2 Corinthians 7 5

2 Corinthians 7:5 kjv

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

2 Corinthians 7:5 nkjv

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.

2 Corinthians 7:5 niv

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn?conflicts on the outside, fears within.

2 Corinthians 7:5 esv

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn ? fighting without and fear within.

2 Corinthians 7:5 nlt

When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 5 Meaning

Paul the Apostle expresses profound distress experienced in Macedonia, specifically regarding his anxieties about the Corinthian church. Despite physical hardships, his deeper anguish stemmed from the turbulent situation within Corinth and the lack of reassurance from Titus regarding their spiritual state and their reception of Paul's previous letter.

2 Corinthians 7 5 Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. The previous chapter (Chapter 6) discusses the theme of reconciliation with God and the demanding nature of apostolic ministry. Chapter 7 begins with Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians to purify themselves, prompted by the promises of God. The immediate context for verse 5 is Paul's personal account of his suffering and anxieties while waiting for Titus to return from Corinth with news. Paul had previously visited Corinth, and a painful encounter led to a "severe letter" (presumably 1 Corinthians or another undocumented letter) which caused distress in Corinth. Paul was anxious to know how the Corinthians had responded to this letter and if their repentance was genuine. His journey to Macedonia was marked by intense inner turmoil due to these concerns.

2 Corinthians 7 5 Word Analysis

• "<a name=\"kosmou\">even" (Greek: kaiper - though, although, even if): This introduces a contrast, signaling that despite arriving in Macedonia, his circumstances were far from easy.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">when" (Greek: hote - when, at the time that): This marks the temporal setting of the event described.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">we" (Greek: hemeis - we, us): Refers to Paul and his companions.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">came" (Greek: elthonton - having come, arriving): Denotes the act of entering the region of Macedonia.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">into" (Greek: eis - into, to, towards): Indicates the destination of their travel.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">Macedonia": A Roman province in northern Greece, a region where Paul had a significant ministry and a loyal base of support.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">we" (Greek: hemin - to us, for us): Again, referring to Paul and his team.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">had" (Greek: egeneto - became, happened, was): Used here to indicate the state or possession of having no rest.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">no" (Greek: ou - not, no): A direct negation.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">rest" (Greek: anesin - rest, relief, refreshment): Implies freedom from trouble, worry, or oppression. This absence of rest was not physical exhaustion from travel but profound mental and spiritual disquiet.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">for" (Greek: tou - genitive article, of): Denotes possession or relation.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">our" (Greek: sarkos - flesh, body, physical nature): Refers to his physical person, encompassing both body and mind where this disquiet manifested. This "flesh" here denotes his physical existence and all the implications that come with it, including psychological and emotional states. It's not merely about physical comfort but an overall state of peace or lack thereof.
• "<a name=\"kosmou\">body", (Greek: sarkos - flesh): This can encompass the entire person—body, soul, and spirit—especially in its mortal aspect, which is susceptible to suffering and distress. It contrasts with spiritual peace. Paul's "rest for the flesh" relates to his well-being as a whole, affected by external pressures and internal anxieties.

Word Group Analysis

• "no rest for our body": This phrase encapsulates Paul's condition of continuous affliction and turmoil. It’s not a simple lack of sleep but a pervasive sense of distress and insecurity stemming from unresolved issues with the Corinthian church. This phrase signifies that even in a geographical location where he might have expected some respite, his deep emotional and spiritual concerns about the Corinthians prevented any true relaxation or peace. The distress was internal and tied to his ministry.

2 Corinthians 7 5 Bonus Section

The term "flesh" (sarx) in this context often signifies the totality of human existence, including psychological and emotional aspects, particularly as affected by external circumstances. Paul’s anguish was not a sign of weakness that invalidated his apostleship, but rather a testament to his deep love and commitment to the Corinthian church. It mirrors the sorrow of Christ for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42). This experience also highlights the spiritual warfare common in ministry, where adversaries (both human and spiritual) cause distress. Paul's vulnerability serves to model for believers how to deal with difficult situations and anxieties, by leaning on God’s ultimate comfort and reassurance, as seen in the subsequent verse.

2 Corinthians 7 5 Commentary

Paul openly shares his inner struggles. He was in Macedonia, a place that might seem strategic for ministry, but he experienced no "rest." This lack of rest wasn't due to physical exertion alone, but primarily a profound spiritual and emotional burden. He was deeply concerned about the Corinthian believers, fearing his previous letter, which was stern, might have wounded them excessively or that they might not have repented. His worry about their spiritual condition weighed heavily on him, preventing any personal peace despite his physical location. This reveals the intense pastoral burden Paul carried for the churches he ministered to, often experiencing deep anxiety alongside his divine commission. His "flesh," his very being, was in turmoil. This vulnerability shows that even apostles were not immune to human emotions of stress and anxiety, especially when faced with critical ministry challenges.