2 Corinthians 8 16

2 Corinthians 8:16 kjv

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

2 Corinthians 8:16 nkjv

But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

2 Corinthians 8:16 niv

Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.

2 Corinthians 8:16 esv

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.

2 Corinthians 8:16 nlt

But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 16 Meaning

This verse expresses Paul's deep gratitude to God for implanting in Titus a heartfelt and earnest concern for the Corinthian believers, mirroring Paul's own fervent care for them. It signifies that Titus's dedication to them, particularly concerning the collection for the Jerusalem saints, was divinely inspired, not merely a human assignment. This assurance authenticated Titus's mission and reassured the Corinthians of the integrity and sincerity of both Paul's and Titus's intentions.

2 Corinthians 8 16 Context

This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (chapters 8-9) concerning the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 opens with Paul highlighting the Macedonian churches' overflowing generosity as a model for Corinth, despite their own poverty. Paul emphasizes that giving is a grace (charisma), to be performed voluntarily and eagerly, reflecting Christ's own sacrificial giving. In this context, the verse introduces Titus as Paul's trusted envoy, being sent to Corinth to complete the collection, an effort initiated the previous year. It aims to reinforce Titus's authority and integrity by portraying his mission as divinely sanctioned and rooted in a sincere, shared pastoral concern. Historically, Paul's relationship with the Corinthians had been strained, with his apostolic authority and integrity frequently challenged. Titus played a critical role in mediating between Paul and the church, bringing back encouraging news of their repentance (2 Cor 7). Therefore, reaffirming Titus's genuine, God-given zeal was essential for the successful completion of the sensitive task of collecting financial contributions without raising further suspicion or accusations against Paul or his team.

2 Corinthians 8 16 Word analysis

• But thanks be to God (τῷ δὲ Θεῷ χάρις - tō de Theō charis): This is a common Pauline doxology, not merely a formal expression, but a profound declaration acknowledging God as the ultimate source and author of all good things. It points away from human effort or natural inclination and attributes the genuine care of Titus directly to divine initiative and grace. It underscores Paul's conviction that the integrity and effectiveness of ministry stem from God's work.
• who put (ὁ δοὺς - ho dous): An active participle, "the one who gave," clearly indicating God as the agent performing this specific act. The Greek verb didōmi ("to give," "to grant," "to put") implies a divine endowment or implantation. This isn't merely a suggestion or inspiration, but a direct, effective action of God depositing something specific.
• into the heart (ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ - en tē kardia): The "heart" in biblical understanding refers to the very core of a person's being – the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral intention. This phrase signifies that the "earnest care" wasn't superficial, external, or obligated, but originated from the deepest part of Titus's inner self, made pure and active by God. It implies an internal change or inclination directly from God.
• of Titus (Τίτου - Titou): Titus was Paul's close co-worker, described as "my true child in a common faith" (Titus 1:4). He was a key figure in addressing the issues in Corinth and facilitating reconciliation (2 Cor. 7:6-7, 13-16). His personal integrity and dedication were crucial for the delicate mission of organizing the collection. Paul's commendation of Titus here also serves to boost Titus's standing and credibility among the Corinthians.
• the same earnest care (τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδήν - tēn autēn spoudēn):
  • same (αὐτήν - autēn): Implies "the same" as Paul's own intense and often anxious concern for the Corinthians. Paul himself experienced great "earnestness" (σπουδήν) over their repentance (2 Cor. 7:12). This reinforces a shared burden and unified purpose in ministry, assuring the Corinthians of the consistency of their leadership's affections.
  • earnest care (σπουδήν - spoudēn): This Greek noun means "diligence," "zeal," "earnestness," "eagerness," "serious concern." It denotes not just an abstract care but a fervent, energetic, and active commitment. It indicates that Titus's involvement was characterized by enthusiastic attention and dedicated effort, vital for the success of a project like the Jerusalem collection which involved complex logistics and human emotions.
• I have for you (τὴν ὑπέρ ὑμῶν - tēn hyper hymōn): Explicitly clarifies that the object of this care and earnestness is the Corinthian church. It connects Titus's divinely given zeal directly to the specific needs and well-being of the Corinthians, demonstrating Paul's ongoing deep pastoral concern for them despite their past conflicts. This reconfirms the relational, person-focused aspect of the collection, not merely a financial transaction.

Words-group analysis:

• "But thanks be to God, who put...": This opening phrase profoundly attributes the entire initiative to God's active involvement. It establishes divine sovereignty in stirring the hearts of His servants for ministry. It implicitly counters any notion that such concern is purely human-driven, selfishly motivated, or a result of Paul's manipulation. Instead, it positions it as a work of grace from the Almighty, ensuring purity of motive.
• "...into the heart of Titus the same earnest care...": This highlights the internal and genuine nature of Titus's concern. It emphasizes that Titus's commitment to the Corinthians was not external compliance but an inward, fervent desire mirroring Paul's own. This deep, shared passion (the 'same earnest care') ensures the work, especially the sensitive matter of collecting funds, would be carried out with integrity, compassion, and tireless dedication.
• "...for you.": This concluding phrase brings the focus squarely back to the recipients of this divinely inspired concern: the Corinthian believers. It affirms that the purpose of God's action in Titus's heart, and by extension, in Paul's heart, is their welfare, spiritual growth, and reconciliation. It's a reminder of the deeply personal and pastoral heart behind Paul's apostleship and the mission.

2 Corinthians 8 16 Bonus section

• This verse provides an example of God’s sovereign grace not only in salvation but also in equipping and motivating His servants for specific tasks and concerns within the church.
• It implicitly rebukes the idea that genuine spiritual concern comes purely from human effort or natural personality; it emphasizes a supernatural, God-given element.
• The commendation of Titus by explicitly stating God put this care into his heart served as a powerful endorsement of his mission and character, vital for gaining the Corinthians' trust, especially after the preceding period of conflict.
• This divine act reflects Paul's theology that believers are co-laborers with God (1 Cor 3:9), where human will and actions are influenced and empowered by God's Spirit.
• The "same earnest care" illustrates spiritual partnership and alignment in ministry: Paul's deep concern for the Corinthians finds an echo, instilled by God, in Titus.

2 Corinthians 8 16 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:16 is a concise yet powerful declaration of divine initiative in Christian service. Paul, as he often does, thanks God for the spiritual blessings and enablement within his co-workers and the churches. Here, the focus is on Titus, a key mediator in Paul's difficult relationship with the Corinthians. Paul affirms that Titus's diligent and profound concern for them (specifically related to the sensitive matter of the collection for Jerusalem) did not originate merely from a sense of duty or Paul's persuasion. Instead, it was God Himself who "put" this very zeal and care directly into Titus's heart. This implies God actively works within believers, inspiring genuine desires and enabling them for ministry. This divine instigation provides a vital assurance of integrity for the Corinthians, counteracting any lingering suspicions about the motives behind the collection or the characters involved. It underscores that all true, earnest care for God's people flows from the ultimate divine Source, making ministry effective and trustworthy. It also serves as an affirmation of Titus as a faithful, God-driven messenger, thereby strengthening his credibility and the success of his mission.