2 Corinthians 8 13

2 Corinthians 8:13 kjv

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

2 Corinthians 8:13 nkjv

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

2 Corinthians 8:13 niv

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

2 Corinthians 8:13 esv

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness

2 Corinthians 8:13 nlt

Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 13 Meaning

2 Corinthians 8:13 articulates the divine principle of equality (ἰσότης, isotēs) in Christian giving. Paul clarifies that his appeal for financial contributions for the Jerusalem saints is not intended to shift the burden from one group of believers (the suffering poor in Jerusalem) to another (the Corinthian church, presumably better off), thereby making the former comfortable and the latter distressed. Instead, the purpose is for a temporary surplus enjoyed by some to alleviate the pressing needs of others, with the understanding that circumstances might change, and those currently giving might one day be in need, receiving aid from those they once helped. The ultimate goal is to foster mutual care, interdependence, and a fair distribution of resources within the Body of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Context

Chapter 8 begins Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul sets the stage by commending the Macedonian churches for their extraordinary generosity, even amidst their own poverty (2 Cor 8:1-5). He presents this Macedonian giving not as a command, but as a demonstration of "the grace of God" at work. He then uses Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of giving, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). Within this broader call to grace-motivated giving, verse 13 serves as a crucial clarification of Paul's intention and the underlying principle of fairness and mutual aid. It disarms any potential accusation that Paul is burdening the Corinthians or promoting a one-sided transfer of wealth, by asserting that the ultimate goal is not imbalance but reciprocal equality within the believing community, a balance reflective of the Exodus manna provision (Exod 16:18). Historically, Paul was deeply committed to demonstrating unity between Gentile and Jewish believers by organizing this collection for Jerusalem, fostering Christian community beyond ethnic and geographical divides.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Word analysis

• For I do not mean (γὰρ οὐχ ἵνα, gar ouch hina):

  • γὰρ (gar): A conjunction meaning "for," indicating that Paul is explaining or providing a reason for his preceding statements regarding the collection. It introduces clarification.
  • οὐχ (ouch): A strong negation, meaning "not." Paul emphatically states what his intention is not.
  • ἵνα (hina): A purpose conjunction, "that" or "in order that." Here, it points to the intention or outcome, which Paul denies.
  • Significance: Paul preempts potential misinterpretations or objections to his call for generosity, ensuring his motives are understood as righteous and balanced, not exploitative.

• that others should be eased and you burdened (ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις, allois anesis, hymin thlipsis):

  • ἄλλοις (allois): "For others," referring to the Jerusalem saints who were in dire need.
  • ἄνεσις (anesis): "Relief," "ease," "relaxation." It implies an alleviation of pressure or distress.
  • ὑμῖν (hymin): "For you," referring to the Corinthian believers.
  • θλῖψις (thlipsis): "Tribulation," "affliction," "distress," "burden." It implies a state of suffering, pressure, or hardship.
  • Significance: This creates a vivid contrasting picture of what Paul isn't advocating: he's not aiming to create new burdens or cause hardship for the Corinthians to overly relieve the saints in Jerusalem. It's not about merely shifting the problem.

• but that as a matter of fairness (ἀλλ' ἐξ ἰσότητος, all' ex isotētos):

  • ἀλλ' (all'): "But," introducing a strong contrast and setting forth the true intention.
  • ἐξ (ex): "Out of," "from," indicating the source or basis of the principle.
  • ἰσότητος (isotētos): Genitive of isotēs, meaning "equality," "equity," "fairness," "evenness." It signifies a just and proportionate balance. This is the central theological concept here.
  • Significance: This phrase is the core of the verse, stating the foundational principle of the collection. Christian giving is to be driven by a concern for fairness and balanced welfare within the community, reflecting God's impartial love and provision for all.

• your abundance at the present time should supply their need (τὸ ὑμῶν περίσσευμα ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ εἰς τὸ ἐκείνων ὑστέρημα, to hymōn perisseuma en tō nyn kairō eis to ekeinōn hysterēma):

  • τὸ ὑμῶν περίσσευμα (to hymōn perisseuma): "Your abundance," "your surplus," "your over-supply." It refers to material possessions or resources that exceed immediate requirements.
  • ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ (en tō nyn kairō): "At the present time," "in the present season." This temporal qualifier is crucial, highlighting that the economic circumstances are not static but fluid.
  • εἰς τὸ ἐκείνων ὑστέρημα (eis to ekeinōn hysterēma): "For their need," "for their lack," "for their deficiency." It denotes what is missing or inadequate, creating hardship.
  • Significance: This articulates the immediate practical application of isotēs: those with current excess are to share with those experiencing present deficiency. The phrase "at the present time" underscores the temporal and relational aspect of need and plenty within the Christian community, suggesting a dynamic rather than a fixed economic hierarchy.

• so that their abundance also might supply your need (ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, hina kai to ekeinōn perisseuma genētai eis to hymōn hysterēma):

  • ἵνα (hina): "So that," expressing the desired purpose or outcome.
  • καὶ (kai): "Also," "even," emphasizing reciprocity and the potential reversal of roles.
  • τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα (to ekeinōn perisseuma): "Their abundance," anticipating a future time when their situation might improve.
  • γένηται (genētai): "Might become," "might arise," expressing possibility or future event.
  • εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα (eis to hymōn hysterēma): "For your need," anticipating a potential future deficiency for the Corinthians.
  • Significance: This reveals the principle of mutual dependence and foresight. Paul envisions a long-term, reciprocal relationship where current givers may become future receivers, and vice-versa. It removes any sense of perpetual donor/recipient roles and reinforces the unified nature of the body of Christ where members care for one another as needs arise.

• that there may be fairness (ἵνα γένηται ἰσότης, hina genētai isotēs):

  • ἵνα (hina): "So that," reiterating the ultimate purpose.
  • γένηται (genētai): "Might become," "might arise," indicating the desired establishment of the state.
  • ἰσότης (isotēs): "Equality," "fairness," "equity." It circles back to the core concept, emphasizing the ultimate objective.
  • Significance: This repetition of "fairness" frames the entire appeal, firmly grounding Christian giving not in mere charity or an economic redistribution scheme, but in a divine principle of equitable relationships and communal balance. It's about striving for a state of mutual well-being within the believing family, reflecting God's provision for all His children.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Bonus section

The principle of isotēs in 2 Corinthians 8:13 reflects not an enforced socialist agenda, but a grace-driven, Spirit-led community concern for one another. It's an expression of the new covenant reality where believers are "one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). This "equality" does not aim to eradicate all economic distinctions (Paul speaks of abundance and need, implying different economic levels exist), but rather to alleviate suffering caused by extreme disparities and to prevent prolonged, debilitating need within the Body of Christ.

Furthermore, this verse sets a boundary on the Corinthian generosity Paul is requesting; it assures them that the goal is not to drain their resources entirely, but to balance the load. It provides ethical parameters for fundraising and resource mobilization within the church, ensuring that the call for support is rooted in fairness and mutual love, rather than exploitation or unrealistic demands. It also reminds us that spiritual wealth does not guarantee material stability; even saints can face poverty, and rich churches should minister to them. This verse speaks volumes about God's providential care for His people, often channeled through the loving and willing hands of other believers.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:13 is a pivotal verse, moving beyond a simple appeal for charity to lay down a foundational principle for Christian communal living: equality (isotēs). Paul's teaching here transcends mere philanthropy by clarifying that God's desire is not for one part of the body to flourish at the expense of another. Instead, a harmonious balance should exist, driven by grace and a sense of shared responsibility.

The "equality" spoken of is not an absolute economic sameness, but rather an equitable distribution based on fluctuating needs and available resources. It means that when some have an excess ("abundance") and others suffer dire lack ("need"), those with plenty are called to bridge the gap. The qualifying phrase "at the present time" (ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ) is critical, transforming what could seem like a one-way obligation into a dynamic, reciprocal understanding. It acknowledges that fortune can change; today's giver might be tomorrow's receiver, fostering interdependence rather than superiority or inferiority.

This principle draws parallels from Old Testament examples, notably the manna collection in Exodus 16:18, where all gathered according to their needs, and none had too much or too little. It underscores a spiritual economy within the Church where all resources are ultimately God's, intended for the welfare of His whole family. It counters any Hellenistic ideals of absolute individual self-sufficiency or any misperception that God blesses some perpetually with abundance while others are always destined for poverty. Instead, it promotes solidarity, self-giving love (patterned after Christ, 2 Cor 8:9), and mutual bearing of burdens, recognizing that when one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Cor 12:26).

Practically, this verse encourages believers to assess their own material situation relative to the known needs of fellow believers or ministries, prompting generous yet proportionate giving. It also builds anticipation for a reciprocal relationship, recognizing that any generosity now might be returned in kind, or in another form of spiritual or material support, when one's own circumstances change. It fosters a spirit of active community and shared responsibility within the church universal.