I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2 CORINTHIANS 2:13KJV
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2 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 2:13 mean?

2 Corinthians 2:13 describes Paul feeling unsettled and anxious in his spirit because he could not find Titus, his fellow worker and brother in faith. Because of this unrest, Paul decided to leave the people he was with and travel on to Macedonia.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining a moment during his travels when he was deeply concerned about Titus, who was supposed to bring news about the Corinthians. The verse shows Paul’s genuine emotional struggle and his close relationship with Titus, as well as his sense of responsibility for the churches he cared for.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 2:13

  • "rest" (ἀνάπαυσις, anapausis): This word means relief, rest, or ease. Paul’s use of it highlights how troubled and uneasy he felt inside, not just physically tired but lacking inner peace.
  • "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma): Here, "spirit" refers to Paul’s inner self or emotional state, showing that his concern was deep and personal, not just a passing worry.
  • "leave" (ἀποτάσσομαι, apotassomai): This verb means to bid farewell or take leave. Paul’s decision to move on was deliberate, showing he made a conscious choice to continue his mission despite his distress.

Why 2 Corinthians 2:13 matters

  • This verse clears up that Paul’s decisions were often shaped by real, human emotions and relationships, not just by grand plans or visions.
  • It highlights the importance of Titus to Paul and the early church, showing how much Paul valued his fellow workers.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why Paul changed his travel plans, which helps the reader understand the flow of events and Paul’s priorities.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Greek G425 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:5 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

“leave” Greek G657 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
  • Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

“Titus” Greek G5103 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
  • Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.