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.

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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
This phrase emphasizes the diligence and intentionality of Paul and his companions. The Greek word used here, "προνοοῦμεν" (pronoumen), suggests a proactive and thoughtful approach. In the context of the early church, this reflects the importance of integrity and accountability, especially in handling financial matters. Paul is underscoring the necessity of being meticulous and conscientious, ensuring that their actions align with their teachings.

to do what is right
The phrase "to do what is right" is derived from the Greek "καλὰ" (kala), meaning good or honorable. This reflects a moral and ethical standard that is not just about following rules but embodying the virtues of the Christian faith. In a historical context, this was crucial for the early church to maintain credibility and witness in a diverse and often skeptical society. The emphasis is on living out the gospel in a way that is visibly righteous.

not only in the eyes of the Lord
Here, Paul acknowledges the ultimate accountability to God. The phrase "in the eyes of the Lord" reminds believers that their actions are always observed by God, who is the ultimate judge of righteousness. This reflects a deep-seated belief in divine omniscience and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. It is a call to maintain a God-centered focus in all actions.

but also in the eyes of men
This phrase highlights the importance of maintaining a good reputation among people. The Greek word "ἀνθρώπων" (anthrōpōn) refers to mankind or humanity. Paul is aware that the church's witness is not only spiritual but also social. By ensuring that their actions are honorable in the sight of others, they protect the integrity of the Christian message and avoid giving any cause for scandal or reproach. This dual accountability—to God and to people—reflects a holistic approach to Christian ethics.

(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.


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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
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