2 Corinthians 8 14

2 Corinthians 8:14 kjv

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

2 Corinthians 8:14 nkjv

but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack?that there may be equality.

2 Corinthians 8:14 niv

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,

2 Corinthians 8:14 esv

your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

2 Corinthians 8:14 nlt

Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 14 Meaning

This verse articulates a profound principle of mutual aid and reciprocal generosity within the Christian community. It establishes that those currently blessed with surplus ("abundance") should share with those facing deficiency ("lack"). Critically, it posits this dynamic as a two-way street, where circumstances may reverse, and those presently receiving aid may later be in a position to help the initial givers. The ultimate aim is to foster "equality," which refers not to an absolute sameness of possessions, but rather a dynamic balance ensuring that no member of the body of Christ suffers dire need while others possess lavish excess. This principle underpins the idea of the Church as a supportive family where resources are shared according to current needs.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Context

2 Corinthians chapter 8 initiates Paul's urgent appeal to the Corinthian church concerning a collection he was organizing for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. This collection was not just charity; it served as a powerful symbol of unity between the Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul has already provided instruction on this matter (1 Cor 16:1-4). To motivate the Corinthians, Paul first presents the extraordinary example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own severe poverty, displayed overwhelming generosity (2 Cor 8:1-5). He then underscores the preeminence of grace as the source of all giving, ultimately pointing to Christ's supreme act of self-impoverishment for humanity's sake (2 Cor 8:9). Within this broader call for generous and cheerful giving, 2 Corinthians 8:14 outlines the underlying theological rationale for such actions: to create an internal balance of resources among believers, recognizing that needs and blessings are transient and can reverse. This isn't about forced confiscation but voluntary, mutual support, deeply rooted in Christian love and community responsibility.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction signals a reason or explanation, linking this verse directly to Paul's earlier instruction to the Corinthians about their willingness to participate in the collection (2 Cor 8:10-12). It grounds the exhortation in a logical principle.
• at the present time: (Ancient Greek: ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ, en tō nyn kairō) Emphasizes the temporal, dynamic nature of financial and material situations. It highlights that the state of "abundance" or "lack" is not permanent but can shift. This applies to both parties mentioned in the verse.
• your: Refers directly to the Corinthian believers, who, in comparison to the impoverished Jerusalem saints, were relatively prosperous.
• abundance: (Ancient Greek: τὸ περισσόν, to perisson - or related noun πλεόνασμα, pleonasma "that which superabounds/excess") Signifies a surplus, an excess beyond what is immediately needed. It implies having more than enough for current needs. The term highlights a privilege of having more, which carries a responsibility.
• may supply: (Ancient Greek: εἰς τὸ γενέσθαι, eis to genesthai - lit. "for the purpose of becoming" or "that there may be"; implying to "meet a need") This phrase denotes the purpose and intended outcome of the sharing. It means to fill a need, to provide what is lacking, to meet the deficiency. It suggests active, purposeful provision.
• their: Refers to the poor saints in Jerusalem for whom the collection was being made.
• lack: (Ancient Greek: τὸ ὑστέρημα, to hysterēma) Denotes a deficiency, a state of wanting, need, or destitution. It signifies an inadequate supply for basic necessities.

• so that their abundance also: Introduces the reciprocal principle. It signifies a potential future situation where the roles could reverse. This underscores the temporary nature of one's material status and the mutual dependency within the body of Christ. It reflects a visionary faith in God's changing providence and the future growth of all believers.
• may supply your lack: Completes the reciprocal loop. The expectation is that those currently in need might, in time, acquire their own abundance and be able to help those who previously aided them, if circumstances require. This principle teaches mutual dependence and discourages one-sided obligation.
• that there may be: Expresses the ultimate goal or outcome of this entire process of sharing and reciprocity.
• equality: (Ancient Greek: ἡ ἰσότης, hē isotēs) This crucial term does not mean an enforced sameness of property or an leveling to the lowest common denominator, as in secular communism. Instead, within this context, it refers to a just balance or equity in provision among believers. It signifies that no one within the Christian community should suffer severe hardship and deprivation while others enjoy unnecessary luxury. It is a dynamic state of ensuring that everyone's fundamental needs are met through mutual generosity, preventing extremes of wealth and poverty within the believing fellowship. It draws on the principle of the manna in the wilderness where everyone had enough, neither too much nor too little.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Bonus section

The concept of "equality" (ἰσότης, isotēs) in 2 Corinthians 8:14 stands in stark contrast to the modern secular understanding of forced egalitarianism. For Paul, this isotēs is a spiritual and relational principle, reflecting God's nature and the unity of His people, not a legislative mandate for equal income or property. It echoes the historical experience of Israel with the manna (Exod 16:18), which Paul quotes directly in the next verse (2 Cor 8:15). In the wilderness, God's provision ensured that each person gathered only what they needed, fostering a sense of sufficiency and mutual reliance without hoarding or destitution. This verse reminds us that Christian giving is an act of worship and a tangible expression of brotherly love, an integral part of living out the gospel in community, where individual surplus is seen as an opportunity for corporate well-being. The dynamic reciprocity guards against dependency and promotes a healthy interdependent community.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:14 presents a theological framework for Christian stewardship and community responsibility, moving beyond a simple charitable request to a foundational principle of mutual life in Christ. It's not an economic command for wealth redistribution in a political sense, but a voluntary ethic driven by love and a recognition of shared identity in the body of Christ. The "present time" highlights the fluid nature of economic status; today's giver may be tomorrow's receiver, fostering humility in the giver and hope in the receiver. The "equality" sought is not statistical uniformity, but a functional balance where all members of the body have their needs met, allowing for dignity and participation in the community. This ensures the integrity and health of the body, where no member can truly flourish if another is suffering critical deprivation. It challenges believers to view their resources not as purely personal possessions, but as instruments for mutual care, mirroring Christ's self-giving love. This vision emphasizes the unity of believers, demonstrating their care for one another as a living witness.