2 Corinthians 7:7
ESV
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
NIV
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
NASB
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted among you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more.
CSB
and not only by his arrival but also by the comfort he received from you. He told us about your deep longing, your sorrow, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
NLT
His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!
KJV
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
NKJV
and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
What does 2 Corinthians 7:7 mean?
Paul and his companions were "downcast." Verse 6 used a Greek term referring to humility, lowliness, and being "low". They were suffering affliction from several sources. One of those was that they did not know where Titus was. Traveling in the ancient world could be dangerous, and they were concerned for his safety. In addition, Paul did not know how the Corinthians had responded to a severe and corrective letter he had written to them after his previous painful visit with them. While we do not have the text of that letter, we learn about it in 2 Corinthians.God comforts the downcast, however, and Paul reported that God provided comfort through Titus' arrival. Now he clarifies. They were comforted to find that Titus was safe, but they were also comforted by hearing Titus' report about how the Corinthians had comforted him, especially in their response to Paul's letter.
How had the Corinthians responded? They had spoken of their longing for Paul. They had described their mourning or grief about their sinfulness and their enthusiastic support of Paul. In short, they had repented of their sin and expressed their affection for Paul. This was all he could have hoped for. Paul experienced not just comfort in hearing this, but he also experienced great joy.
Second Corinthians 7:2–16 begins with Paul urging the Corinthians to make room in their hearts for him and his co-workers for the gospel. He then describes the great affliction they were under until Titus returned from a visit to Corinth. Titus' report that the Corinthians had responded to a severe rebuke from Paul with sadness and repentance brought Paul great comfort and caused him to rejoice. Titus, too, expressed affection for the Corinthians after seeing their obedience and humility. Paul concludes by declaring his complete confidence in the Corinthians, though he will discuss other difficult issues in the following chapters.
Verse 1 concludes the previous chapter's declaration that believers, as God's holy people, must cleanse their lives of defilement. Next, Paul urges the Corinthians once more to make room in their hearts for him and his co-workers. He expresses his great comfort and joy over Titus' report that they received a letter of rebuke from him with sorrow and repentance, eager to make things right. He is glad to hear that Titus was impressed with their obedience and humble attitude. This hasn't resolved all the issues between Paul and the Corinthians, but he expresses his complete confidence in them.
