8:16 But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion 2 I have for you, 8:17 because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, 3 he is coming 4 to you of his own accord. 5
1 tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.
2 tn Or “eagerness.”
3 tn The comparative form of this adjective is used here with elative meaning.
4 tn This verb has been translated as an epistolary aorist.
5 tn Or “of his own free will.”