2 Corinthians 7:15
And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπλάγχνα
inward affection
G4698
σπλάγχνα
inward affection
Strong's:
G4698
Word #:
3 of 20
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου
whilst he remembereth
G363
ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου
whilst he remembereth
Strong's:
G363
Word #:
9 of 20
to remind; (reflexively) to recollect
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπακοήν
the obedience
G5218
ὑπακοήν
the obedience
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
13 of 20
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
ὡς
how
G5613
ὡς
how
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
14 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.Acts 16:29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Psalms 119:120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.Psalms 2:11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.Job 21:6Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.2 Corinthians 6:12Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Historical Context
Receiving traveling Christian workers 'with fear and trembling' contrasted with pagan hospitality customs based on patronage and honor hierarchies. The Corinthians could have rejected Titus (as Paul's proxy) or received him with political calculation. Instead, their humble reception demonstrated they recognized apostolic authority. In a shame-honor culture, 'fear and trembling' before a messenger showed submission to the one who sent him—ultimately God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does my reception of Christian leaders and teachers reveal my attitude toward the authority of God's Word?
- What does Titus's growing affection for the Corinthians teach about how suffering together builds ministry relationships?
- Do I treat church leaders with 'fear and trembling' (reverent respect) or casual familiarity that undermines spiritual authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And his inward affection is more abundant toward you—Kai ta splanchna autou perissoteros eis hymas estin (καὶ τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐστιν, "and his affections are even more abundantly toward you"). Splanchna (σπλάγχνα, literally "bowels/intestines") refers to the seat of emotions in ancient physiology—deep visceral affection. Philemon 7, 12, 20 use it of Christian love; Colossians 3:12 links it to compassion. Titus's affection wasn't duty but genuine emotional bond forged through ministry crisis.
Whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him—Anamimnēskomenou tēn pantōn hymōn hypakoēn, hōs meta phobou kai tromou edexasthe auton (ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν, ὡς μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν, "while remembering the obedience of all of you, how with fear and trembling you received him"). Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, "obedience") isn't servile submission but covenant faithfulness—the response of faith (Rom 1:5, 16:26). Meta phobou kai tromou (μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου, "with fear and trembling")—the same phrase Paul uses for working out salvation (Phil 2:12) and slave-master relationships (Eph 6:5). The Corinthians treated Titus with reverence appropriate to Christ's ambassador.