2 Corinthians 8:21
2 Corinthians 8:21 in Multiple Translations
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
For the business has been so ordered by us as to have the approval, not only of the Lord, but of men.
We're concerned to do things the right way, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of everyone.
Prouiding for honest thinges, not onely before the Lord, but also before men.
providing right things, not only before the Lord, but also before men;
Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
For we forecast what may be good not only before God, but also before men.
I say that because we (exc) want to make sure that the Lord God will see that what we (exc) do is right, and other people will see it, too.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 8:21
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2 Corinthians 8:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 8:21
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Corinthians 8:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Context — Titus Commended
21For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
22And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:17 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:12 | Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. |
| 3 | Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. |
| 4 | Titus 2:5–8 | to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 2:17 | For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. |
| 7 | Romans 14:18 | For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. |
| 8 | Matthew 6:4 | so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. |
| 9 | Matthew 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 5:9–11 | So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. |
2 Corinthians 8:21 Summary
This verse means that we should try to do what is right, not just because God is watching, but also because other people are watching us and we want to show them what it means to follow God. We want to be good examples and show others that following God is the best way to live, as seen in Matthew 5:16. By doing what is right in the eyes of both God and men, we can bring glory to God and demonstrate our love and respect for Him, as taught in 1 Corinthians 10:31. This means being honest, kind, and fair in all our interactions, and seeking to please God above all else, as seen in Galatians 1:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and in the eyes of men?
According to 2 Corinthians 8:21, doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord means obeying His commandments and living a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:4, while also considering how our actions will be perceived by others, as taught in Matthew 5:16.
How can we ensure that our actions are right in the eyes of both God and men?
We can ensure that our actions are right in the eyes of both God and men by following the principles of integrity, honesty, and transparency, as seen in Psalm 101:2, and by being mindful of how our actions may be perceived by others, as taught in 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
Is it possible to do what is right in the eyes of men but not in the eyes of God?
Yes, it is possible to do what is right in the eyes of men but not in the eyes of God, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28, where the Pharisees appeared righteous to men but were condemned by God for their hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of seeking to please God above men, as taught in Galatians 1:10.
Why is it important to consider how our actions will be perceived by others?
Considering how our actions will be perceived by others is important because it can impact our witness and the effectiveness of our ministry, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:7, and can also bring glory to God, as taught in Matthew 5:16, by demonstrating our love and respect for Him and for others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking to please men rather than God, and how can I adjust my actions to prioritize pleasing God?
- How can I balance the need to be mindful of how my actions are perceived by others with the need to stand firm in my faith and convictions, even if they are unpopular?
- In what ways can I demonstrate integrity and transparency in my daily life, and how can I use these qualities to bring glory to God and to build trust with others?
- What are some potential consequences of prioritizing the opinion of men over the opinion of God, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
- How can I use the example of the apostle Paul, who was concerned with doing what was right in the eyes of both God and men, to inform and guide my own decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:21
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 8:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Different Man in the Pulpit by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of integrity in the life of a pastor, arguing that a true servant of God should not change his character or demeanor when entering the pulpit. |
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1 Peter 2:12 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:12. He explains that Christians, particularly Jewish conver |
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The Progress of Error by William Cowper | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35414 delves into the concept of 'respect' (pronoeo), which means to think before, observe in advance, and plan carefully. It involves giving care |
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Homily 46 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on Paul's actions in Acts 21, highlighting his humility and willingness to accommodate Jewish customs to avoid unnecessary offense. Paul's actions demonstr |
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Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
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Forgiveness - Part 9 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show |
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Peter the Teacher by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea of loving life and seeing good days. He emphasizes that many people in the world may have good days, but they do not truly love lif |







