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 highlights a principle of Christian fellowship and giving, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship where the abundance of one group is intended to supply the need of another. It speaks to the spiritual unity among believers, where generosity bridges material gaps, fostering a balanced and equitable community of faith.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 8 continues Paul's discourse on the collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. This particular verse serves as the explanation and justification for the principle of reciprocal giving within the Christian community. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to be generous in their contributions to the collection, drawing upon the example of the Macedonian churches (2 Cor 8:1-7). He emphasizes that this giving is not about creating oppressive burdens but about achieving a practical equality. The context is one of poverty in Judea contrasting with potential abundance elsewhere, and Paul is setting forth a spiritual rationale for sharing resources to meet those needs, thereby demonstrating Christian love and unity. The overall theme of the chapter is the grace of giving, exemplified by Christ's sacrifice.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Word Analysis

• "for" (gar - γάρ): Indicates a reason or explanation for the preceding statement, connecting the principle of equality to the act of giving.

• "your" (hemin - ἡμῖν): Refers to the Corinthians.

• "surplus" (perisseuma - περίσσευμα): Means "abundance," "superfluity," or "remainder." It implies an excess beyond what is needed for oneself. This term suggests that their present wealth or provision is more than enough.

• "at the present time" (nun - νῦν): "Now," "at the present." This points to the current situation or season.

• "may be" (eē - ᾖ): Subjunctive mood, expressing possibility or purpose.

• "a supply" (prosthexis - πρόσθεξις): A "supply," "addition," or "relief." It signifies providing something needed to make up for a lack.

• "for their" (autōn - αὐτῶν): Refers to the recipients of the supply, the needy saints.

• "want" (hysterēma - ὑστέρημα): "Lack," "need," or "deficiency." It denotes something that is missing or insufficient.

• "that" (hina - ἵνα): Introduces a clause of purpose. The purpose of their surplus supplying their want is equality.

• "their surplus" (perisseuma - περίσσευμα): Repeats the word for "abundance," emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the supply.

• "through" (ek - ἐκ): "From," "out of." It indicates the source of the supply for their need.

• "your abundance" (hyperbolē - ὑπερβολή): "Excess," "abundance," or "more abundant supply." This might refer to the Corinthians' potentially greater ability or current possession that can be shared.

• "may be" (eē - ᾖ): Subjunctive mood, again indicating purpose or possibility.

• "a supply" (prosthexis - πρόσθεξις): The same term used for supplying the Corinthians' want.

• "for their want" (autōn hysterēma - αὐτῶν ὑστέρημα): Reiterates the aim to meet their deficiency.

• "that" (hina - ἵνα): Another clause of purpose, clarifying the ultimate goal of this reciprocal giving.

• "there may be" (genetai - γένηται): "May come to pass," "may exist."

• "equality" (isotes - ἰσότης): "Equality," "evenness," or "fairness." This is the central principle being established: a parity or balance in their possessions or provision. This equality is not necessarily absolute sameness, but rather a sharing that results in both parties being adequately supplied, preventing extreme disparities.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • The repetition of "surplus" (perisseuma) and "want" (hysterēma) in conjunction with "supply" (prosthexis) underscores the dynamic of equitable sharing. It's not just a one-time act but a principle of maintaining balance.
  • The repeated use of "that" (hina) with the subjunctive verb "may be" (eē, genetai) clearly establishes the purposeful nature of this exchange; it is an intentional act aimed at achieving equality.
  • "Equality" (isotes) is the culmination of this mutual supply, suggesting a community where needs are met without extreme levels of poverty or excess in others, fostering a unified fellowship.

2 Corinthians 8 14 Bonus Section

This concept of "equality" (isotes) in the New Testament often refers not to an exact leveling of possessions but to a balance in meeting needs, often motivated by grace and love rather than legalistic demands. The principle finds roots in the Old Testament with injunctions against oppressing the poor and commands for caring for the less fortunate. The entire collection for the saints in Jerusalem, mentioned extensively in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, was a significant undertaking designed to address poverty in Judea and to strengthen the bond between Jewish and Gentile believers, demonstrating unity across cultural and economic divides. The "equality" achieved through sharing is thus a manifestation of the Kingdom of God breaking into earthly circumstances, mirroring the ultimate equality found in Christ Himself (Gal 3:28).

2 Corinthians 8 14 Commentary

The core message here is the establishment of a spiritual principle of material sharing. Paul posits that a believer's abundance is not solely for their own benefit but is a resource to meet the needs of others in the body of Christ. This dynamic exchange is not meant to be one of obligation or enforced equalizing of wealth in an absolute sense, but rather a mutual participation that levels out deficiencies and surpluses, aiming for an "equality." This equality is one where everyone’s fundamental needs are met, reflecting God's provision for all His children and mirroring Christ's self-giving love. It’s a practical demonstration of the unity found in Christ that transcends individual material circumstances.

• Practical Usage Example: If one church or group has significant financial reserves, while another is struggling to meet basic operational needs or support its vulnerable members, this verse calls for the more affluent group to share their surplus, thereby bringing about a relative equality of provision.