King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:23 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:23 in the King James Version says “Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 8:23 · KJV

Context

21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. I have: or, he hath

23

Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

24

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ—Paul provides credentials: eite hyper Titou (εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, 'if about Titus'), he's Paul's koinōnos kai eis hymas synergos (κοινωνός καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός, 'partner and fellow-worker for you'). Koinōnos (κοινωνός, 'partner/sharer') indicates shared ministry and mutual accountability. Synergos (συνεργός, 'co-worker') emphasizes joint labor specifically directed eis hymas ('toward you')—for Corinthian benefit.

Eite adelphoi hēmōn ('if our brothers'), the two unnamed delegates are apostoloi ekklēsiōn (ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν, 'apostles/messengers of churches')—note this non-technical use of apostolos meaning 'sent ones,' not THE Apostles. The climactic phrase: doxa Christou (δόξα Χριστοῦ, 'glory of Christ')—these delegates embody and advance Christ's reputation. Paul brackets his credentials (Titus) with church credentials (the brothers), creating comprehensive authorization. The phrase 'glory of Christ' elevates the mundane collection to sacred mission: receiving these delegates means receiving Christ's own representatives, making the collection Christ's work, not merely Paul's project.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The dual credentialing—Paul's personal commendation (Titus) and church corporate appointment (the brothers)—balanced apostolic authority with congregational governance. Neither apostolic fiat nor democratic vote alone sufficed; both functioned together. The phrase 'apostles of the churches' shows flexible use of apostolic language: churches could 'send' representatives with delegated authority, not just Christ-appointed Apostles like Paul.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do different types of authorization (personal commendation, church appointment) work together?
  2. What does it mean practically that faithful Christian workers are 'the glory of Christ'?
  3. How should churches balance pastoral authority and congregational participation in leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἴτε1 of 16

“Whether”

G1535

if too

ὑπὲρ2 of 16

“any do enquire of”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

Τίτου3 of 16

“Titus”

G5103

titus, a christian

κοινωνὸς4 of 16

“partner”

G2844

a sharer, i.e., associate

ἐμὸς5 of 16

“he is my”

G1699

my

καὶ6 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

εἰς7 of 16

“concerning”

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς8 of 16

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

συνεργός·9 of 16

“fellowhelper”

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

εἴτε10 of 16

“Whether”

G1535

if too

ἀδελφοὶ11 of 16

“brethren”

G80

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

ἡμῶν12 of 16

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἀπόστολοι13 of 16

“be enquired of they are the messengers”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

ἐκκλησιῶν14 of 16

“of the churches”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

δόξα15 of 16

“and the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

Χριστοῦ16 of 16

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 8:23 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 8:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 2:25Philemon 1:172 Corinthians 8:6Luke 5:101 Thessalonians 2:2Colossians 1:7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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