But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:16KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:16 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:16 says that Paul is thankful to God for giving Titus the same deep concern for the Corinthian believers that Paul himself feels. Paul sees Titus’s care for the Corinthians as something God placed in Titus’s heart, not just a human feeling.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about a collection being gathered to help believers in need. He wants the Corinthians to know that Titus, who will help deliver this gift, truly cares about them. Paul credits God for stirring up this genuine concern in Titus, showing that their relationship and this mission are guided by God’s work in their hearts.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:16

  • "Care" (σπουδή, spoudē): This Greek word means earnestness, diligence, or eagerness. Paul is highlighting not just a casual concern, but a real, active commitment in Titus’s heart for the Corinthians.
  • "Put" (δίδωμι, didōmi): This word means to give or place. Paul is saying God is the one who has given or placed this concern in Titus, emphasizing that such care comes from God, not just from human effort.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that genuine spiritual concern for others is something God can create in a person’s heart, not just a personality trait or a result of persuasion.
  • It helps the Corinthians trust Titus, knowing his care for them is sincere and God-given, not forced or superficial.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the chapter, where Paul encourages generosity and unity among believers, showing that God is at work in the hearts of those involved.

Where else these words appear

“care” Greek G4710 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
  • Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

“Titus” Greek G5103 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 2:13 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 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
  • Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

“for” Greek G5228 · used in 144 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
  • Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

“thanks” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.