2 Corinthians 7:13

KJV

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} we were comforted {G3870} in {G1909} your {G5216} comfort {G3874}: yea, and {G1161} exceedingly {G4056} the more {G3123} joyed we {G5463} for {G1909} the joy {G5479} of Titus {G5103}, because {G3754} his {G846} spirit {G4151} was refreshed {G373} by {G575} you {G5216} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the reason we have been encouraged.

Besides our own encouragement, we had the even greater joy of seeing how happy Titus was, because all of you set his mind at rest.

Berean Standard Bible

On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

American Standard Version

Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound relief and overflowing joy upon receiving a positive report from Titus concerning the Corinthian church's repentance and spiritual restoration. This verse beautifully illustrates the deep interconnectedness of the Christian community, where the comfort and spiritual well-being of one member or group directly contributes to the joy and refreshment of others, particularly those in pastoral leadership. It underscores Paul's genuine pastoral heart and the mutual encouragement that flows from reconciliation and spiritual health within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic expression of Paul's relief following a period of intense anxiety and uncertainty. Chapters 2 through 7 of 2 Corinthians deal extensively with Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church, particularly after he had sent a "painful letter" (likely referenced in [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "Paul's Sorrowful Letter") and [2 Corinthians 7:8](/2_corinthians/7-8 "Paul's Regret for Causing Sorrow")) addressing their misconduct and challenging their loyalty. Paul was so distressed awaiting news from Titus that he could find no rest in Troas, feeling "troubled on every side" ([2 Corinthians 7:5](/2_corinthians/7-5 "Paul's Distress in Macedonia")). The arrival of Titus in Macedonia with news of the Corinthians' genuine sorrow, repentance, and longing for Paul (as detailed in [2 Corinthians 7:6-11](/2_corinthians/7-6-11 "The Comfort of Titus's Arrival and the Corinthians' Repentance")) transformed Paul's distress into overwhelming comfort and joy. Verse 13 specifically articulates how this comfort was rooted in the Corinthians' own comfort and their refreshing of Titus's spirit, highlighting the reciprocal nature of spiritual well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The church there was established by Paul during his second missionary journey ([Acts 18](/acts/18 "Paul's Ministry in Corinth")) but was plagued by internal divisions, moral issues, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. The "painful letter" was a significant attempt by Paul to address these deeply rooted problems. In the Greco-Roman world, letters were often delivered by trusted emissaries who would also provide oral reports, making Titus's mission crucial and his return highly anticipated. The concept of "comfort" (paraklesis) was vital in a world often marked by hardship and persecution, and the mutual encouragement within a community was a powerful counter-cultural force, demonstrating the unique bond of Christian fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Comfort in Affliction**, demonstrating how God comforts Paul through the positive response of the Corinthians ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "God of All Comfort")). Secondly, it highlights the **Authenticity of Paul's Apostolic Ministry**, showing his deep emotional investment and genuine love for the churches he founded, refuting accusations that he was aloof or self-serving. His joy is not merely for a successful outcome but for the spiritual health and repentance of the believers, reflecting a true **Pastoral Heart**. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Interdependence of the Body of Christ**, where the spiritual state of one member or group profoundly impacts others. The Corinthians' comfort brings Paul comfort, and their refreshing of Titus brings Paul joy, illustrating the principle that "if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" ([1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "Interdependence of the Body")). Finally, it speaks to the **Power of Repentance and Reconciliation**, as the comfort and joy experienced are the direct result of the Corinthians' turning away from their sin and their renewed relationship with Paul.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforted (Greek, _parakaléō_):** G3870. This verb means "to call near," implying an invitation, invocation, or consolation. It encompasses beseeching, exhorting, and comforting. Here, it signifies the deep solace and relief Paul received. The repetition of this root word (verb "comforted" and noun "comfort") emphasizes the profound sense of ease and encouragement that settled over Paul and his companions.
* **exceedingly the more (Greek, _perissotérōs_ G4056 + _mâllon_ G3123):** This strong adverbial phrase combines "more superabundantly" (G4056) with "more (in a greater degree) or rather" (G3123). Together, they convey an intensity of joy that goes beyond mere comfort. It signifies an overwhelming, even overflowing, increase in their gladness, indicating that Titus's good report not only alleviated Paul's anxiety but also brought an extra measure of delight.
* **refreshed (Greek, _anapaúō_):** G373. This verb means "to repose," "to take ease," or "to rest." By implication, it means "to refresh." It suggests a cessation from toil or burden, leading to renewal. For Titus, who carried the heavy burden of Paul's stern letter and the uncertainty of the Corinthians' response, this "refreshing" points to a deep spiritual and emotional renewal, a sense of rest and relief from the anxieties of his mission, brought about by the Corinthians' positive reception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore we were comforted in your comfort:":** Paul begins by drawing a conclusion ("Therefore") from the preceding positive news brought by Titus. The "we" refers to Paul and his companions (likely Timothy, as mentioned in [2 Corinthians 1:1](/2_corinthians/1-1 "Paul and Timothy's Greeting")). Their comfort was directly linked to, and indeed found *in*, the comfort experienced by the Corinthians themselves. This highlights a profound spiritual empathy and solidarity: the Corinthians' repentance and subsequent peace brought them comfort, and this, in turn, became the source of Paul's own comfort. It's a powerful statement about mutual spiritual well-being within the body of Christ.
* **"yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus,":** This clause introduces an even greater dimension of Paul's emotional response. Not only were they comforted, but they "exceedingly the more joyed." The intensity of this joy surpassed their comfort. The source of this heightened joy was "the joy of Titus." Titus's personal experience of gladness, evident in his report, further amplified Paul's own delight. This shows Paul's deep affection for his co-worker and his ability to rejoice in the joy of others.
* **"because his spirit was refreshed by you all.":** This final clause provides the reason for Titus's joy and, consequently, Paul's amplified joy. Titus's "spirit" (his inner being, his disposition, his very soul) was "refreshed" by the Corinthians. This refreshing implies a profound sense of relief, rest, and renewal for Titus after the arduous and potentially stressful mission of delivering Paul's stern letter. The Corinthians, by their repentance and positive reception, provided this spiritual and emotional rest, demonstrating their love and respect for Paul's envoy and, by extension, for Paul himself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the root word for "comfort" (G3870 *parakaléō* and G3874 *paráklēsis*). Paul states, "we were comforted in your comfort," which not only emphasizes the theme but also underscores the reciprocal nature of their shared experience. This is a form of **polyptoton**, where different grammatical forms of the same root word are used to create emphasis and connection. Furthermore, the phrase "exceedingly the more joyed" utilizes **hyperbole** or intense **amplification** to convey the overwhelming nature of Paul's joy, suggesting it went beyond mere relief to an exuberant delight. The imagery of Titus's "spirit was refreshed" serves as a **metaphor** for spiritual and emotional renewal, likening the restoration of his inner being to the physical refreshment one experiences after toil or exhaustion. This vivid imagery helps the reader grasp the profound impact the Corinthians' response had on Titus and, consequently, on Paul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological truth of the interconnectedness and mutual dependence within the body of Christ. Paul's experience of comfort and joy, directly stemming from the Corinthians' spiritual well-being and Titus's refreshment, underscores that Christian fellowship is not merely a social gathering but a deep spiritual bond where the health and struggles of one member genuinely affect all others. It highlights the divine design for believers to bear one another's burdens and share in one another's joys, reflecting the very nature of God, who is himself a community of persons. This mutual comfort and joy are fruits of the Spirit, demonstrating the power of reconciliation and repentance to restore relationships and bring spiritual flourishing, not just to individuals but to the entire community.

* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")
* [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound comfort and overflowing joy experienced by Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:13 serve as a powerful reminder of the deep spiritual bonds that unite believers. It challenges us to consider how genuinely invested we are in the spiritual health and well-being of our fellow church members. Are we quick to rejoice when we hear of another's repentance, growth, or restoration? Do we actively seek to be a source of refreshment and encouragement to those who serve in ministry, understanding the burdens they often carry? This verse calls us to cultivate a community where empathy is not just a sentiment but a lived reality, where our actions—whether of repentance, forgiveness, or humble service—have ripple effects that bring comfort and joy throughout the body. It encourages us to pursue reconciliation diligently, knowing that its fruit is profound peace and renewed vigor for all involved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the spiritual state of others in your community impact your own comfort and joy?**
* **In what ways can you actively contribute to the "refreshing" of those who serve in leadership or ministry within your church?**
* **What steps can you take to foster deeper empathy and mutual encouragement within your Christian relationships?**
* **Reflect on a time when your repentance or reconciliation brought comfort and joy to another person. What did you learn from that experience?**

### FAQ

**What was the "comfort" that Paul received from the Corinthians?**

Answer: The comfort Paul received was primarily the relief and solace that came from hearing Titus's report that the Corinthian church had genuinely repented of their previous misconduct and had responded positively to Paul's stern letter. This meant that their relationship was being restored, their spiritual health was improving, and Paul's apostolic authority was being reaffirmed. This news alleviated Paul's deep anxiety and distress, turning his sorrow into profound relief and joy, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 7:6-11](/2_corinthians/7-6-11 "Paul's Comfort from Titus's Report").

**Why was Paul "exceedingly the more joyed" by Titus's joy?**

Answer: Paul's joy was magnified because it wasn't just his own comfort, but also the evident joy of Titus. Titus had undertaken a difficult and sensitive mission to Corinth, delivering Paul's "painful letter" and waiting for the church's response. The fact that Titus returned not only with good news but also personally "refreshed" and joyful indicated the profound success of his mission and the genuine repentance of the Corinthians. Paul's deep affection for Titus and his pastoral heart meant that Titus's personal well-being and gladness further amplified Paul's own delight, demonstrating the reciprocal nature of joy within Christian fellowship.

**What does it mean that Titus's "spirit was refreshed by you all"?**

Answer: The phrase "his spirit was refreshed by you all" (Greek: *anapaúō*) means that Titus experienced a deep sense of rest, renewal, and relief from the burdens and anxieties of his mission. He had likely been carrying a heavy emotional and spiritual weight while awaiting the Corinthians' response to Paul's severe admonition. The Corinthians, by their genuine repentance, their obedience, and their loving reception of Titus, provided him with this much-needed spiritual and emotional rest. It signifies that their positive response invigorated and encouraged Titus, allowing him to experience peace and renewal after a challenging task.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 7:13 speaks to the comfort and joy experienced within the Christian community, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. The mutual comfort and refreshing described here are a direct outflow of the new life and unity that believers share in Christ. Jesus himself is the ultimate source of comfort, the "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "God of All Comfort")). He promised the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Helper" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")), who enables believers to extend comfort and refreshment to one another. The reconciliation that brought joy to Paul and Titus is a reflection of the ultimate reconciliation achieved by Christ on the cross, bridging the chasm between God and humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "God Reconciling the World to Himself")). Furthermore, the "refreshing" of Titus's spirit foreshadows the spiritual rest and renewal that Christ offers to all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, the body of believers is knit together, so that the joy and comfort of one member truly become the joy and comfort of all, demonstrating the Spirit-empowered reality of His unified church, living out the love and reconciliation He accomplished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 7:6

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

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Romans 15:32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Philemon 1:20

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.