2 Corinthians 7:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G235} God {G2316}, that comforteth {G3870} those that are cast down {G5011}, comforted {G3870} us {G2248} by {G1722} the coming {G3952} of Titus {G5103};

Complete Jewish Bible

But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the arrival of Titus!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 7:6, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound truth about God's character and providence: He is the divine Comforter of those who are dejected. Amidst Paul's deep anxiety and distress concerning the Corinthian church's response to his previous letter, God intervened directly, not through a miraculous vision, but through the tangible, timely arrival of his trusted co-worker, Titus. This verse highlights how God often uses human instruments to deliver His divine solace, transforming Paul's season of despair into one of relief and renewed hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in Paul's emotional state, as described in 2 Corinthians. Previously, Paul had expressed profound distress and restlessness, having left Troas without finding Titus and the news he desperately awaited regarding the Corinthian church's reception of his "severe letter." He recounts his journey into Macedonia, where he faced "conflicts without, fears within" ([2 Corinthians 7:5](/2_corinthians/7-5 "2 Corinthians 7:5 - Paul's External Conflicts and Internal Fears")). The immediate preceding verses (2 Corinthians 7:4-5) detail this period of intense pressure and Paul's personal anguish. Therefore, the arrival of Titus, as mentioned in [2 Corinthians 7:6](/2_corinthians/7-6 "2 Corinthians 7:6 - God's Comfort Through Titus"), is presented as a direct, divinely orchestrated answer to Paul's fervent prayers and a tangible manifestation of God's compassionate intervention in his personal suffering. It sets the stage for Paul to elaborate on the positive report Titus brought, leading to a renewed sense of reconciliation and joy between Paul and the Corinthian believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's apostolic ministry was characterized by constant travel, reliance on co-workers for communication and support, and the inherent dangers and uncertainties of ancient journeys. Letters were the primary means of long-distance communication, and the arrival of a trusted messenger like Titus was akin to receiving crucial news in person. In the Greco-Roman world, travel was arduous and unpredictable, making the timely arrival of a specific individual highly significant. Furthermore, the early Christian communities, often small and vulnerable, depended heavily on the personal relationships and mutual encouragement among leaders and members. Paul's deep emotional investment in the Corinthian church and his anxiety over their spiritual state reflect the intense personal nature of early apostolic leadership, where the well-being of the churches was inextricably linked to the apostles' own spiritual and emotional health. Titus, as a trusted emissary and Paul's "partner and fellow worker" ([2 Corinthians 8:23](/2_corinthians/8-23 "2 Corinthians 8:23 - Titus, Paul's Partner")), played a vital role in maintaining these critical relational and theological connections.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Comfort in Suffering**, a pervasive motif throughout the letter, particularly in [2 Corinthians 1:3-7](/2_corinthians/1-3-7 "2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - The God of All Comfort"). Paul consistently portrays God as the ultimate source of all comfort, who enables believers to endure affliction and, in turn, comfort others. Secondly, it highlights **God's Providence Through Human Instruments**. While God is the ultimate Comforter, He often chooses to work through human agents. Titus's arrival was not a mere coincidence but a divinely orchestrated act, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His servants by using fellow believers to minister solace and encouragement. This emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual support within the body of Christ, as seen in the call to "bear one another's burdens" found in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens"). Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Vulnerability and Humility**. Paul, despite his profound spiritual authority and divine calling, openly admits to experiencing deep emotional distress and being "cast down." This candid confession humanizes the apostle, reminding believers that even the strongest leaders are susceptible to anxiety and need divine comfort, thereby modeling humility and reliance on God's sustaining grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nevertheless (Greek, _allá'_):** This conjunction (G235) is crucial, signaling a strong contrast or transition. It functions here to pivot from Paul's preceding description of intense external conflicts and internal fears ([2 Corinthians 7:5](/2_corinthians/7-5 "2 Corinthians 7:5 - Paul's Struggles in Macedonia")) to the sudden and profound comfort he received. It emphasizes that despite the overwhelming distress, God's intervention provided a counteracting force, shifting the narrative from despair to relief.
* **comforteth (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** Derived from G3870, this verb means "to call near," "to invite," "to invoke," and by implication, "to beseech," "to exhort," or "to console." Its repetition ("comforteth" and "comforted") highlights God's inherent nature as a source of solace and His active role in providing it. It signifies more than just a fleeting sense of ease; it implies a profound strengthening, encouragement, and consolation that comes from God's presence and intervention. This is the same root that gives us the term "Paraclete" for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
* **cast down (Greek, _tapeinós'_):** This adjective (G5011) describes a state of being "depressed," "humiliated," "lowly," or "abased." It vividly portrays Paul's emotional and spiritual condition, indicating a deep sense of despair, dejection, or being brought low by circumstances. The phrase "those that are cast down" identifies a specific group to whom God extends His unique comfort, emphasizing His compassion for the vulnerable and distressed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless God":** This opening phrase immediately introduces a divine intervention that contrasts sharply with Paul's preceding narrative of overwhelming distress and anxiety. It asserts God's sovereignty and active presence as the ultimate agent of change in Paul's circumstances.
* **"that comforteth those that are cast down":** This clause reveals a fundamental attribute of God's character. He is not distant or indifferent but actively involved in providing solace and strength to those who are in a state of deep emotional or spiritual dejection. It defines His nature as inherently compassionate and responsive to human suffering.
* **"comforted us":** This shifts from God's general character to His specific action in Paul's personal experience. The "us" refers to Paul and his companions, indicating a shared experience of distress and subsequent relief. This phrase underscores the tangible and personal nature of God's comfort, experienced directly by the apostles.
* **"by the coming of Titus":** This final phrase identifies the specific, human instrument through which God's comfort was delivered. It highlights the principle of divine providence, where God works through ordinary means and human relationships to accomplish His purposes. Titus's arrival was not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, bringing the much-needed good news and fellowship that alleviated Paul's profound anxiety.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God as one who "comforteth," attributing a human-like action (comforting) to the divine being, making His compassion relatable and immediate. The phrase "those that are cast down" uses **Metonymy**, where the state of being "cast down" (a condition of humility or dejection) stands for the people experiencing that state. This effectively highlights the specific recipients of God's comfort. Furthermore, the structure of the verse, moving from a general statement about God's character ("that comforteth those that are cast down") to a specific instance of His action ("comforted us by the coming of Titus"), demonstrates a form of **exemplification**, where a universal truth is immediately illustrated by a personal experience. This rhetorical strategy grounds theological truth in lived reality, making it more impactful and relatable for the readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's active and compassionate engagement with human suffering, particularly the distress of His faithful servants. It reiterates the theological truth that God is not only the ultimate source of comfort but also a God who intimately understands and responds to the deepest anxieties and dejection of His people. The arrival of Titus serves as a powerful testament to God's providential care, demonstrating that His comfort often comes through tangible, human means – the fellowship, good news, and presence of fellow believers. This points to the essential role of the Christian community as channels of divine grace and encouragement, a theme central to the New Testament's understanding of the body of Christ. God's comfort is not merely a passive feeling but an active, strengthening presence that enables endurance and transforms despair into hope.

* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "God, the Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted")
* [Isaiah 49:13](/isaiah/49-13 "God Comforts His Afflicted People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 7:6 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of distress and anxiety. It reminds us that even the most devoted servants of God, like Paul, are not immune to profound emotional struggles. When we feel "cast down" by life's pressures, external conflicts, or internal fears, this verse assures us that God, by His very nature, is our Comforter. He is intimately aware of our dejection and actively intervenes to provide solace. Moreover, it challenges us to be instruments of God's comfort to others. Just as Titus was divinely used to bring relief to Paul, we too are called to be present, to share good news, and to offer tangible support to those who are struggling. Our timely presence, a compassionate word, or an act of service can be God's hand reaching out to a hurting soul. This verse fosters a deep trust in God's providence, knowing that He will provide comfort in His perfect timing and often through the unexpected means of human connection, reinforcing the vital role of community in our spiritual well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "cast down," and how might you invite God, the Comforter, into that specific area?**
* **Who has God used in your life as an instrument of His comfort, and how can you express gratitude or pay that comfort forward?**
* **How can you be more intentional about being a "Titus" to someone in your community who might be experiencing distress or anxiety?**
* **What does Paul's vulnerability in admitting his distress teach you about the nature of spiritual strength and reliance on God?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so "cast down" before Titus arrived?**

Answer: Paul's distress stemmed primarily from his deep concern over the Corinthian church's response to a previous, stern letter he had sent. He was anxious about their repentance, their spiritual health, and their relationship with him as their apostle. This anxiety was so profound that it left him "no rest in his spirit" ([2 Corinthians 2:13](/2_corinthians/2-13 "2 Corinthians 2:13 - Paul's Distress in Troas")) while waiting for Titus, who was to bring news from Corinth. His struggles were compounded by "conflicts without, fears within" ([2 Corinthians 7:5](/2_corinthians/7-5 "2 Corinthians 7:5 - Paul's External Conflicts and Internal Fears")) as he traveled through Macedonia. His emotional state was a testament to his pastoral heart and the heavy burden he carried for the churches.

**How does God "comfort those that are cast down"?**

Answer: God comforts those who are "cast down" in various ways, as demonstrated in this verse. Firstly, He does so directly through the indwelling Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Comforter" or "Helper" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Secondly, and as highlighted here, God frequently uses human instruments. Titus's arrival was not a coincidence but a divinely orchestrated event. He brought good news of the Corinthians' repentance and love for Paul, which was the specific comfort Paul needed. This illustrates that God's comfort is often tangible, coming through the timely presence, encouraging words, and faithful service of fellow believers within the Christian community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 7:6, while speaking of God's comfort through Titus, ultimately points to the supreme comfort found in Jesus Christ. The "God that comforteth those that are cast down" is revealed most fully in the person and work of Christ, who perfectly embodies divine compassion and actively seeks out the brokenhearted. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Comforter" or "Paraclete" in His earthly ministry, ministering to the sick, the marginalized, and the despairing. His life was a testament to God's desire to draw near to the "cast down" and lift them up, culminating in His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, through which He secured eternal comfort and reconciliation for all who believe ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ, having ascended, sent the Holy Spirit, whom He called "another Helper" or "Comforter" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), who indwells believers, providing ongoing comfort, strength, and guidance in all their afflictions. Thus, Titus's arrival, bringing relief to Paul, foreshadows the greater, abiding comfort that Christ provides through His Spirit and through the fellowship of His body, the Church, until His glorious return, when all tears will be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:16

¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2 Thessalonians 2:17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

2 Corinthians 7:13

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.

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.