TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
Berean Standard Bible
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.
American Standard Version
But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
World English Bible Messianic
But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thanks be vnto God, which hath put in the heart of Titus the same care for you.
Young's Literal Translation
And thanks to God, who is putting the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus,
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 28,949 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 verses 16–24
16 ¶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
In these verses the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters credential, that, if they were enquired after (Co2 8:23), if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be known who they were and how safely they might be trusted.
I. He commends Titus, 1. For his earnest care and great concern of heart for them, and desire in all things to promote their welfare. This is mentioned with thankfulness to God (Co2 8:16), and it is cause of thankfulness if God hath put it into the hearts of any to do us or others any good. 2. For his readiness to this present service. He accepted the office, and was forward to go upon this good errand, Co2 8:17. Asking charity for the relief of others is by many looked upon as a thankless office; yet it is a good office, and what we should not be shy of when we are called to it.
II. He commends another brother, who was sent with Titus. It is generally thought that this was Luke. He is commended, 1. As a man whose praise was in the gospel through all the churches, Co2 8:18. His ministerial services of several kinds were well known, and he had approved himself praiseworthy in what he had done. 2. As one chosen of the churches (Co2 8:19) and joined with the apostle in his ministration. This was done, it is most likely, at the motion and request of Paul himself; for this reason, that no man might blame him in that abundance which was administered by him (Co2 8:20), so cautious was the apostle to avoid all occasions that evil-minded men might lay hold on to blacken him. He would not give occasion to any to accuse him of injustice or partiality in this affair, and thought it to be his duty, as it is the duty of all Christians, to provide for things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men; that is, to act so prudently as to prevent, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions concerning us, and all occasions of scandalous imputations. Note, We live in a censorious world, and should cut off occasion from those who seek occasion to speak reproachfully. It is the crime of others if they reproach or censure us without occasion; and it is our imprudence at least if we give them any occasion, when there may not be a just cause for them so to do.
III. He commends also another brother who was joined with the two former in this affair. This brother is thought to be Apollos. Whoever he was, he had approved himself diligent in many things; and therefore was fit to be employed in this affair. Moreover, he had great desire to this work, because of the confidence or good opinion he had of the Corinthians (Co2 8:22), and it is a great comfort to see those employed in good works who have formerly approved themselves diligent.
IV. He concludes this point with a general good character of them all (Co2 8:23), as fellow-labourers with him for their welfare; as the messengers of the churches; as the glory of Christ, who were to him for a name and a praise, who brought glory to Christ as instruments and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful and employed in his service. Wherefore, upon the whole, he exhorts them to show their liberality, answerable to the great expectation others had concerning them at this time, that these messengers of the churches, and the churches themselves, might see a full proof of their love to God and to their afflicted brethren, and that it was with good reason the apostle had even boasted on their behalf, Co2 8:24. Note, The good opinion others entertain of us should be an argument with us to do well.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–24. Public domain.
Copy as
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 18 on 2 Corinthians
Again he praises Titus. For since he had discoursed of almsgiving, he afterwards discourseth also of those who are to receive the money from them and carry it away. For this was of aid towards this collection, and towards increasing the forwardness of the contributors. For he that feels confidence as to him that ministereth, and suspects not those who are to be receivers, gives with the fuller bountifulness. And that this might be the case then also, hear how he commends those that had come for this purpose, the first of whom was Titus. Wherefore also he saith, "But thanks be to God, Which put (literally, 'gave') the same earnest care into the heart of Titus." What is "the same?" Which he had also in respect to the Thessalonians, or "the same" with me. And mark here wisdom. Showing this to be the work of God, he also gives thanks to Him that gave, so as to incite by this also. 'For if God stirred him up and sent him to you, He asks through Him. Think not therefore that what has happened is of men.' And whence is it manifest that God incited him?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 8:16 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Paul expresses profound gratitude to God for inspiring Titus with the same deep and earnest concern for the Corinthian believers that Paul himself held. This divine impartation of zeal in Titus's heart was crucial for the successful facilitation of the collection for the Jerusalem saints and for the ongoing reconciliation and spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church, underscoring God's active involvement in motivating His servants for His purposes.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Divine Agency is central, as Paul explicitly attributes Titus's "earnest care" directly to God's action ("which put..."). This emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives and ministries of His servants, rather than portraying human effort as originating solely from within. The use of "heart" (Greek kardía) is a form of Metonymy, where the physical organ represents the entire inner person—the will, affections, and intellect. This highlights that God's work in Titus was not superficial but a deep, transformative influence on his core being. Furthermore, the verse functions as an Apostolic Commendation, where Paul, as an apostle, publicly affirms and praises a co-worker, not for his own sake, but to build trust and facilitate the mission. This commendation is elevated by attributing Titus's virtue to divine inspiration, lending greater weight and spiritual authority to Titus's role in the collection.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological truth that genuine Christian service, marked by earnestness and deep care, is not merely a product of human effort or good intentions but is ultimately a divine impartation. God sovereignly initiates and empowers the hearts of His servants, aligning their desires and zeal with His own purposes. This divine enablement ensures that ministry is effective and truly God-honoring, transforming a mere task into a Spirit-led endeavor. Paul's immediate "thanks be to God" serves as a profound theological statement, recognizing that all spiritual fruit and faithful service flow from God's gracious work in and through His people. It also underscores the importance of a grateful heart in ministry, acknowledging God's hand in the lives of those who serve alongside us.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 8:16 offers a profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that the most impactful and authentic forms of service are those supernaturally inspired by God. When we witness genuine passion, diligence, and self-sacrificial care in the lives of fellow believers, our first response should be one of gratitude to God, acknowledging His active work in their hearts. This perspective shifts our focus from mere human effort or personality to the divine source of all good. Furthermore, the verse calls us to examine our own hearts: Is our "care" for others, for the church, or for the mission of God, merely a duty, or is it infused with a divinely implanted "earnestness"? If we feel a strong, godly inclination or burden for a particular area of service, we should recognize it as a potential prompting from God Himself, just as He worked in Titus. This should motivate us to respond with diligence and faithful obedience, trusting that God will empower us to fulfill the very desires He has placed within us, whether it is for generous giving, compassionate outreach, or diligent ministry.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Paul so grateful for Titus's "earnest care"?
Answer: Paul's gratitude stems from several reasons. Firstly, Titus's "earnest care" (Greek spoudḗ, meaning diligence or zeal) was not merely a personal trait but a divinely implanted quality, which Paul attributes directly to God's work. This indicates that Titus's dedication was reliable and spiritually grounded, not subject to human fickleness. Secondly, Titus had proven himself a faithful and effective co-worker, having previously played a crucial role in mediating reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). His return to Corinth, now with this same earnestness concerning the collection for the saints, assured Paul that the sensitive task would be handled with integrity and genuine concern for the Corinthians' spiritual growth and obedience in giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Paul's gratitude is thus for God's provision of such a trustworthy and divinely motivated partner in ministry.
What does it mean that God "put" this care into Titus's heart?
Answer: The phrase "God... put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus" signifies divine initiative and supernatural enablement. It means that Titus's deep concern and zeal for the Corinthians were not something he simply conjured up on his own, nor was it merely a result of Paul's persuasive training. Instead, God Himself actively implanted, inspired, and cultivated this specific disposition within Titus's inner being (his "heart," representing his will, affections, and thoughts). This highlights God's sovereignty in raising up and equipping individuals for His service, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished through divinely empowered human instruments. It underscores the theological truth that true spiritual fruit and effective ministry ultimately originate from God's gracious work in and through believers, as seen in passages like Philippians 2:13, where God works in believers "both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
How does this verse relate to Christian giving?
Answer: This verse is foundational to Paul's subsequent appeal for the Corinthian collection (chapters 8 and 9). By highlighting Titus's divinely inspired "earnest care" for the Corinthians, particularly concerning their participation in the collection, Paul sets a spiritual precedent for the act of giving. It frames Christian giving not as a mere obligation or a human-driven fundraising effort, but as an act prompted and empowered by God Himself. Just as God put care into Titus's heart for the Corinthians, so too does God inspire a willing and generous spirit in believers to give. This implies that true Christian generosity flows from a heart shaped by God, reflecting His own giving nature. It elevates the act of giving to a spiritual discipline, an opportunity to respond to God's grace with a divinely-enabled eagerness and diligence, contributing to the unity and welfare of the wider body of Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 8:16 directly praises God for His work in Titus, its deeper resonance points to the ultimate source and pattern of all divine initiative and self-giving: Jesus Christ. The "earnest care" that God placed in Titus's heart for the Corinthians is a reflection, however faint, of the boundless and eternal "earnest care" God the Father has for humanity, supremely demonstrated in sending His Son. Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's zealous love and diligent pursuit of humanity's redemption. He did not merely have a casual concern but an ultimate "earnest care" that compelled Him to empty Himself, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to death on a cross for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8). The Spirit's work in Titus, inspiring care and zeal, is a continuation of Christ's ministry on earth, empowering believers to live out the same self-giving love that characterized their Lord. Thus, Titus's divinely-imparted concern for the Corinthians' well-being and their participation in the collection foreshadows the Spirit-empowered generosity that flows from those who have truly encountered the ultimate generosity of God in Christ, who though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).