King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:13 in the King James Version says “I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into M... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

13

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

14

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother—The phrase eschēka anesin tō pneumati mou (ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου, "I had no rest in my spirit") reveals Paul's inner turmoil. The term anesis (ἄνεσις, "rest, relief, relaxation") suggests Paul was emotionally unable to capitalize on Troas's opportunities. His reference to Titon ton adelphon mou (Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, "Titus my brother") emphasizes their close partnership—Titus was the bearer of the severe letter, and Paul anxiously awaited news of Corinth's response.

But taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia—Paul abandons the open door in Troas to find Titus in Macedonia. This decision reveals authentic humanity—even apostles experience anxiety that affects ministry capacity. Paul's vulnerability here encourages contemporary ministers: spiritual effectiveness requires emotional and relational health. Sometimes the wisest decision is leaving fruitful ministry to resolve relational crisis. Paul eventually found Titus in Macedonia with good news (2 Cor 7:5-7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Travel in the ancient Mediterranean was slow and uncertain. Titus would have traveled by foot and ship, with no way to send quick updates. Paul's anxiety reflects the practical difficulties of first-century communication. His decision to abandon Troas to find Titus shows how communication limitations shaped apostolic ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's emotional transparency about anxiety encourage honesty in ministry?
  2. When is it appropriate to step back from ministry opportunities due to personal limitations?
  3. What does Paul's relationship with Titus teach about the importance of ministry partnerships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οὐκ1 of 20

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔσχηκα2 of 20

I had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἄνεσιν3 of 20

rest

G425

relaxation or (figuratively) relief

τῷ4 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματί5 of 20

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

μου6 of 20

in my

G3450

of me

τῷ7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ8 of 20

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὑρεῖν9 of 20

found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

με10 of 20

because I

G3165

me

Τίτον11 of 20

Titus

G5103

titus, a christian

τὸν12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφόν13 of 20

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου14 of 20

in my

G3450

of me

ἀλλὰ15 of 20

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀποταξάμενος16 of 20

taking my leave

G657

literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce

αὐτοῖς17 of 20

of them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξῆλθον18 of 20

I went from thence

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς19 of 20

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Μακεδονίαν20 of 20

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study