2 Corinthians 7:13 Meaning: The Joy That Refreshed Titus
Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.
because of this we have been comforted in your comfort, and more abundantly the more did we rejoice in the joy of Titus, that his spirit hath been refreshed from you all;
For this reason we have been encouraged. And we the rather rejoiced in our encouragement more abundantly by reason of the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul's deepest joy came from seeing Titus's spirit refreshed by the Corinthians. Discover how mutual encouragement shapes Christian ministry.
Context
Paul is writing from Macedonia, still processing the news Titus brought from Corinth. The church there had responded to Paul's earlier letter with genuine repentance, not just regret, but a change that produced earnest care, indignation at sin, and a longing to make things right (verse 11). Now Paul can breathe. He is comforted. But the comfort doesn't stop with him. It multiplies because of what he sees in Titus. Titus had been nervous about delivering a hard message, yet the Corinthians received him warmly, obeyed, and refreshed his spirit. Paul's joy is not a private relief; it is joy at seeing a fellow worker restored and a church stepping back into health. This verse sits at the turning point of the chapter, where sorrow gives way to shared gladness.
Key Words
Three words carry the weight here. The first is paraklēsis, the noun that appears twice as "comfort." It means more than a pat on the back. It is being called alongside someone to help, to encourage, to strengthen. Paul uses the same word family for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. So when he says he is comforted, he means he is being braced and upheld, not just soothed.
The second word is chara, "joy." Paul uses it for the joy of Titus. This is not simple happiness at circumstances; it is the gladness that rises when relationships are made right and God's work advances. In the Greek, Paul says he rejoiced "more abundantly" (perissoterōs), overflowing, beyond measure, at Titus's joy.
The third word is anapauō, "refreshed." It means to give rest, to let someone stop laboring and recover strength. The Corinthians did not merely entertain Titus; they restored him. They let his spirit breathe again. That is the kind of hospitality that sends a person back to their calling renewed.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across traditions, commentators agree on the mutual nature of this joy. Calvin (Reformed) notes that Paul shared in the Corinthians' consolation and congratulated them for how they received Titus. Gill (Baptist) emphasizes that Titus's spirit was refreshed "by you all", the whole church, not just a few. Barnes (Protestant) points out that the warm reception of Titus gave Paul an additional reason to rejoice beyond the Corinthians' repentance itself. Cambridge Bible (Anglican) clarifies the textual reading: Paul says "in our comfort we rejoiced more exceedingly." The thread is the same: Christian encouragement is not a one-way street. When one member is refreshed, the whole body shares the gladness.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think Paul is saying that the Corinthians' comfort brought him comfort, that their happiness became his. In fact, the Greek places a period after "we have been comforted" and then adds "in our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus." Paul already had his own comfort from the good news. What multiplied his joy was seeing Titus's spirit refreshed. It was not the Corinthians' comfort that moved Paul; it was their care for his coworker.
Living This Out
This week, think of someone who serves you in your church or community, a pastor, a teacher, a volunteer who gives time. Ask yourself honestly: is their spirit refreshed by me? Or do they feel drained when they think of me? Then take one concrete step: a short note of thanks, a specific word of encouragement about something they did, or a practical offer of help. You have the power to be the Corinthian church for someone. Your care can let them stop laboring for a moment and breathe again. And that joy will travel further than you know.
Main takeaway: Paul rejoiced most not in his own relief but in seeing Titus's spirit refreshed by the care of the Corinthians.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul was happy because his friend Titus was happy. The Corinthians made Titus feel rested and loved. You can make someone feel happy today too.
For ages 9, 12
Paul's joy didn't stop with his own comfort. He was even more glad because his coworker Titus had been refreshed by the Corinthians. When you encourage someone who works hard for God, you start a chain of joy that spreads further than you can see. Think of someone who serves you and find a way to refresh their spirit this week.
Questions People Ask
Who was Titus and what was his role in this letter?
Titus was a Gentile Christian and one of Paul's companions. Paul had sent him to Corinth to deliver a severe letter (2 Corinthians 7:8). Titus later met Paul in Macedonia with good news about the Corinthians' repentance, which brought Paul great comfort. In this verse, Paul rejoices because the Corinthians refreshed Titus's spirit.
What does 'refreshed' mean in the original Greek?
The Greek word is 'anapauō', which means to give rest, to cause someone to cease from labor in order to recover strength. It is not just a brief pause but a restoration of spirit. When the Corinthians refreshed Titus, they let him rest and be restored for further ministry.
Why does Paul mention Titus's joy here instead of just his own comfort?
Paul's joy was multiplied because Titus's joy was a direct result of the Corinthians' genuine repentance and warm reception. For Paul, seeing his coworker refreshed confirmed that the church had truly changed and was actively caring for God's servants. This shows that Christian encouragement is deeply interconnected.
Is Paul being self-centered when he talks about his comfort?
No. Paul consistently connects his own comfort to the wellbeing of others. In this verse, his personal comfort is not the focus; the joy he finds in Titus's refreshment is even greater. This points to the pattern of mutual encouragement in the body of Christ, where we rejoice with those who rejoice.
How can I apply this verse to my life today?
Consider who has refreshed your spirit recently and thank them. Also, look for ways to be a source of refreshment to others, especially those who serve in ministry. A kind word or a practical act of support can restore someone's spirit and bring joy to the whole church.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study