2 Corinthians 7:7
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
And {G1161} not {G3756} by {G1722} his {G846} coming {G3952} only {G3440}, but {G235}{G2532} by {G1722} the consolation {G3874} wherewith {G3739} he was comforted {G3870} in {G1909} you {G5213}, when he told {G312} us {G2254} your {G5216} earnest desire {G1972}, your {G5216} mourning {G3602}, your {G5216} fervent mind {G2205} toward {G5228} me {G1700}; so {G5620} that I {G3165} rejoiced {G5463} the more {G3123}.
However, it was not only his arrival which encouraged us, but also how encouraged he was about you, as he told us how you long to see me, how distressed you are over my situation, how zealous you are in my defense โ this news made me even happier!
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.
and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.
Cross-References
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2 Corinthians 5:2 (3 votes)
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: -
Jude 1:3 (3 votes)
ยถ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. -
2 John 1:4 (2 votes)
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. -
Psalms 30:5 (2 votes)
For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. -
Colossians 2:5 (2 votes)
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. -
Judges 2:4 (2 votes)
And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. -
Judges 2:5 (2 votes)
And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
Commentary
Context
This verse continues Paul's explanation of his deep anxiety and subsequent profound relief concerning the Corinthian church. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 7:5, Paul describes his distress in Macedonia, having "no rest in our flesh, but we were troubled on every side." His primary concern was the Corinthians' reception of his previous "severe letter" (likely referenced in 2 Corinthians 2:4) and their response to the issues it addressed. The arrival of Titus, mentioned in verse 6, brought much-needed comfort. Verse 7 elaborates on the specific nature of that comfort: it wasn't merely Titus's presence, but the good news he carried from Corinth.
Meaning and Key Themes
Paul's joy stemmed from the positive report Titus delivered, indicating a significant turning point in the relationship between the apostle and the Corinthian believers. This verse highlights several key themes:
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
This verse offers timeless lessons for believers and church communities today:
Reflection
2 Corinthians 7:7 is a beautiful snapshot of spiritual restoration. It reveals the heart of an apostle who deeply loved the church and the grace of a community that humbly responded to correction. It serves as a powerful reminder that genuine sorrow for sin, followed by repentance, can transform strained relationships into sources of profound joy and mutual comfort within the body of Christ.
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