King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:6 in the King James Version says “Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. grace: or, gif...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. grace: or, gift”

2 Corinthians 8:6 · KJV

Grace

Context

4

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. grace: or, gift

7

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also—The Macedonian example prompted Paul to request that Titus complete (epitelesē, ἐπιτελέσῃ, 'bring to completion/finish') in Corinth what he had started. The verb suggests bringing to mature fruition, not mere conclusion. The phrase tēn charin tautēn ('this grace') again designates giving as charis—a gift of God's enabling power, not human achievement. Paul tactfully reminds the Corinthians they had previously begun this 'grace' but hadn't finished.

Titus appears as Paul's trusted delegate, a pattern seen throughout 2 Corinthians (2:13, 7:6-16, 12:18). The apostle wisely avoids handling money himself (8:20-21), instead commissioning tested leaders. The phrase kathōs proenenrxato ('as he had begun before') indicates Titus had previously initiated the collection in Corinth, likely during the 'severe letter' visit (2 Corinthians 2:3-4). Now Paul wants completion, using Macedonian generosity to inspire Corinthian follow-through without resorting to command.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Titus served as Paul's troubleshooter in Corinth, successfully resolving prior conflicts (2 Corinthians 7:5-16). His diplomatic skills and pastoral wisdom made him ideal for the sensitive task of collecting funds from a congregation that had questioned Paul's motives and authority. The collection had apparently stalled during the church conflict; Paul now seeks to revive it through positive example rather than apostolic coercion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual 'graces' have you begun but not completed?
  2. How can accountability relationships (like Paul-Titus-Corinth) help finish what God starts?
  3. Why is it important that giving be 'finished' and not just occasionally attempted?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰς1 of 17

“Insomuch”

G1519

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

τὸ2 of 17
G3588

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

παρακαλέσαι3 of 17

“desired”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἡμᾶς4 of 17

“that we”

G2248

us

Τίτον5 of 17

“Titus”

G5103

titus, a christian

ἵνα6 of 17

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καθὼς7 of 17

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

προενήρξατο8 of 17

“he had begun”

G4278

to commence already

οὕτως9 of 17

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ10 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

ἐπιτελέσῃ11 of 17

“finish”

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

εἰς12 of 17

“Insomuch”

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς13 of 17

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ14 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

τὴν15 of 17
G3588

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

χάριν16 of 17

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ταύτην17 of 17
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 12:182 Corinthians 8:192 Corinthians 8:16-172 Corinthians 8:41 Peter 4:102 Corinthians 9:5

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