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.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
G2532
Καὶ
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
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐλθόντων
were come
G2064
ἐλθόντων
were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὐδεμίαν
no
G3762
οὐδεμίαν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
7 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἔσχηκεν
had
G2192
ἔσχηκεν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
11 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Historical Context
Macedonia (northern Greece) included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul had planted churches there (Acts 16-17) and received financial support from Philippi (Phil 4:15-16). Yet even in friendly territory, Paul faced exhaustion from travel, ongoing persecution (1 Thess 2:14-16), and emotional burden for multiple churches. His vulnerability counters the 'super-apostles' who projected invincible confidence (11:5, 12-13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's honest admission of 'no rest' and 'fears' give permission for Christian leaders to acknowledge their own struggles?
- What 'external conflicts' and 'internal fears' am I facing, and who have I allowed to comfort me (as Titus comforted Paul)?
- How do I respond when spiritual leaders show human weakness—with contempt or compassion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest—Elthontōn gar hēmōn eis Makedonian oudemia eschēken anesin hē sarx hēmōn (ἐλθόντων γὰρ ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν, "when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no relief"). Anesis (ἄνεσις, "relief/relaxation") appears in 2:13 where Paul had 'no rest in spirit' awaiting Titus. Here sarx ("flesh") emphasizes physical and emotional exhaustion—not sinful nature but human frailty.
But we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears—En panti thlibomenoi (ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι, "afflicted in every way"). Exōthen machai (ἔξωθεν μάχαι, "external conflicts")—possibly persecution, opposition from false apostles, or civic hostility. Esōthen phoboi (ἔσωθεν φόβοι, "internal fears")—anxiety about Corinth's response, personal safety, ministry fruitfulness. Paul's transparency about apostolic weakness undermines triumphalist theology: even extraordinary servants experience crushing pressure.