King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:15 in the King James Version says “And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and ... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. inward: Gr. bowels

2 Corinthians 7:15 · KJV


Context

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.

14

For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. inward: Gr. bowels

16

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his inward affection is more abundant toward youKai ta splanchna autou perissoteros eis hymas estin (καὶ τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐστιν, "and his affections are even more abundantly toward you"). Splanchna (σπλάγχνα, literally "bowels/intestines") refers to the seat of emotions in ancient physiology—deep visceral affection. Philemon 7, 12, 20 use it of Christian love; Colossians 3:12 links it to compassion. Titus's affection wasn't duty but genuine emotional bond forged through ministry crisis.

Whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received himAnamimnēskomenou tēn pantōn hymōn hypakoēn, hōs meta phobou kai tromou edexasthe auton (ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν, ὡς μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν, "while remembering the obedience of all of you, how with fear and trembling you received him"). Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, "obedience") isn't servile submission but covenant faithfulness—the response of faith (Rom 1:5, 16:26). Meta phobou kai tromou (μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου, "with fear and trembling")—the same phrase Paul uses for working out salvation (Phil 2:12) and slave-master relationships (Eph 6:5). The Corinthians treated Titus with reverence appropriate to Christ's ambassador.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Receiving traveling Christian workers 'with fear and trembling' contrasted with pagan hospitality customs based on patronage and honor hierarchies. The Corinthians could have rejected Titus (as Paul's proxy) or received him with political calculation. Instead, their humble reception demonstrated they recognized apostolic authority. In a shame-honor culture, 'fear and trembling' before a messenger showed submission to the one who sent him—ultimately God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does my reception of Christian leaders and teachers reveal my attitude toward the authority of God's Word?
  2. What does Titus's growing affection for the Corinthians teach about how suffering together builds ministry relationships?
  3. Do I treat church leaders with 'fear and trembling' (reverent respect) or casual familiarity that undermines spiritual authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ2 of 20
G3588

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

σπλάγχνα3 of 20

inward affection

G4698

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

αὐτόν4 of 20

him

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

περισσοτέρως5 of 20

more abundant

G4056

more superabundantly

εἰς6 of 20

toward

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς7 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐστιν8 of 20

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου9 of 20

whilst he remembereth

G363

to remind; (reflexively) to recollect

τὴν10 of 20
G3588

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

πάντων11 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν12 of 20

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑπακοήν13 of 20

the obedience

G5218

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

ὡς14 of 20

how

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μετὰ15 of 20

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

φόβου16 of 20

fear

G5401

alarm or fright

καὶ17 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τρόμου18 of 20

trembling

G5156

a "trembling", i.e., quaking with fear

ἐδέξασθε19 of 20

ye received

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν20 of 20

him

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


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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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