2 Corinthians 8 2

2 Corinthians 8:2 kjv

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

2 Corinthians 8:2 nkjv

that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

2 Corinthians 8:2 niv

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2 esv

for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

2 Corinthians 8:2 nlt

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 2 Meaning

In Macedonia, amidst severe testing and affliction, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty became abundant wealth for generosity.

2 Corinthians 8 2 Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 concerning the collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. Paul uses the Macedonian churches (like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) as an example of cheerful and generous giving, even in their own severe poverty and affliction. He wants to spur on the Corinthian church by highlighting the genuine nature and abundant fruit of the Macedonians' giving, despite their difficult circumstances. This collection was a practical expression of Christian love and unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.

2 Corinthians 8 2 Word Analysis

• ἐν (en) - in, by, with, among, on. Denotes the circumstance or sphere in which something occurs.
• ὑπερβολῇ (hyperbolē) - abundance, exceeding, excess, superiority, extremity. Refers to a very great degree, overwhelmingness.
• τῇ (tē) - the (feminine definite article).
• τοῦ (tou) - the (masculine genitive definite article).
• πειρασμοῦ (pirasmou) - temptation, trial, testing. Refers to difficulties, afflictions, severe challenges.
• τῆς (tēs) - the (feminine genitive definite article).
• ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs) - endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, patience. The quality of staying firm and holding on despite difficulties.
• αὐτῶν (autōn) - their, them (genitive plural personal pronoun).
• ἐν (en) - in, by, with, among, on.
• τῇ (tē) - the (feminine definite article).
• μαχόμενῃ (machomenē) - fighting, struggling (present participle of machomai). It implies a severe and continuous battle against circumstances.
• καὶ (kai) - and.
• τῇ (tē) - the (feminine definite article).
• ὑστερήσει (ysterēsē) - lack, poverty, need, deficiency. Signifies material want or shortage.
• αὐτῶν (autōn) - their, them (genitive plural personal pronoun).
• τῆς (tēs) - the (feminine genitive definite article).
• καρποῦ (karpoū) - fruit, produce (genitive singular of karpos). This refers to the results or outcome of something.
• εὐπορίας (euporias) - abundance, wealth, plenty, prosperity, means. Refers to having resources or means.
• ὑπερβαλλούσῃ (hyperballousē) - exceeding, overflowing, superabundant (present participle of hyperballō). Indicates going beyond a normal measure, excessively.
• ἐν (en) - in, by, with, among, on.
• εὐσεβεῖ (eusebei) - Godly, devout, religious, pious. Pertains to living in reverence and obedience to God.
• αὐτῶν (autōn) - their, them (genitive plural personal pronoun).
• ἀγαθοεργίᾳ (agathokergia) - good deeds, doing good, bounty, benevolence, generosity. Specifically refers to active generosity and charitable work.

Word Group Analysis:

• "ἐν ὑπερβολῇ τῆς ὑπομονῆς αὐτῶν" (en hyperbolē tēs hypomonēs autōn) - In the excess/abundance of their endurance. This emphasizes not just their patience, but an exceptional, overflowing degree of steadfastness.
• "ἐν τῇ μαχόμενῃ καὶ τῇ ὑστερήσει αὐτῶν" (en tē machomenē kai tē hysterēsē autōn) - In the struggling and the poverty of theirs. This links their endurance to active combat against their lack and hardship. The present participle "machomenē" (fighting) vividly portrays their active battle against these dire circumstances.
• "ὁ καρπὸς τῆς εὐπορίας αὐτῶν" (ho karpos tēs euporias autōn) - The fruit of their abundance/wealth. This phrase appears paradoxical given their poverty. It implies a spiritual abundance and a resulting generative act of generosity ("agathokergia") which itself produces fruit.
• "ὑπερβαλλούσῃ ἐν εὐσεβεῖ αὐτῶν ἀγαθοεργίᾳ" (hyperballousē en eusebei autōn agathokergia) - Exceeding/overflowing in their godly generosity. This describes the remarkable degree of their benevolence, which was produced from their deep piety and active doing of good, exceeding expectations. The term "agathokergia" highlights active, practical goodness.

2 Corinthians 8 2 Bonus Section

The concept of "overflowing abundance" from poverty suggests a spiritual economy where God's grace creates resources where humanly none exist. The Macedonians' ability to give abundantly from their deep poverty (v. 2) was a demonstration of the "grace of God bestowed" (v. 1) working supernaturally. Their generosity was not a result of material wealth but a manifestation of spiritual riches. Scholars note that the "struggling" or "fighting" (machomenē) implies an active and determined effort to overcome their severe limitations for the sake of the Jerusalem church. The fruit of their "abundance" was not a higher economic status for themselves, but an overflowing generosity towards others, powered by their devotion. This active benevolence (agathokergia) was "godly" or "devout," rooted in their relationship with God, not merely humanistic charity. The emphasis is on giving from a place of deep spiritual well-being which produces outward, tangible acts of love, transforming perceived lack into an avenue for displaying God’s sufficiency.

2 Corinthians 8 2 Commentary

The Macedonian believers demonstrate a profound spiritual paradox: their intense suffering ("testing," "struggle") and severe poverty ("need") did not hinder, but rather amplified, their generous giving. Their joy and spiritual resilience were so immense ("overflowing") that it translated into remarkable "bounty" or wealth of good deeds, particularly in their generosity towards others. This verse illustrates that true generosity is not solely dependent on financial capacity but is a fruit of inner spiritual richness and a vibrant faith, capable of thriving even in material scarcity. It teaches that affliction can be a crucible that refines and magnifies God's grace, enabling believers to be generous "beyond measure" in a way that honors God and blesses others. The Macedonian example is presented not to shame the Corinthians, but to inspire them, showing that when faith and grace are truly at work, giving flows forth abundantly, even from a place of deep need. This principle highlights that "wealth" in Christian giving is not measured by possessions, but by the Spirit's power to generate grace-filled actions.