2 Corinthians 8:21
New International Version
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 Living Translation
We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

English Standard Version
for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

King James Bible
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

New King James Version
providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

New American Standard Bible
for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people.

NASB 1995
for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

NASB 1977
for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Legacy Standard Bible
for we respect what is good, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Amplified Bible
For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Christian Standard Bible
Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we are making provision for what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.

American Standard Version
for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Contemporary English Version
But we want to do what pleases the Lord and what people think is right.

English Revised Version
for we take thought for things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We intend to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people.

Good News Translation
Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.

International Standard Version
We intend to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men.

New Heart English Bible
Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.

Webster's Bible Translation
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Weymouth New Testament
For we seek not only God's approval of our integrity, but man's also.

World English Bible
Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
providing right things, not only before the LORD, but also before men;

Berean Literal Bible
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

Young's Literal Translation
providing right things, not only before the Lord, but also before men;

Smith's Literal Translation
Providing good things beforehand, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we forecast what may be good not only before God, but also before men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we provide for what is good, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men.

New American Bible
for we are concerned for what is honorable not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of others.

New Revised Standard Version
for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we are very careful to do the right thing, not only in the presence of God, but also in the presence of men.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we are concerned for what is right, not only before God, but also before men.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for we provide what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Godbey New Testament
for we provide things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also before the people.

Haweis New Testament
providing what is fair, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

Mace New Testament
always considering what is virtuous, with respect to God, and with respect to men.

Weymouth New Testament
For we seek not only God's approval of our integrity, but man's also.

Worrell New Testament
for we provide things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Worsley New Testament
looking to things that are right not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Titus Commended
20We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. 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 whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.…

Cross References
Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

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.

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.

Proverbs 3:4
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

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.

1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

1 Peter 3:16
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Colossians 4:5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

Romans 14:18
For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

1 Thessalonians 4:12
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.

Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.


Treasury of Scripture

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

for.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

not.

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him…

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jump to Previous
Aim Approval Business Eyes God's Honest Honorable Integrity Lord's Ordered Pains Provide Providing Regard Right Seek Sight Thought
Jump to Next
Aim Approval Business Eyes God's Honest Honorable Integrity Lord's Ordered Pains Provide Providing Regard Right Seek Sight Thought
2 Corinthians 8
1. He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;
7. by commendation of their former forwardness;
9. by the example of Christ;
14. and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;
16. commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers.














For we are taking great care to do what is right
This phrase emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in Christian conduct. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, underscores the necessity of being diligent in ethical behavior. This reflects the biblical principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord and acknowledgment of Him in all ways. The early church faced scrutiny from both Jewish and Gentile communities, making it crucial for leaders like Paul to demonstrate moral uprightness. This commitment to righteousness is a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, who lived a life without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

not only in the eyes of the Lord
Paul acknowledges that God is the ultimate judge of human actions. This aligns with the teaching in 1 Samuel 16:7, where it is stated that the Lord looks at the heart, not just outward appearances. The phrase highlights the Christian belief that one's actions should first and foremost be pleasing to God, who sees beyond human facades. This divine perspective is a reminder of the omniscience of God, who knows all intentions and thoughts (Psalm 139:1-4).

but also in the eyes of men
Here, Paul recognizes the importance of maintaining a good reputation among people. This is consistent with the instruction in Romans 12:17, which advises believers to be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. In the cultural context of the early church, maintaining a positive witness was crucial for the spread of the Gospel. The early Christians were often under suspicion and faced persecution, so demonstrating integrity was vital for their testimony. This dual accountability to God and man reflects the life of Christ, who grew in favor with both God and man (Luke 2:52).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing integrity and accountability in the collection for the Jerusalem church.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, the Corinthian believers are being encouraged to participate in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.

3. The Jerusalem Church
The church in Jerusalem was experiencing financial hardship, prompting Paul to organize a collection from Gentile churches.

4. Titus
A trusted companion of Paul, Titus was involved in the collection and delivery of the offering, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.

5. Macedonian Churches
Mentioned earlier in the chapter, these churches are commended for their generosity despite their own poverty, serving as an example to the Corinthians.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Stewardship
As Christians, we are called to handle resources with integrity, ensuring that our actions are transparent and honorable before God and others.

Dual Accountability
Our actions should reflect accountability not only to God but also to those around us, maintaining a testimony that honors Christ.

The Importance of Reputation
A good reputation among believers and non-believers alike can enhance our witness and open doors for the gospel.

Generosity and Trust
Like the Macedonian churches, we should strive to be generous, trusting God to provide, and ensuring that our giving is managed with integrity.

Role of Leadership in Accountability
Leaders in the church, like Paul and Titus, should model accountability and transparency, setting an example for others to follow.(21) Providing for honest things . . .--Many of the best MSS. give: "For we provide for honest things," as though he gave the general principle on which he was now acting in this particular instance. The rule of life is repeated, a few months afterwards, in Romans 12:17. The English reader does not recognise the fact, which the Greek reader would see at once, that the words are a quotation from Proverbs 3:4. where the Greek version has: "Write them upon the table of thine heart, and thou shalt find favour. Provide things honest in the sight of God and man. The citation is interesting, as showing that even one who was taught by the Spirit, as St. Paul was, could yet find guidance for his daily conduct in a book which seems to many almost to be below the level of the spiritual life. In this case, had the Apostle had only the judgment of God to consider, he could with a pure conscience have taken up the money to Jerusalem by himself. But he had to consider that men were judging him, and might suspect him, and therefore he insisted, as has been said above, on having his accounts audited.

Verse 21. - Honest things. The word "honest" means "honourable" (Romans 12:17; Proverbs 3:4, LXX.). Not only in the sight of the Lord. Such precautions would be unnecessary if others were not concerned, for God knows our honesty (2 Corinthians 5:11). But also before men. Although the text "avoid all appearance of evil" should be rendered "avoid every species of evil," the mistranslation conveys a wise lesson. "In a field of melons," says the Chinese proverb. "do not stoop to tie your shoe;" for that will look as if you wanted to steal one of the melons.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we are taking great care to do
προνοοῦμεν (pronooumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4306: From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, i.e. Look out for beforehand.

what is right,
καλὰ (kala)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

only
μόνον (monon)
Adverb
Strong's 3440: Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.

in the eyes
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

of [the] Lord,
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in the eyes
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

of men.
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.


Links
2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV
2 Corinthians 8:21 NLT
2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV
2 Corinthians 8:21 NASB
2 Corinthians 8:21 KJV

2 Corinthians 8:21 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 8:21 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 8:21 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 8:21 French Bible
2 Corinthians 8:21 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:21 Having regard for honorable things not only (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 8:20
Top of Page
Top of Page