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

This verse states that the intent of generosity should be for the relief of others, not for one's own ease or comfort, promoting balance and fairness in the distribution of resources.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Context

This verse is found within the larger context of 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and 9, where the Apostle Paul is passionately urging the Corinthian believers to generously contribute to the collection for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem. He had previously mentioned this collection in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. This specific passage highlights the spirit and motivation behind Christian giving. Paul isn't just asking for money; he's encouraging a mindset of sacrificial love and mutual support that characterized the early church. He emphasizes that the goal of giving is to alleviate the needs of others, ensuring a fair distribution where the abundance of some meets the lack of others, thereby creating equality and demonstrating Christ's love.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Word Analysis

• τοῦτο (touto): "this." Refers to the collection for the saints. It's the act of giving that is in view.

• ἐστιν (estin): "is." The verb 'to be'.

• εἰς (eis): "into," "for," "unto." Indicates the purpose or destination of the action. The purpose is for others' relief.

• τὴν (tēn): "the." Definite article.

• ὑπερβολὴν (hyperbolēn): "abundance," "exceeding," "overcoming." This points to a generous or overflowing measure. It speaks to going beyond what is minimally required. Paul uses this term elsewhere to describe the intensity of his love or suffering. It implies a desire to give generously.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn): "your." Possessive pronoun, referring to the Corinthians.

• εἰς (eis): "into," "for," "unto." Again, indicating the purpose or direction.

• τὴν (tēn): "the." Definite article.

• τῶν (tōn): "of the." Genitive plural definite article.

• ἐκείνων (ekeinōn): "those." Refers to the recipients of the aid, the "saints" mentioned earlier and elsewhere, who are in need.

• εἰς (eis): "into," "for," "unto." The final 'eis' points to the result or effect: alleviation or relief.

• ἀνταναπλήρωσιν (antanalēplērosin): "a filling up," "a reciprocal filling," "a replenishing." This is a significant word. It implies not just providing something to those who are lacking, but doing so in a way that restores a balance, or "fills up" what is wanting. It carries a sense of mutual reciprocity, even if the immediate act is one-sided giving. It suggests that through this act, a deficiency is remedied.

• ἐκ (ek): "from," "out of." Indicates the source.

• τῆς (tēs): "the." Definite article.

• ἀνταναπληρώσεως (antanalēplērōseōs): This is the genitive form of the same important word discussed above, referring to the replenishment or relief.

• τοῦ (tou): "the." Genitive singular definite article.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn): "your." Again, referring to the Corinthians. It emphasizes that their giving is the means by which this filling up occurs.

• Word Group Analysis: "τὴν ὑπερβολὴν ... εἰς τὴν τῶν ἐκείνων" (tēn hyperbolēn ... eis tēn tōn ekeinōn)

  • This phrase connects the "abundance" of the Corinthians' giving to "those" (the needy saints). The implication is that the manner of giving (in abundance) is intended for the purpose of aiding specific people. The abundance isn't for boasting or show, but for supplying others.

• Word Group Analysis: "εἰς ἀνταναπλήρωσιν ... τοῦ ὑμῶν" (eis antanalēplērosin ... tou hymōn)

  • The construction "for the filling up of your" implies that the very act of generous giving is how their giving becomes complete, fulfilling its intended purpose. It's not about receiving from their abundance, but about their abundance causing the replenishment of others.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Bonus Section

The concept of "antanalēplērosin" (replenishment) implies a dynamic in the body of Christ that moves beyond simple pity. It's about functional interdependence and mutual strengthening. Just as different organs in a body support each other, so too should different parts of the church body share resources to maintain health and strength throughout. This verse underscores that true Christian giving creates a spiritual equity, a balance that honors God by demonstrating the self-sacrificing love learned from Christ. The emphasis is on making the deficit of others abundant through one's own willing generosity.

2 Corinthians 8 13 Commentary

The core of this verse is about the balanced and sacrificial nature of Christian generosity. Paul establishes that giving is not an act for one's own benefit, comfort, or prestige. The primary objective is to address and remedy a need in another part of the body of Christ. The term "antanalēplērosin" is crucial, suggesting not just charity, but a mutual support system that ensures no part of the community suffers disproportionately. The "abundance" of one group is to directly serve the deficiency of another, fostering unity and practical love. This mirrors Christ's own selfless sacrifice, where His fullness met humanity's emptiness. It is about fostering a true koinonia (fellowship) that extends beyond geographical and ethnic boundaries.

• Practical Example: If a church in a prosperous area receives a significant offering, the goal is to use it to help a sister church in a struggling economy overcome a specific financial hardship, rather than using it solely for local luxuries or administrative surplus. The prosperity of one church's giving should provide the necessary resource to "fill up" the lack experienced by another.