.
“who is always giving us”: This indicates that God’s enablement and guidance are perpetual, not a one-time event.
- “always”: (panta tō chrō) or (pantote) - emphasizing continuity.
- “giving”: Present tense indicates an ongoing action.
“victory”: In the context of a spiritual battle. This points to the triumph achieved through Christ over sin and spiritual opposition. It implies the successful resolution of conflict and the establishment of righteousness.
- “victory”: (nike) - common word for victory, often associated with military triumph or athletic success. Paul uses this metaphorically for spiritual success.
“through Christ”: The victory is not achieved by human effort alone, but through the power and agency of Jesus Christ. He is the source and means of this triumph.
- “through”: (en) - often translated as "in" but here signifies "by means of" or "in connection with."
“Jesus”: The personal name of the Savior, linking the victory directly to His saving work.
“in every place”: This indicates the universality of Christ's power and the applicability of this spiritual victory wherever the Gospel is preached and received.
- “every place”: (panti topō) - everywhere.
“makes us also”: This implies that Paul and his companions are participants and beneficiaries of this victory, enabled by Christ.
- “makes”: (poiei) - causative verb, God is the actor.
“to triumph”: This verb reinforces the idea of victory and the public manifestation of it, similar to a Roman triumphal procession.
- “triumph”: (thriambeuō) - to lead in triumphal procession, to celebrate a victory. It’s about publicly displaying the results of the victory.
“and”: Connecting phrase.
“manifests”: To make evident, to reveal. The spiritual reality of victory is made known.
- “manifests”: (phaneroō) - to make visible, to reveal, to make plain.
“our”: Possession. The manifestation belongs to Paul and his companions.
“thanksgiving”: Similar to the opening "thanks be to God." It highlights the worship and gratitude that accompanies the realization of God's victory.
- “thanksgiving”: (euōdias) - originally refers to a sweet-smelling savor, used metaphorically for a pleasing aroma or offering, linking to sacrificial language. In this verse it is likely a variant reading or implied outcome of (euche) prayer or similar concepts of expressed gratitude. However, standard texts often read a form of (gnōsis) knowledge or (phanerōsis) manifestation of the aroma of Christ, relating to (euōdia). Correction: The actual Greek word is (euvodias) referring to the fragrance or good savor, an imagery derived from sacrifices (e.g., Exodus 29:18), symbolizing a pleasing aroma before God, here referring to the fragrant effect of Christ’s knowledge through Paul’s ministry. This is further explained in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. This indicates that Paul and his ministry have a pleasing spiritual fragrance to God, made evident by their consistent victory in Christ and the Corinthians’ resulting salvation.
“through us”: The manifestation of Christ’s triumph occurs via the actions and ministry of Paul and his team.
“in you”: This phrase signifies that the Corinthians are the context or location where this manifestation of Christ's victory through Paul becomes evident and celebrated. Their response and changed lives are the tangible proof of God’s work, making the spiritual victory palpable. It’s as if their lives are a testimony that emits the good savor of Christ.
Grouped analysis (leading to the final statement):
- Paul begins by attributing praise to God ((eucharistō)) for enabling them to experience victory ((nike)).
- This victory is constantly facilitated by God ((panta tō chrō)) in and through Christ Jesus ((en Christō Iēsou)).
- The purpose of this divine enablement is to allow them to triumph publicly ((thriambeuō)), making their spiritual success known ((phaneroō)).
- The means by which this triumph and revelation occurs is through their ministry, which carries a spiritual fragrance or aroma ((euvodias)), particularly demonstrated by the Corinthians’ spiritual progress and repentance.
- Essentially, the Corinthians’ positive transformation is the fragrant evidence of Christ’s victory ministered through Paul.
2 Corinthians 7 16 Bonus Section
The concept of “triumphing” ((thriambeuō)) carries strong Greco-Roman cultural undertones of a Roman triumphal procession. Victorious generals would parade through the streets with their captives and spoils. Paul masterfully adapts this imagery to show that Christ leads us in a spiritual triumph over sin and death. The “fragrance” ((euvodia)) links back to sacrificial worship and the purifying effect of Christ’s atonement, but here, it’s the very knowledge and effects of Christ that produce this pleasing aroma through believers’ lives. This is a critical point that has been extensively discussed by scholars concerning Paul's rhetorical strategies in this letter. The successful resolution of the Corinthian crisis, marked by their repentance, was tangible evidence of this ongoing, spiritual triumph orchestrated by God.
2 Corinthians 7 16 Commentary
Paul's gratitude is profound because the Corinthians' repentance, which initially caused him sorrow, ultimately yielded the fruit of righteousness and reaffirmed his ministry. Their obedience is a testament to God's enduring power to bring about victory in Christ. This victory isn't merely an abstract concept; it's actively manifested through believers, becoming a "fragrance" that spreads the knowledge of Christ. The Corinthians’ reformed state is proof that Paul’s ministry is effective and spiritually pleasing to God.
- Practical Usage Example: When facing discouragement in ministry, a believer can remember that God grants victory through Christ, and our transformed lives or effective ministry become a pleasing aroma testifying to His work, not due to our merit but His power flowing through us.