King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:16 in the King James Version says “I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 7:16 · KJV

Context

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.

Read 2 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things—Chairō hoti en panti tharrō en hymin (χαίρω ὅτι ἐν παντὶ θαρρῶ ἐν ὑμῖν, "I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you"). Tharreō (θαρρέω, "to be confident/courageous") appears in 5:6, 8 regarding confidence before God. Here Paul expresses restored confidence in the Corinthians after their repentance. En panti (ἐν παντὶ, "in everything/in all things")—not partial but comprehensive trust.

This verse concludes the emotional arc of chapters 1-7: from Paul's anguish (2:1-4), anxiety (2:13, 7:5), and severe letter (7:8), through Titus's report (7:6-7), to vindicated joy (7:9-13) and restored confidence (7:16). The chapter models pastoral ministry: confronting sin courageously, enduring anxiety faithfully, rejoicing in repentance genuinely, and restoring relationship fully. Paul's 'confidence in all things' isn't naivety—it's eschatological hope grounded in God's transforming work. The Corinthians proved that even deeply compromised churches can repent and return to gospel faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's restored confidence positioned him to address the Jerusalem collection (chapters 8-9) and confront remaining opposition (chapters 10-13). The successful reconciliation validated his apostolic authority and methodology: truth spoken in love, discipline exercised in hope, patience with process, joy in repentance. This concluding verse transitions from defensive apologetics (chapters 1-7) to constructive exhortation (chapters 8-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's journey from anxiety to confidence teach about persevering through relational conflict in ministry?
  2. How quickly do I restore full confidence to those who have genuinely repented, or do I withhold trust as punishment?
  3. What would it look like for my church to demonstrate the kind of comprehensive repentance that restored Paul's confidence 'in all things'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
χαίρω1 of 7

“I rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ὅτι2 of 7

“therefore that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν3 of 7

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παντὶ4 of 7

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θαῤῥῶ5 of 7

“I have confidence”

G2292

to exercise courage

ἐν6 of 7

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν7 of 7

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2:3Philemon 1:8Philemon 1:212 Thessalonians 3:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 7 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes