2 Corinthians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

οὐκ no G3756
οὐκ no
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 1 of 20
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔσχηκα I had G2192
ἔσχηκα I had
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 2 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἄνεσιν rest G425
ἄνεσιν rest
Strong's: G425
Word #: 3 of 20
relaxation or (figuratively) relief
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματί spirit G4151
πνεύματί spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 5 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
μου in my G3450
μου in my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 6 of 20
of me
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εὑρεῖν found G2147
εὑρεῖν found
Strong's: G2147
Word #: 9 of 20
to find (literally or figuratively)
με because I G3165
με because I
Strong's: G3165
Word #: 10 of 20
me
Τίτον Titus G5103
Τίτον Titus
Strong's: G5103
Word #: 11 of 20
titus, a christian
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν brother G80
ἀδελφόν brother
Strong's: G80
Word #: 13 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μου in my G3450
μου in my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 14 of 20
of me
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 15 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀποταξάμενος taking my leave G657
ἀποταξάμενος taking my leave
Strong's: G657
Word #: 16 of 20
literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce
αὐτοῖς of them G846
αὐτοῖς of them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 17 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐξῆλθον I went from thence G1831
ἐξῆλθον I went from thence
Strong's: G1831
Word #: 18 of 20
to issue (literally or figuratively)
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 19 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Μακεδονίαν Macedonia G3109
Μακεδονίαν Macedonia
Strong's: G3109
Word #: 20 of 20
macedonia, a region of greece

Analysis & Commentary

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother—The phrase eschēka anesin tō pneumati mou (ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου, "I had no rest in my spirit") reveals Paul's inner turmoil. The term anesis (ἄνεσις, "rest, relief, relaxation") suggests Paul was emotionally unable to capitalize on Troas's opportunities. His reference to Titon ton adelphon mou (Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, "Titus my brother") emphasizes their close partnership—Titus was the bearer of the severe letter, and Paul anxiously awaited news of Corinth's response.

But taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia—Paul abandons the open door in Troas to find Titus in Macedonia. This decision reveals authentic humanity—even apostles experience anxiety that affects ministry capacity. Paul's vulnerability here encourages contemporary ministers: spiritual effectiveness requires emotional and relational health. Sometimes the wisest decision is leaving fruitful ministry to resolve relational crisis. Paul eventually found Titus in Macedonia with good news (2 Cor 7:5-7).

Historical Context

Travel in the ancient Mediterranean was slow and uncertain. Titus would have traveled by foot and ship, with no way to send quick updates. Paul's anxiety reflects the practical difficulties of first-century communication. His decision to abandon Troas to find Titus shows how communication limitations shaped apostolic ministry.

Questions for Reflection