2 Corinthians 8:10 kjv
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
2 Corinthians 8:10 nkjv
And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;
2 Corinthians 8:10 niv
And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.
2 Corinthians 8:10 esv
And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
2 Corinthians 8:10 nlt
Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.
2 Corinthians 8 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 9:7 | "Each one must give as he has decided, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." | Cheerfulness in giving |
| Acts 20:35 | "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" | Principle of generous giving |
| Romans 12:8 | "whoever consoles, in gladness; whoever contributes, in generosity; whoever presides, with zeal; whoever does works of mercy, with cheerfulness." | Manner of giving |
| 1 Corinthians 16:2 | "On the first day of the week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, whenever you prosper, so that no collections need to be made when I come." | Regularity of giving |
| Philippians 4:17-18 | "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account. I have received full payment and have abundance, I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a pleasing sacrifice, acceptable to God." | Acceptability of offerings |
| Galatians 6:10 | "So then, as we have an opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." | Focus of giving |
| Matthew 6:3-4 | "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." | Secrecy and motive of giving |
| Luke 6:38 | "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” | Generosity and reward |
| Proverbs 11:24-25 | "One gives freely, yet grows richer; another withholds what is due, yet it only pinches. Whoever brings blessing will be fostered, and he who waters will himself be watered." | Blessings of generosity |
| 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." | Riches used for good works |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:" | Stewardship of gifts |
| Exodus 35:21 | "And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’s contribution to the work of the tabernacle of meeting, to all its service, and to the holy garments." | Willingness in contribution |
| Haggai 1:11 | "and I called for a drought on the land and on the hills, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground produces, on men and on beasts, and on all the labor of your hands.”" | Consequence of neglecting God's house |
| Deuteronomy 15:10 | "You shall give to him, and your heart shall not be uneasy when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake." | Blessing for giving |
| Philippians 2:3-4 | "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." | Humility and considering others |
| Acts 4:32 | "Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they shared everything they had." | Community sharing |
| Proverbs 19:17 | "Whoever is generous will himself be blessed, for he divides his bread with the poor." | Blessing through generosity |
| Mark 12:41-44 | The widow's mite | Giving sacrificially |
| Acts 4:34-35 | "There was no one among them who lacked, for all who owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what they sold and laid them at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." | Communal giving of early church |
| 2 Corinthians 8:3 | "For I bear witness that they gave according to their ability, by outpouring, yes, and beyond their ability," | Giving according to ability |
| 2 Corinthians 8:4 | "as they urged us earnestly for the favor of participating in the supply for the saints—" | Eager participation in service |
| 2 Corinthians 8:12 | "For if the readiness is there, it is accepted according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." | Acceptance based on readiness |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 10 Meaning
This verse advises believers to give generously and enthusiastically, not out of compulsion or a sense of obligation, but because God loves a cheerful giver. The offering itself demonstrates care for others and acknowledges God's provision.
2 Corinthians 8 10 Context
This verse is found in the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically within chapters 8 and 9, which address the collection he was taking for the poor believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthian church had been previously urged to participate in this collection (1 Cor 16:1-4). In this section, Paul is encouraging them to complete their commitment, highlighting the example of the Macedonian churches and explaining the principles of generous giving. The context emphasizes the grace of God, the spiritual aspect of giving, and the motivation behind it. This particular verse serves as a capstone, summarizing the proper attitude and disposition required for true Christian generosity.
2 Corinthians 8 10 Word Analysis
- And (kai): A conjunction connecting phrases or clauses, indicating addition or continuation. Here, it links the willingness to give with the nature of the gift itself.
- though (ean): A conditional particle, introducing a possibility. It implies that readiness to give exists, and then a statement about the acceptability of the gift follows.
- I was with you: Refers to Paul's past presence among the Corinthians.
- present (parēmi): To be near, to be at hand, to be present. Paul's presence as a tangible example or reassurance is recalled.
- now (nun): Indicates the present time or moment.
- but (alla): A conjunction indicating contrast or opposition. Here it contrasts with the expectation or preceding statement, shifting to the purpose.
- do (poieō): To make, to do, to perform, to cause. It refers to the action of giving.
- this: Refers to the act of giving described in the context.
- thing: Refers to the matter of giving or contributing.
- also (kai): Another conjunction, continuing the thought or adding another element.
- have (echo): To possess, to hold, to have the power.
- power (exousia): Authority, right, power, liberty. This refers to having the means or ability to give.
- it: Refers to the gift or the offering.
- to (eis): A preposition indicating motion into or towards, or purpose.
- do: Refers to the act of carrying out or accomplishing.
- for: Introduces a reason or purpose.
- in (en): A preposition indicating in, by, with, on.
- giving (dosis): A gift, a giving, a contribution.
- do (poieō): To make, to do, to perform, to cause.
- even (kai): A conjunction, used here to emphasize.
- so: Introduces a result or consequence.
- that: Introduces a subordinate clause of purpose or result.
- a (an): An indefinite article.
- thing (pragma): A deed, an affair, a matter, a thing. Refers to the giving act itself.
- pleasing: Desirable, acceptable, agreeable.
- to (eis): A preposition indicating motion into or towards, or purpose.
- God (theos): God.
Grouped Analysis:
- "though I was with you, but do this thing also": Paul is stating his previous intention to oversee the collection personally, and now that he's not physically present, the Corinthians should proceed with their contribution. The "this thing" refers directly to the continuation of their charitable giving for the needs of the saints.
- "have power... to do for": This phrase signifies having the capacity or ability to give, not necessarily being commanded to give beyond one's means, but to act according to the strength one possesses. It links ability with responsibility in giving.
- "for in giving do even so that a thing pleasing": This encapsulates the essence of cheerful and willing giving. The "giving" is not just the physical act but the entire disposition of the heart behind it. The purpose is to ensure the "thing pleasing" is offered to God.
- "pleasing to God": This emphasizes that the ultimate goal of Christian giving is to honor and please God, who looks at the heart and motive. It is not about pleasing people or earning merit, but about obedience and love towards God.
2 Corinthians 8 10 Bonus Section
The "thing pleasing to God" (eustratus tō Theō) evokes Old Testament sacrificial language, where unblemished and acceptable offerings were central to worship (Lev 1:3). Paul applies this concept to Christian generosity, portraying their offering not merely as charity but as a spiritual act of worship and a demonstration of their union with Christ and fellow believers. This phrasing subtly counters any purely secular or contractual view of giving, grounding it in a theological imperative. The passage in 2 Corinthians 8-9 as a whole can be seen as a masterclass in stewardship and sacrificial giving, teaching that true generosity flows from an awareness of God's grace and the needs of others, expressed with joy.
2 Corinthians 8 10 Commentary
Paul's rhetorical encouragement in this verse (which is closely linked to verse 7 in meaning, acting as a reiteration and further explanation) addresses a potential hesitancy in the Corinthians' giving, perhaps due to his absence. He wants them to understand that the act of giving, especially for a cause he championed and supported, should be driven by their own willingness and inner readiness. It's about continuing what was already established, even without his immediate oversight. The emphasis is not on whether they should give, but on the manner and readiness with which they give. Having the "power" means having the means and the opportunity. The instruction "do so" refers to carrying out the act of giving with a proper attitude—not reluctantly, but cheerfully and generously. The ultimate aim is that their contribution becomes "a thing pleasing to God." This pleases God not just because of the material assistance it provides to others, but because of the underlying spirit of love, obedience, and fellowship that motivates it. It reflects the character of God Himself, who gives generously and ungrudgingly. The principle applies universally: whatever God has provided us with, whether in material resources or spiritual gifts, we are to use them in a manner that honors Him.