2 Corinthians 8 11

2 Corinthians 8:11 kjv

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

2 Corinthians 8:11 nkjv

but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.

2 Corinthians 8:11 niv

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

2 Corinthians 8:11 esv

So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.

2 Corinthians 8:11 nlt

Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 11 Meaning

This verse urges the Corinthian believers to complete the charitable collection they had previously purposed to make for the needy saints in Jerusalem. It emphasizes that their initial enthusiastic desire to contribute should now be matched by the actual completion of the act, utilizing the resources they possess. It highlights the integrity between willing and doing, transforming good intentions into tangible actions, demonstrating true generosity and faithfulness in their commitment.

2 Corinthians 8 11 Context

The eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians focuses on encouraging the Corinthian church to complete their contribution for the poor believers in Jerusalem, an initiative they had started a year prior but left unfinished. Paul contrasts their stalled efforts with the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian churches (2 Cor 8:1-5), who, despite their own severe poverty, gave beyond their means with joy. Paul highlights this Macedonian example not to shame the Corinthians but to inspire them (2 Cor 8:6-9), particularly by reminding them of Christ's ultimate act of selfless giving (2 Cor 8:9). Verse 11 specifically picks up from verse 10, where Paul reminded them that they were the first to initiate this plan a year ago. It moves from commendation of initial desire to an exhortation for completion, linking their willingness (readiness to will) with their practical ability (out of what you have). Historically, the collection for Jerusalem served several purposes: to alleviate poverty, demonstrate unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, and validate Paul's ministry to the apostles in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 8 11 Word analysis

• Now therefore (νῦν δὲ):

  • This phrase marks a logical transition. "Now" (νῦν, nyn) emphasizes immediate relevance or the present moment. "Therefore" (δὲ, de) indicates a logical consequence or a continuation of the preceding thought. It points to a culmination of Paul's reasoning from verses 1-10, urging action based on their past decision and the example of others. It bridges past intention to present command for completion.

• finish (ἐπιτελέω - epiteleo):

  • This Greek verb means "to bring to an end, complete, finish, carry out." It signifies more than just doing something; it means to fully accomplish or perfect it. The imperative mood implies a command or strong exhortation. It directly counters procrastination, urging resolution and closure on their good intention. This isn't merely about starting, but about reaching the desired goal.

• the doing of it (τὴν ποιήσαι - tēn poiēnai):

  • "Doing" (ποίησαι, poiēnai, a form of ποιέω - poieō) refers to the action itself, the execution, the practical work. Paired with "finish," it highlights the active, practical outworking of their prior resolution. This specifies what needs to be finished: the concrete act of collecting and sending the relief. It emphasizes the tangible expression of their good will.

• that as (ἵνα ὥσπερ - hina hōsper):

  • "That" (ἵνα, hina) introduces a purpose clause. "As" (ὥσπερ, hōsper) indicates a comparison, "just as" or "in the same way that." This connects the purpose of finishing the deed to a balanced relationship between desire and performance. It points to the intended harmony or congruence Paul seeks.

• there was a readiness (ἡ προθυμία - hē prothymia):

  • "Readiness" (προθυμία, prothymia) signifies eagerness, willingness, enthusiasm, alacrity. It describes the cheerful and prompt disposition to act, stemming from an internal desire. Paul acknowledges this positive quality already existed in the Corinthians, referring to their initial enthusiasm in verse 10.

• to will (τοῦ θέλειν - tou thelein):

  • "To will" (θέλειν, thelein, the infinitive form of θέλω - thelō) means "to wish, desire, intend, determine." It emphasizes the mental or volitional aspect of their original commitment. This isn't forced labor but a willing, purposeful act. This pairing with prothymia ("readiness") indicates their enthusiastic internal decision and commitment a year prior.

• so there may be a performance (οὕτως καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι - houtōs kai to epitelesai):

  • "So there may be" (οὕτως καὶ, houtōs kai) continues the comparison, meaning "so also" or "in like manner." "Performance" (ἐπιτελέσαι, epitelesai, an aorist infinitive of ἐπιτελέω) echoes "finish" from the beginning of the verse, literally meaning "the completion of." This underlines the parallelism: their former eagerness to desire should be matched by an actual, current completion of the task. The intent and the action must align.

• also out of that which ye have (ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν - ek tou echein):

  • "Out of" (ἐκ, ek) means "from," indicating source or origin. "That which ye have" (τοῦ ἔχειν, tou echein, literally "the having") refers to their present resources, their financial means or possessions. This specifies the practical scope and boundary of their giving—they are not to give beyond what they possess, nor should they withhold when they do have. It removes any excuse for not acting due to lack, but also safeguards against unrealistic burdens. It underscores that completion is relative to actual ability.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "finish the doing of it": This phrase succinctly connects intention with action. It transforms the mental resolve into a tangible, completed task. It emphasizes not just "doing," but "finishing" – seeing a task through to its conclusion, reflecting consistency and faithfulness in a good deed. The verb epiteleo implies bringing something to a complete, perfect state, underlining the integrity of the giving.

• "that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance": This parallel structure highlights the core message: the initial desire (prothymia + thelein) must be balanced by the final deed (epiteleo). It addresses the potential for a gap between good intentions and actual deeds, emphasizing that genuine Christian generosity is seen in follow-through. It promotes congruence between inner disposition and outer expression, forming a consistent character.

• "out of that which ye have": This final clause defines the boundary and practicality of their giving. It ensures the act is grounded in reality, not forced, extravagant, or leading to personal deprivation beyond what is sustainable. It grounds divine expectation in human capability, promoting responsible and cheerful stewardship rather than burdensome sacrifice (though sacrificial giving is sometimes commended, it is never compulsory in a way that utterly depletes resources without discernment). This phrase reinforces the idea of proportionate giving, setting an expectation based on one's blessings, as also mentioned in Deut 16:17 and 2 Cor 8:12.

2 Corinthians 8 11 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on epiteleo ("finish" / "performance") throughout verses 10-11 underscores a significant New Testament theme: the Christian life is not just about profession or initial spiritual experiences, but about sustained discipleship and faithful execution of divine mandates. This resonates with the idea that while salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9), that faith, if genuine, will inevitably manifest in good works (Eph 2:10; Jas 2:17-18). The Corinthians’ previous year of delay likely demonstrated a common human failing: good intentions often flounder without concrete steps and commitment. Paul's exhortation is a call to ethical consistency—the integration of the internal spiritual impulse with external practical outworking. This integrity reflects the character of God himself, who is faithful to complete what He begins (Phil 1:6).

2 Corinthians 8 11 Commentary

Paul's appeal in 2 Corinthians 8:11 moves beyond simple exhortation to a profound theological principle concerning Christian generosity and integrity. Having commended their initial eagerness a year prior, he now gently but firmly presses them toward completion. The "doing of it" refers to the act of giving towards the collection for the Jerusalem saints. Paul isn't seeking a mere fulfillment of a promise; he's appealing to the inherent goodness and faith of the Corinthian believers.

The heart of the verse lies in the balanced relationship between "readiness to will" and "performance." Their initial enthusiastic willingness, prothymia tou thelein, was excellent, indicative of a spiritually mature impulse. However, genuine spiritual life manifests not just in good intentions but in concrete actions. An unfulfilled desire, however noble, loses its transformative power. The Macedonian churches, though poor, embodied this principle by their completed and abundant generosity, serving as a dynamic example.

Furthermore, the phrase "out of that which ye have" provides both a justification and a limit to their action. Paul is not advocating for giving that creates personal ruin or that is beyond their current financial capacity. Rather, it means that whatever they do possess, they should utilize that portion, generously and cheerfully, to fulfill their previously established good intention. This removes any excuse for inaction, as the basis for giving is one's actual resources, not an impossible ideal. It echoes the Old Testament principle of proportionate giving (Deut 16:17) and prefigures the teaching that if "the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor 8:12). This ensures that Christian giving is always willing, proportionate, and ultimately a reflection of gratitude and love, completing what has been begun in the heart.

Example for practical usage: A small group decides to support a missionary with prayer and a financial pledge for the year. Verse 11 encourages them not to let their initial enthusiasm fade, but to faithfully and regularly contribute from their shared resources, thus completing the "doing of it" from their "readiness to will." Similarly, an individual who commits to regular Bible study or helping a neighbor is called to move from the initial good intention to consistent action, performing "out of that which they have" (e.g., their available time and energy).