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.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:22KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 8:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:22 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:22 describes how Paul is sending another trusted brother with the group, someone who has shown himself to be very diligent and reliable in many situations, and who is now even more eager because of Paul's strong confidence in the Corinthian believers. Paul is emphasizing the trustworthy character of this person as part of his effort to reassure the Corinthians about those handling the collection for the church in Jerusalem.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about a financial gift being collected for believers in need. He wants the Corinthians to know that the people he is sending are proven and trustworthy. By highlighting this brother’s repeated diligence and his current eagerness, Paul is building trust and encouraging the Corinthians to participate confidently in the collection.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:22

  • The word translated "proved" is δοκιμάζω (dokimazō), which means to test or examine, often with the sense of being found genuine or reliable. Paul is saying this brother has been tested many times and shown to be dependable.
  • The word for "diligent" is σπουδαῖος (spoudaios), meaning earnest or zealous. Paul uses a related, intensified form here (πολλῷ σπουδαιότερος, pollō spoudaioteros), meaning "much more diligent," to stress that this brother is now even more eager and committed.
  • The word for "confidence" is πεποίθησις (pepoithēsis), which means trust or assurance. Paul’s great confidence in the Corinthians is motivating this brother’s increased diligence.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:22 matters

  • This verse helps clear up any doubts the Corinthians might have had about the people handling their financial gift, showing that Paul is careful to use only trustworthy, proven individuals.
  • The emphasis on repeated testing and increased diligence shows how seriously Paul takes both the mission and the character of those involved.
  • In the larger context, this verse builds trust and transparency, which are important themes in Paul’s instructions about giving and church leadership.

Where else these words appear

“sent” Greek G4842 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

“diligent” Greek G4707 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

“confidence” Greek G4006 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
  • 2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
  • Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

“oftentimes” Greek G4178 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: