2 Corinthians 7 6

2 Corinthians 7:6 kjv

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

2 Corinthians 7:6 nkjv

Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

2 Corinthians 7:6 niv

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

2 Corinthians 7:6 esv

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

2 Corinthians 7:6 nlt

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 6 Meaning

Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

This verse marks a turning point in Paul's narrative, shifting from deep personal anguish and outward struggles (described in the preceding verses) to the experience of divine comfort. It highlights God's intrinsic character as the one who brings solace and encouragement to those in despair or brought low. Paul acknowledges that this comfort was not a mystical, internal experience alone, but was concretely mediated through the timely arrival of his fellow worker, Titus, who brought the eagerly awaited news regarding the Corinthian church. Thus, the verse demonstrates how God's supernatural comfort often works through very natural, human means and circumstances.

2 Corinthians 7 6 Context

Paul's second letter to the Corinthians addresses various challenges within the Corinthian church, including questioning of his apostolic authority, the need for reconciliation after a disciplinary incident, and concerns about false teachers. Chapter 7 specifically serves as a crucial emotional pivot point within the letter. Paul had previously described his immense suffering and affliction, particularly the "great tribulation" he experienced in Asia (2 Cor 1:8) and his profound anxiety upon reaching Troas and then Macedonia (2 Cor 2:12-13, 7:5). He was deeply troubled, experiencing "affliction in every way—outside conflicts, inside fears" while waiting for news from the Corinthian church following a severe letter he had sent. His distress was amplified by the uncertainty of their response and the absence of Titus, whom he expected to bring an update. Verse 6 thus arrives as a direct answer to this preceding emotional turmoil, presenting God's timely intervention to provide comfort precisely when Paul and his companions were most dejected. This historical context emphasizes the profound personal cost of apostolic ministry and God's consistent care for His servants in their trials.

2 Corinthians 7 6 Word analysis

• Nevertheless (Ἀλλ᾽ - Alla): This strong adversative conjunction signals a dramatic contrast or a change of thought from the previous statement (v. 5: "our body had no rest... afflicted in every way... conflicts... fears"). It introduces God's intervening action against the backdrop of human suffering.

• God (Θεὸς - Theos): Emphasizes the divine source of comfort, distinguishing it from human effort or mere psychological adjustment. It is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who acts.

• who comforts (ὁ παρακαλῶν - ho parakalōn): This is a present participle, indicating a continuous attribute or ongoing action. It defines God's character. The verb parakaleō means to call alongside, to urge, to encourage, to exhort, to appeal, or to comfort. It is not just alleviation of sorrow, but active strengthening and encouragement, deeply tied to the work of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete or Comforter). This highlights God's intrinsic nature.

• the downcast (τοὺς ταπεινοὺς - tous tapeinous): Refers to those who are lowly, humble, dejected, afflicted, or brought low. This word often carries connotations of spiritual humility before God but also describes outward circumstances of affliction and internal states of despair. God's particular concern is for the vulnerable and distressed, affirming a consistent biblical theme.

• comforted us (παρεκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς - parekalesen hēmas): A specific, past act of comfort given to Paul and his apostolic team. The aorist tense indicates a completed action. Paul attributes the relief he received directly to God's intervention, underscoring a divine response to their distress.

• by the coming (ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ - en tē parousia): Parousia here signifies a physical arrival or presence. It designates the concrete means through which God's comfort manifested. It points to the immanent way God works through human events and interactions rather than exclusively through mystical experiences.

• of Titus (Τίτου - Titou): Identifies the specific human agent through whom God delivered His comfort. Titus was a trusted colleague, a faithful messenger who carried Paul's previous difficult letter to Corinth and returned with news. His presence and the information he brought were the tangible channel of God's relief for Paul.

• "Nevertheless God... comforted us": This phrase immediately establishes God as the primary, active agent of comfort, despite the intervening distress. It reframes the situation, moving from human suffering to divine succor, emphasizing God's ultimate control and care.

• "God, who comforts the downcast": This functions as an attributive clause, revealing a fundamental aspect of God's character. He is not just a comforter in general, but specifically attentive to those in a state of lowliness, whether in spirit or circumstance. This gives a theological basis for Paul's experience, demonstrating God's consistent nature.

• "comforted us by the coming of Titus": This demonstrates the practical, relational, and providential means of God's comfort. God's divine act was realized through the human agent Titus and the news he brought. This shows divine sovereignty operating through human instrumentality and highlights the importance of fellowship and communication within the Christian community as channels of grace.

2 Corinthians 7 6 Bonus section

The choice of "downcast" (tapeinous) is significant. In Greco-Roman culture, tapeinous could refer to someone of low social status or humble origin, often carrying negative connotations of being insignificant or debased. However, in the biblical sense, particularly in the New Testament and influenced by the Septuagint, it is frequently elevated to a positive virtue when referring to humility before God (e.g., Jas 4:6, 1 Pet 5:5-6). Here, it embraces both the state of being emotionally "cast down" or dejected due to circumstance, and implicitly, the posture of humility that seeks God in distress. God's comfort is particularly extended to those who recognize their need and humble themselves under His hand. The entire passage (2 Cor 7:5-16) portrays the interconnectedness of human emotion, divine comfort, and communal dynamics within the early church, emphasizing that spiritual solace often comes through the intercession and fellowship of other believers. The relief of Titus's arrival paved the way for the profound joy that followed as Paul heard of the Corinthians' repentance and loyalty.

2 Corinthians 7 6 Commentary

Second Corinthians 7:6 serves as a powerful declaration of God's compassionate nature and His tangible intervention in human suffering. Following a detailed account of Paul's deep emotional and physical distress, the verse proclaims that "Nevertheless God," the one universally recognized as "who comforts the downcast," actively "comforted us." This highlights a pivotal theological truth: God is not an absent deity, but intimately involved in the trials of His people, particularly those who are humbled or suffering. The comfort was not merely an abstract concept; it was delivered concretely "by the coming of Titus." Titus's physical presence and the news he carried from Corinth served as the divine mechanism through which God brought solace and encouragement to Paul and his companions. This illustrates how God often works through ordinary means, such as the loyalty of a friend or the arrival of long-awaited information, to fulfill His divine purpose of bringing comfort to His distressed servants. It assures believers that God meets them in their anxiety, transforming their darkest hours through His providence.