English Standard Version
2 Corinthians 8:21
21for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.
2 Corinthians 8:21 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
- New International Version (NIV)For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
- New King James Version (NKJV)providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
- New Living Translation (NLT)We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
Context of 2 Corinthians 8:21
19And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. 22And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
Read all of 2 Corinthians 82 Corinthians 8:21 word by word
προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ οὐ μόνον ἐνώπιον κυρίου ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Romans 12:17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
- Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- 1 Timothy 5:14So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
- 1 Peter 2:12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
- 2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
- Matthew 5:16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 6:1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 23:5They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from every form of evil.
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 21Providing for honest things - Taking care to act so as not only to be clear in the sight of God, but also to be clear in the sight of all men; avoiding even the appearance of evil. I wish the reader to refer to the excellent note on 1 Corinthians 16:4; (note), which I have extracted from Dr. Paley.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 21Providing for honest things - The expression used here occurs in Romans 12:17; see the note on that place. In that place, however, it refers to the manner in which we are to treat those who injure us; here it refers to the right way of using property; and it seems to have been a kind of maxim by which Paul regulated his life, a “vade mecum” that was applicable to everything. The sentiment is, that we are to see to it beforehand that all our conduct shall…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 16-24Verses 16-24 The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 18-24Two other Christian men would travel with Titus to Corinth to prevent any criticism about managing the relief funds they collected (8:20–21). Titus and his companions would ensure proper handling of the money. The identities of the two companions are unknown.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2121. The Septuagint (Pr 3:4; Ro 12:17). The oldest manuscripts read, "For we provide." honest things--"things honorable."Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Corinthians 8:21
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries