2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
Original Language Analysis
Χάρις
thanks
G5485
Χάρις
thanks
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
1 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
be to God
G2316
θεῷ
be to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδόντι
put
G1325
διδόντι
put
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
the same
G846
αὐτὴν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
σπουδὴν
earnest care
G4710
σπουδὴν
earnest care
Strong's:
G4710
Word #:
9 of 15
"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
10 of 15
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Titus had successfully navigated the prior conflict with Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:5-16), earning both Paul's trust and the Corinthians' respect. His diplomatic skill and genuine pastoral heart made him ideal for the delicate task of reviving the stalled collection. Paul's public thanksgiving for Titus's ministry also subtly commends Titus to Corinthian acceptance—they should receive him as God's provision, not merely Paul's representative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's work through human leaders affect how you receive their ministry?
- What 'earnest care' has God placed in your heart for particular people or causes?
- How should we balance human responsibility and divine initiative in ministry motivation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you—Paul shifts focus to logistics, beginning with thanksgiving: charis de tō theō (χάρις δὲ τῷ θεῷ, 'thanks be to God'). He attributes Titus's concern to divine initiative: tō didonti tēn autēn spoudēn (τῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδήν, 'the one giving the same earnestness'). The participle didonti (present active) indicates God continuously gives this concern. Spoudē (σπουδή, 'earnestness/zeal/diligence') describes Titus's pastoral intensity, which Paul says matches his own (autēn, 'the same').
This verse demonstrates Paul's theology of providence: God works through human agents by shaping their desires and concerns. Titus didn't merely comply with Paul's request; God placed genuine pastoral love for Corinth in his heart. The phrase en tē kardia ('in the heart') locates this concern at the deepest level of motivation—not external obedience but internal desire. Paul's thanksgiving acknowledges that all Christian ministry is ultimately divine work through yielded servants. Titus becomes the perfect messenger: apostolically commissioned yet personally motivated, carrying Paul's authority alongside his own Spirit-given concern.