King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:5 in the King James Version says “For , when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fighting... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For , when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

2 Corinthians 7:5 · KJV


Context

3

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

5

For , when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no restElthontōn gar hēmōn eis Makedonian oudemia eschēken anesin hē sarx hēmōn (ἐλθόντων γὰρ ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν, "when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no relief"). Anesis (ἄνεσις, "relief/relaxation") appears in 2:13 where Paul had 'no rest in spirit' awaiting Titus. Here sarx ("flesh") emphasizes physical and emotional exhaustion—not sinful nature but human frailty.

But we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fearsEn panti thlibomenoi (ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι, "afflicted in every way"). Exōthen machai (ἔξωθεν μάχαι, "external conflicts")—possibly persecution, opposition from false apostles, or civic hostility. Esōthen phoboi (ἔσωθεν φόβοι, "internal fears")—anxiety about Corinth's response, personal safety, ministry fruitfulness. Paul's transparency about apostolic weakness undermines triumphalist theology: even extraordinary servants experience crushing pressure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Macedonia (northern Greece) included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul had planted churches there (Acts 16-17) and received financial support from Philippi (Phil 4:15-16). Yet even in friendly territory, Paul faced exhaustion from travel, ongoing persecution (1 Thess 2:14-16), and emotional burden for multiple churches. His vulnerability counters the 'super-apostles' who projected invincible confidence (11:5, 12-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's honest admission of 'no rest' and 'fears' give permission for Christian leaders to acknowledge their own struggles?
  2. What 'external conflicts' and 'internal fears' am I facing, and who have I allowed to comfort me (as Titus comforted Paul)?
  3. How do I respond when spiritual leaders show human weakness—with contempt or compassion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Καὶ1 of 20
G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 20

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐλθόντων3 of 20

were come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἡμῶν4 of 20

our

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς5 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

Μακεδονίαν6 of 20

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

οὐδεμίαν7 of 20

no

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἔσχηκεν8 of 20

had

G2192

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

ἄνεσιν9 of 20

rest

G425

relaxation or (figuratively) relief

10 of 20
G3588

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

σὰρξ11 of 20

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἡμῶν12 of 20

our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἀλλ'13 of 20

but

G235

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

ἐν14 of 20

on

G1722

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

παντὶ15 of 20

every side

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θλιβόμενοι·16 of 20

we were troubled

G2346

to crowd (literally or figuratively)

ἔξωθεν17 of 20

without

G1855

external(-ly)

μάχαι18 of 20

were fightings

G3163

a battle, i.e., (figuratively) controversy

ἔσωθεν19 of 20

within

G2081

from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)

φόβοι20 of 20

were fears

G5401

alarm or fright


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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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