2 Corinthians 8 21

2 Corinthians 8:21 kjv

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

2 Corinthians 8:21 nkjv

providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

2 Corinthians 8:21 niv

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21 esv

for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21 nlt

We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 21 Meaning

This verse highlights the critical importance of integrity and transparency, especially in matters of stewardship and public trust. It articulates the principle that Christians must meticulously ensure their actions are beyond reproach, not only in the unseen presence of God but also in the visible observation of people. This dual accountability aims to prevent any perception of impropriety, thereby upholding the good name of Christ's ministry and avoiding any stumbling blocks to the gospel.

2 Corinthians 8 21 Context

Chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians focus on the collection Paul was organizing among the Gentile churches for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This collection was not merely a financial transaction but a significant act of unity and grace, demonstrating the bond between Jewish and Gentile believers. Because it involved substantial sums of money, Paul took meticulous measures to ensure its handling was beyond reproach. His aim was to prevent any potential scandal or accusation of misappropriation, which could discredit the ministry or the gospel message itself. Historically, the handling of funds in public life, including religious collections, was often fraught with opportunities for corruption. Paul's commitment to transparency here serves as a direct counter to such contemporary societal pitfalls, setting a standard for integrity in financial dealings within the early Christian community.

Word Analysis

• πρὸνοοῦμεν (pronooumen): "We provide for," "we take thought beforehand," "we carefully plan." This verb signifies foresight and diligent, premeditated action. It's about being proactive and thoughtful in managing affairs. This is not accidental goodness, but intentional righteousness, implying careful planning and diligence.
• γὰρ (gar): "For." This causal conjunction connects the verse to Paul's preceding actions concerning the collection. It explains the reason for the careful delegation of responsibilities regarding the funds.
• καλὰ (kala): "Honorable," "good," "excellent," "right." This refers to moral and ethical uprightness. It describes actions that are inherently good, morally admirable, and estimable. It speaks to actions that are not only efficient but also virtuous and praise-worthy.
• οὐ μόνον (ou monon): "Not only." This phrase establishes a comparative emphasis, highlighting that the first clause is crucial, but then an equally important second clause follows with "but also."
• ἐνώπιον (enopion): "In the sight of," "before," "in the presence of." This preposition conveys the idea of being observed and being accountable to someone or something. It signifies open visibility and direct accountability.
• Κυρίου (Kyriou): "The Lord." Referring to God or Christ. This emphasizes that primary accountability for all actions, whether hidden or public, rests with God, who sees all things.
• ἀλλὰ καὶ (alla kai): "But also." This completes the comparative structure, adding the second, equally important sphere of accountability.
• ἀνθρώπων (anthropon): "Men," "people," "human beings." This points to accountability to other individuals. Christians must not only maintain an inner integrity before God but also ensure their outward conduct is unimpeachable in the eyes of others.

Word Group Analysis:

• "πρὸνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ" (pronooumen gar kala): "For we take thought for what is honorable/good." This phrase embodies the core principle of intentional, deliberate ethical conduct. It is about a proactive approach to ensuring actions are exemplary and above reproach. It speaks to foresight in ethical practice.
• "οὐ μόνον ἐνώπιον Κυρίου ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων" (ou monon enopion Kyriou alla kai enopion anthropon): "not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men." This central declaration emphasizes a dual sphere of accountability for Christian behavior. It implies that true integrity is reflected in actions that are right before God, and these same actions should be visibly transparent and commendable before others. The aim is both to please God and to avoid any discredit to His name among those observing.

2 Corinthians 8 21 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 8:21 sets forth a foundational principle of Christian leadership and conduct, particularly in handling communal resources: meticulous integrity is paramount. This commitment stems from a recognition of dual accountability – first to God, who judges all, and then to human beings, whose perceptions can either honor or dishonor the gospel. Paul, in the context of overseeing the significant collection for the Jerusalem saints, was not content with merely having a clear conscience before God; he actively structured the process to be undeniably transparent before all observers. This foresight (pronooumen) in managing honorable affairs (kala) served to safeguard the reputation of the gospel, prevent accusations, and foster trust within the broader Christian community. It challenges believers to not only possess internal righteousness but also to exemplify it in public, ensuring that their actions are beyond suspicion, thus removing any hindrance to the proclamation of Christ.

Bonus Section

• The Apostolic Example: Paul's actions throughout his ministry consistently demonstrated this principle. He often worked to support himself to avoid accusations of mercenary motives (e.g., Acts 20:34; 1 Cor 9:18; 2 Thess 3:8), reinforcing that his commitment was to the gospel, not personal gain. His bringing fellow trusted leaders with him to oversee the collection also showcases his dedication to transparent and shared responsibility, further embodying the principle of integrity before men.
• Balance with Humility: This verse is not advocating for performing good deeds for human applause (as critiqued by Jesus in Matt 6:1-6 for religious acts). Rather, it advocates for transparency and verifiable goodness as a protective measure for the integrity of the gospel. The motive remains God's glory and the ministry's credibility, not personal vainglory.