The Example and Principle of Generous Giving
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
2Cor.8.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Γνωριζομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δεδομενην: VERB,perf,pass,ptc,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- εκκλησιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Μακεδονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:2-5 (structural): Immediate continuation describing the Macedonian churches' poverty, abundance of joy, rich generosity, and example—directly expands the statement about 'the grace of God given among the churches of Macedonia.'
- 2 Corinthians 9:2 (thematic): Refers back to the same Macedonian generosity and readiness to give, reinforcing the theme of their willing and joyful contribution.
- Romans 15:26 (verbal): Mentions a contribution from 'Macedonia and Achaia' for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, paralleling the subject of Macedonian giving in 2 Cor 8:1.
- Acts 16:11-40 (allusion): Narrates Paul's founding of churches in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea), background context for the Macedonian churches praised for their gracious giving.
- Philippians 4:15-16 (thematic): Paul acknowledges the Philippians' financial support and partnership in the gospel—an example of the same gracious giving attributed to Macedonian churches in 2 Cor 8:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
- Now we want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God bestowed upon the churches of Macedonia,
2Cor.8.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- πολλη: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- δοκιμη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- περισσεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- βαθους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- πτωχεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- επερισσευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πλουτος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- απλοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτων·: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:3 (verbal): Immediate continuation: Paul testifies that they gave according to and beyond their means—directly elaborates the link between extreme poverty and abundant generosity described in 8:2.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (thematic): Develops the collection theology: sowing bountifully/reaping bountifully and giving cheerfully—echoes the principle that generous fruit can come from sacrificial gift even in poverty.
- Mark 12:41-44 (thematic): The poor widow’s offering—though she gives very little materially, Jesus counts it great sacrifice. Parallels the theme of disproportionate generosity arising out of poverty.
- Acts 4:34-35 (thematic): Early believers sold possessions and distributed to those in need so that no one lacked. Mirrors communal generosity and sacrificial sharing amid need found in the Macedonian example.
- James 1:2-3 (thematic): Calls believers to rejoice in trials because they produce perseverance. Connects to 8:2’s note that severe trial and deep poverty coexisted with an abundance of joy.
Alternative generated candidates
- that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the riches of their liberality.
- that in a severe test of affliction their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity.
2Cor.8.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μαρτυρω: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- παρα: PREP
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυθαιρετοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 11:29 (verbal): Uses the same language of contribution 'according to their ability' (Greek κατὰ δύναμιν) to describe collecting relief for the Jerusalem believers — a close verbal parallel to 2 Cor 8:3.
- 2 Corinthians 8:2 (structural): Immediate context describing the Macedonians' extreme poverty yet overflowing generosity; 8:2 sets up 8:3's claim that they gave 'according to their ability, and beyond their ability.'
- Luke 21:1-4 (thematic): The widow's offering is thematically parallel: a gift given freely and sacrificially beyond means — echoes the idea of willing, disproportionate generosity in 2 Cor 8:3.
- Romans 15:26 (thematic): Reports that Macedonia (and Achaia) contributed for the poor in Jerusalem, providing a broader Pauline testimony to the Macedonians' readiness to give for others' need, paralleling 2 Cor 8:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they gave according to their ability — and beyond their ability — of their own accord,
- For I testify that according to their ability—and beyond their ability—they gave of their own accord,
2Cor.8.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μετα: PREP
- πολλης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- παρακλησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δεομενοι: VERB,pres,mp,part,nom,pl,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- κοινωνιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- διακονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αγιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same letter: continues the collection theme, discussing the churches' readiness, the practical arrangements for the fund, and Paul's concern that the collection be completed—closely linked in purpose and structure to 2 Cor 8:4.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (structural): Paul's earlier, formal instructions for collecting a contribution for the saints in Jerusalem — similar collection procedure and the idea of a planned, communal 'koinonia' (participation) for the saints.
- Romans 15:25-27 (verbal): Paul describes his trip to Jerusalem to 'minister' (διακονήσω) to the saints and cites the Gentile churches' obligation to the poor among the Jews — uses similar language of 'service/ministry' to the saints and the theological rationale for shared giving.
- Acts 4:34-35 (thematic): Early church example of 'koinonia' in practice: believers sold possessions and distributed proceeds to meet the needs of the saints. The communal sharing theme echoes the 'grace and participation' (χάριν καὶ κοινωνίαν) language of 2 Cor 8:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- begging us with many urgent pleas for the favor of sharing in this ministry to the saints.
- begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the relief of the saints;
2Cor.8.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- καθως: CONJ
- ηλπισαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- αλλ᾽εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εδωκαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- πρωτον: ADV
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- δια: PREP
- θεληματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains the Macedonians gave beyond their ability and urgently pleaded for the gift—directly connected to their self-giving described in v.5.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (thematic): Emphasizes willing, cheerful giving (‘each as he has decided in his heart’), echoing the voluntary, God‑willed nature of the Macedonians’ gift in 8:5.
- Romans 12:1 (thematic): Calls believers to present themselves as a living sacrifice to God—parallels the idea of first giving themselves to the Lord before giving material aid.
- 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (verbal): Speaks of the household of Stephanas who ‘devoted themselves to the service’—language and concept closely parallel ‘they gave themselves’ to the Lord and to Paul.
- Acts 4:32-35 (thematic): Describes early Christians sharing possessions and giving to those in need out of unity and voluntary devotion—a thematic parallel to sacrificial, communal giving in 2 Cor 8:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- And not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
- and they did this not as we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and then, by the will of God, to us.
2Cor.8.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- παρακαλεσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- Τιτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- καθως: CONJ
- προενηρξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- ουτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- επιτελεση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ταυτην·: PRON,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 1:6 (verbal): Paul’s language and theology: God ‘began’ a work in believers and will ‘bring it to completion’—parallels ἐπιτελέση/προενηρξατο motif of God initiating and completing the grace begun in them.
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same context: the exhortation to ‘excel’ or ‘abound’ in the same grace (τὴν χάριν ταύτην), continuing the appeal to finish what was begun.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16–17 (thematic): These verses explain Titus’s role and zeal—God put earnest care into Titus’s heart and he willingly went—paralleling the practical reason Paul sent Titus to encourage and complete the collection.
- 2 Corinthians 9:3 (verbal): Paul again reports sending the brothers ahead so that the promised gift would be ready; parallels the tactic of sending envoys to urge completion of the grace of giving and to prevent delay or shame.
Alternative generated candidates
- So we urged Titus that, as he had begun, so he would also complete among you this gracious work.
- So we urged Titus that, as he had begun, so he would also complete among you this act of grace.
2Cor.8.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλ᾽ωσπερ: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- περισσευετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- γνωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- σπουδη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εξ: PREP
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- αγαπη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- χαριτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- περισσευητε: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 1:5 (verbal): Paul uses similar language about being enriched/grounded in Christ 'in speech and knowledge'; both passages commend the Corinthians for spiritual attainments (speech, knowledge) that provide the basis for further exhortation.
- Philippians 1:9 (verbal): Paul prays that the believers' love may 'abound' (περισσεύη) more and more — the same root idea of 'abounding' or 'excelling' in a Christian virtue that 2 Cor 8:7 urges regarding the grace of giving.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (verbal): Uses the verb and theme of 'making all grace abound' so that believers may 'excel' in every good work; closely parallels 8:7's appeal to abound/excel in the particular grace of generosity.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (structural): Immediate contextual example: Paul recounts the Macedonians' poverty and abundant generosity as the concrete model that motivates his exhortation in 8:7 to excel in the grace of giving.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 (thematic): Christ's self-emptying ('though he was rich, for your sake he became poor') functions as the theological motivation for generosity, linking the call to 'excel in this grace' with Christological example and sacrificial love.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now as you excel in everything — in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and the love you inspired in us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
- But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in earnestness, and in the love from us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2Cor.8.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ου: PART,neg
- κατ᾽επιταγην: PREP+NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ετερων: ADJ,gen,pl,f
- σπουδης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- υμετερας: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- αγαπης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- γνησιον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,n
- δοκιμαζων·: PART,pres,act,nom,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 (structural): Immediate context: Paul urges the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving, setting up the appeal in 8:8 to prove the sincerity of their love.
- 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (structural): Direct continuation of the same argument—Paul clarifies his earlier remark (not a command) and exhorts them to complete what they began, emphasizing proof of genuine love in action.
- 2 Corinthians 9:2-4 (thematic): Paul again cites the readiness and eager example of other churches (Macedonia) and how that serves to encourage and validate the Corinthians' contribution—parallels the idea of proving their love by others' zeal.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (verbal): Focuses on the motives and sincerity of giving (cheerful, voluntary) and links the genuineness of love to the manner of giving, echoing 8:8's concern with proving sincerity.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (thematic): Paul's directions for the collection—practical instructions for orderly, voluntary contributions for the Jerusalem saints—reflect the same pastoral concern for authentic, organized giving.
Alternative generated candidates
- I do not speak as a command but to test the sincerity of your love by the earnestness of others.
- I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others the genuineness of your love.
2Cor.8.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- γινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- γαρ: PART
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- δι᾽υμας: PREP+PRON,acc,pl,2
- επτωχευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- πλουσιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εκεινου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- πτωχεια: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πλουτησητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- Philippians 2:6-8 (verbal): Both passages emphasize Christ's self‑emptying and humiliation (the kenosis motif): though in the form of God/‘rich,’ he emptied himself/become poor to serve and die for others.
- John 1:14 (structural): The incarnation motif—'the Word became flesh'—parallels Christ's taking on human poverty and condition in order to dwell among and save people.
- Mark 10:45 (thematic): Jesus came 'to give his life as a ransom for many'; the theme of giving himself for others connects directly with becoming 'poor' so that believers might 'become rich' (benefit/salvation).
- Isaiah 53:3-6 (allusion): The Suffering Servant's humiliation and substitutionary suffering (pierced for our transgressions) provide the Old Testament background for Christ's becoming 'poor' and bearing loss on behalf of others.
- Galatians 4:4-5 (thematic): God's sending of his Son 'born of a woman' to redeem those under the law echoes 2 Cor 8:9's emphasis that Christ assumed human condition/powerlessness in order to bring believers into sonship and blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
- For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
2Cor.8.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- γνωμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- διδωμι·τουτο: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- συμφερει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- θελειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προενηρξασθε: VERB,aor,mid,ind,2,pl
- απο: PREP
- περυσι·: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Cor. 8:11 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same argument — Paul urges them now to complete what they began last year (finish the deed already intended).
- 1 Cor. 16:1-2 (structural): Practical instructions for taking up and organizing a collection for the saints, paralleling Paul’s practical concern and procedures for the Corinthians’ gift.
- Phil. 2:13 (verbal): Language and idea of willing and doing — Paul commends their prior willingness (to will) which resonates with Phil. 2:13’s language about God enabling both the will and the work.
- Rom. 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul’s ministry to bring a collection to Jerusalem; provides the broader motive and mutual-obligation theology behind Paul’s appeal to finish the contribution.
- Gal. 6:9-10 (thematic): Exhortation to persist in doing good and seize opportunities to help others, thematically parallel to Paul’s appeal that they complete the charitable work they began.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in this I give my judgment: it is profitable for you who began before not only to will but also to do, according to what you had.
- And I give my judgment for your benefit: it is to your advantage to be ready now, as you were before, to finish what you began.
2Cor.8.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- επιτελεσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- οπως: CONJ
- καθαπερ: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- προθυμια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θελειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ουτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- επιτελεσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 (verbal): Uses nearly identical idea and wording: if there is first a willing mind, the gift is accepted according to what one has (echoes willingness vs. ability).
- 2 Corinthians 8:10 (structural): Immediate context: Paul recalls his earlier encouragement about beginning in willingness despite circumstances—background for the call to complete the gift.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (thematic): Emphasizes the giver’s attitude and personal decision in giving (each as he has decided in his heart), complementing the stress on willing completion in 8:11.
- Acts 11:29 (thematic): The church determined to send relief 'each according to his ability,' paralleling the principle of giving/completing the collection according to what one has.
- Philippians 2:12-13 (allusion): Paul links willing intent and actual doing (work out your salvation for it is God who works in you), echoing 8:11’s close connection between willingness to give and completing the action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now finish the doing also, so that as there was readiness to will, there may be completion according to what one has.
- So now complete the doing of it; that just as there was a readiness to desire, so there may be a completion according to what you have.
2Cor.8.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γαρ: PART
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- προθυμια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- προκειται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- καθο: CONJ
- εαν: CONJ
- εχη: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ευπροσδεκτος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- καθο: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:11-13 (structural): Immediate context: Paul urges the Corinthians to complete the collection and repeats the principle of giving according to one’s ability, leading directly into v.12’s formulation.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (thematic): Affirms the principle of voluntary, proportionate giving — each should give as he has decided and not reluctantly, echoing v.12’s focus on willingness and means.
- Acts 11:29 (verbal): The church in Antioch determined to send relief 'each according to his ability' (or 'as any had ability'), a near verbal parallel to 'according to what one has' in 2 Cor 8:12.
- Luke 21:1-4 (thematic): The widow’s small offering is commended because she gave out of her poverty — an illustration of giving judged by the giver’s means and heart, paralleling the principle in v.12.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
- For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
2Cor.8.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- ινα: CONJ
- αλλοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ανεσις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- θλιψις·αλλ᾽εξ: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ισοτητος: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:14 (structural): Immediate continuation of the argument: contrasts your present abundance and their need so that 'there may be equality'—expands the practical point of 8:13.
- 2 Corinthians 8:15 (quotation): Paul invokes Scripture to justify the equality principle, quoting the proverb that 'the one who gathered much had nothing left over, and the one who gathered little had no lack.'
- Exodus 16:18 (quotation): The Old Testament source Paul alludes to: the manna distribution ('whoever gathered much had nothing left over...') undergirds his argument for equitable sharing.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (thematic): Paul's instructions for setting aside contributions weekly for a collection—practical guidance for gathering relief for the saints, related to the charitable purpose behind 2 Cor 8:13.
- Acts 11:29-30 (thematic): The early church's collection for the famine in Judea illustrates the same impulse of mutual aid and solidarity that Paul appeals to in arguing for equality in giving.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I do not mean that others should be eased while you are burdened; rather, by mutual supply,
- For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that there might be equality.
2Cor.8.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- νυν: ADV
- καιρω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- περισσευμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εκεινων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- υστερημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εκεινων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- περισσευμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- γενηται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- υστερημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- οπως: CONJ
- γενηται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- ισοτης·: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 2Cor.8.15 (verbal): Immediate textual parallel — v.15 explicitly develops the equality motif, citing the principle (echoing Exodus) that those who gathered much had nothing over and those who gathered little had no lack.
- 2Cor.9.12-13 (thematic): Continues the same collection theology: sharing supplies others’ needs, results in mutual benefit, praise, and the equality/reciprocity Paul desires between churches.
- 1Cor.16.1-3 (structural): Gives the concrete procedure for a church collection for needy believers, paralleling Paul’s practical concern for transferring surplus to meet others’ lack.
- Rom.15.26-27 (thematic): Paul’s summary of the collection for Jerusalem: Gentile churches’ contributions as an owed sharing with the Jews — an ethical obligation of mutual support and reciprocity.
- Acts 4.34-35 (allusion): Describes early Jerusalem practice of pooling resources so there were no needy persons — an early-model instance of the communal reciprocity and equality Paul appeals to.
Alternative generated candidates
- at the present time your abundance may supply their lack, so that their abundance may supply your lack, that there may be equality.
- At present your plenty will supply their need, so that their present abundance may supply your need, that there may be equality.
2Cor.8.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- καθως: CONJ
- γεγραπται·Ο: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πολυ: ADV
- ουκ: PART,neg
- επλεονασεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ολιγον: ADV
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ηλαττονησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 16:18 (quotation): Direct quotation of the LXX wording about the manna: 'he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack,' which Paul invokes to illustrate equitable distribution.
- Exodus 16:16–18 (structural): Context for the quoted line: instructions and report on gathering manna—each gathered according to need so none had excess or deficiency, giving the background principle Paul uses.
- John 6:12–13 (thematic): After the feeding of the five thousand the disciples gather the leftover fragments so 'nothing be lost'—a related theme of divine provision and the careful gathering of what is given.
- Acts 2:44–45 (thematic): The early Jerusalem community sold possessions and distributed to each as any had need, echoing the principle of sharing resources so that none lack.
- Romans 15:27 (thematic): Paul's teaching that Gentile believers who shared in Israel's spiritual blessings ought to share materially with them parallels the reciprocal, equality-driven logic underlying 2 Cor 8:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- As it is written, “The one who gathered much had no surplus, and the one who gathered little had no lack.”
- As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God given among the churches of Macedonia,
that in a severe test of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity.
For they gave according to their means, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
begging us earnestly for the favor of sharing in the relief of the saints—
and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. So we urged Titus that as he had begun, so he would also complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and the love inspired in you—see that you excel also in this generous undertaking.
I do not say this as a command, but to test the earnestness of others and to prove the genuineness of your love.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: it is to your advantage that you began a year ago not only to intend to do it,
but now finish it also, so that your readiness to will may be matched by completing it out of what you have.
For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
I do not mean that others should be relieved while you are burdened, but that there should be equality.
At present your abundance will supply their lack, so that their abundance may supply your lack, that there may be equality.
As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”