2 Corinthians 7 7

2 Corinthians 7:7 kjv

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

2 Corinthians 7:7 nkjv

and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

2 Corinthians 7:7 niv

and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

2 Corinthians 7:7 esv

and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

2 Corinthians 7:7 nlt

His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 7 Meaning

This verse describes Paul's relief and heightened joy upon hearing Titus's report about the Corinthian believers. It highlights that Titus himself had been comforted by their positive change, specifically their longing for Paul, their sorrow over their past sins, and their renewed zeal for him. This report, therefore, brought Paul an even greater sense of comfort and rejoicing, confirming their repentance and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 7 7 Context

Chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians follows Paul's profound reflection on his apostleship, the nature of the New Covenant ministry, and the intense suffering he endured for the gospel. It also picks up from 2 Cor 2:12-13 where Paul had left Troas in anxiety, having no rest for his spirit because he didn't find Titus there to report on the Corinthian church's reception of his previous, "painful" letter. This verse, therefore, marks the climax of a long period of suspense and distress for Paul. His journey to Macedonia (2 Cor 7:5) was fraught with outward conflicts and inward fears. Verse 6 explains that God comforted him by the coming of Titus, and verse 7 details how Titus's coming brought comfort, by virtue of the report he carried regarding the Corinthians' repentance and changed attitudes towards Paul. It transitions into Paul's further explanation of godly sorrow's fruit (2 Cor 7:8-12).

2 Corinthians 7 7 Word analysis

• and not only by his coming, but also

  • This phrase emphasizes a dual source of comfort for Paul. While Titus's physical presence (his "coming," parousia - παρουσία, referring to presence or arrival) itself was a great relief (as seen in 2 Cor 7:6), it was more than just his arrival. It was the specific news he brought. This shows God's layered grace and comfort.

• by the comfort (Greek: paraklesei - παρακλήσει)

  • "Comfort" here translates paraklesis. It is a rich New Testament term meaning not just consolation in distress, but also encouragement, exhortation, and strengthening. It's often associated with the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete" (Comforter/Helper).
  • Significance: The word choice deepens the understanding of the emotional support received. It wasn't superficial reassurance but a profound sense of solace and encouragement.

• with which he was comforted (Greek: pareklethei - παρεκλήθη)

  • This is the passive voice of parakaleō, meaning "to be comforted, encouraged." It highlights that Titus himself was a recipient of comfort from the Corinthians.
  • Significance: This creates a chain of comfort. The Corinthians, by their changed heart, comforted Titus; and Titus, in relaying this, comforted Paul. It demonstrates mutual edification within the body of Christ. Titus's personal experience of comfort added credibility and depth to his report.

• concerning you

  • Directly identifies the subject of Titus's comfort: the Corinthian church. This confirms that their repentance and reconciliation directly affected and brought solace to those involved in their pastoral care.

• as he told us (Greek: anaggellon - ἀναγγέλλων)

  • "Told" (ἀναγγέλλων) implies a detailed report or announcement. It suggests a clear, authoritative recounting of events.
  • Significance: This isn't rumor or conjecture, but a direct report from a trusted messenger, giving Paul full assurance of its veracity.

• of your longing (Greek: epipothesin - ἐπιπόθησιν)

  • Epipothesis means a deep and earnest desire, a strong yearning or craving.
  • Significance: This signifies a dramatic shift in the Corinthians' attitude towards Paul. Previously they might have been hostile, critical, or indifferent. Now, they genuinely missed and desired reconciliation with their apostolic father, indicating a humble and repentant heart. This contrasts with earlier expressions of apathy or even opposition.

• your mourning (Greek: odurmon - ὀδυρμόν)

  • Odurmos refers to outward expression of grief or lamentation, usually accompanied by crying or sorrow.
  • Significance: This refers to the godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:9-10) they experienced over their sin and over the pain they had caused Paul and the church. This "mourning" is not mere worldly regret but a deep, salvific contrition. It signifies a genuine repentance leading to change.

• your zeal for me (Greek: zelon huper emou - ζῆλον ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ)

  • Zelos can refer to both negative (envy, jealousy) and positive (ardent concern, eagerness, fervent devotion) passion. Here, qualified "for me," it clearly denotes positive zeal.
  • Significance: The Corinthians demonstrated active enthusiasm and earnest concern for Paul's welfare, honor, and ministry. This would involve a desire to set things right and affirm his apostolic authority, showing a proactive spirit of restoration. This countered previous challenges to his authority and character.

• so that I rejoiced still more

  • This is Paul's ultimate emotional response. The Greek particle hōste (ὥστε) indicates the result.
  • Significance: Paul's joy was compounded. While Titus's presence brought comfort, the detailed report of the Corinthians' change elevated that comfort to an even greater level of rejoicing. This highlights the deep pastoral heart of Paul and his joy in the spiritual well-being and repentance of those he ministered to.

2 Corinthians 7 7 Bonus section

The "chain of comfort" presented in this passage is a powerful model for Christian community and ministry. God is the ultimate Comforter (2 Cor 1:3-4). He comforted Paul by sending Titus (2 Cor 7:6). Titus, in turn, was comforted by the repentance of the Corinthians, which was an expression of God's work in their hearts. This comfort, passed from the Corinthians to Titus, then flowed to Paul, increasing his joy. This highlights the interconnectedness of believers and how their spiritual well-being profoundly impacts one another, particularly leaders. It underscores the vital role of good communication and trusted messengers (like Titus) in strengthening these communal bonds and bringing relief in times of pastoral stress.

2 Corinthians 7 7 Commentary

2 Corinthians 7:7 unpacks the profound pastoral relief Paul experienced through Titus's return. The immediate comfort of Titus's presence was magnified by the excellent report he bore regarding the Corinthians. Paul explicitly details the three evidences of the Corinthians' repentance and restored relationship: a fervent longing for him, genuine mourning over their past wrongs (reflecting godly sorrow), and active zeal for his apostolic honor. This sequence—longing, mourning, zeal—demonstrates the depth of their change. Titus's own comfort from witnessing this transformation lent further weight to the report, creating a cascade of joy. For Paul, who had suffered intense anxiety and emotional distress awaiting this news, the report was not merely encouraging but foundational to moving forward in ministry with the Corinthian church, validating his prior stern letter and his unwavering commitment to their spiritual health. This verse beautifully illustrates how the repentance of believers brings joy and comfort not only to God (Lk 15:7) but also to their spiritual leaders and to fellow workers in the Gospel.