2 Corinthians 8:3 kjv
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
2 Corinthians 8:3 nkjv
For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
2 Corinthians 8:3 niv
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
2 Corinthians 8:3 esv
For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
2 Corinthians 8:3 nlt
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mk 12:41-44 | Jesus... saw how the people were putting money into the offering box... but a poor widow put in two very small copper coins... “this poor widow has put in more than all the others." | Sacrificial giving from poverty praised by Jesus. |
| Lk 21:1-4 | He saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box... But a poor widow put in two very small copper coins... "this poor widow has put in more than all the others." | Similar to Mark; widow's sacrificial gift. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. | Giving must be willing and cheerful, not compelled. |
| 2 Cor 8:12 | For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. | Willingness makes a gift acceptable, even if small. |
| Rom 12:8 | if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is to give, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. | Emphasizes generous giving as a spiritual gift. |
| Phil 4:18-19 | I have received full payment and more. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | Macedonian-like generosity by Philippians and divine provision. |
| Acts 4:32-35 | All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had... so there was no needy person among them. | Early church community's extreme generosity and sharing. |
| Dt 15:7-8 | If among you, one of your brothers should become poor... you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand... you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need. | Old Testament command for generous giving to the poor. |
| Prov 11:24-25 | One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. | Principle of reciprocal blessing for generous givers. |
| Isa 32:8 | But the noble person plans noble deeds, and by noble deeds he stands. | Contrasts generosity with selfishness; noble deeds. |
| Acts 2:44-45 | All who believed were together and had everything in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all, as any had need. | Early church practice of voluntary radical sharing. |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Sharing possessions is a pleasing sacrifice to God. |
| Gal 6:9-10 | Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. | Exhortation to persist in doing good and giving. |
| Matt 6:3-4 | But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. | Instruction on the humility and private nature of giving. |
| 1 Chr 29:9-14 | Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD... For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You. | Willing and cheerful giving in OT, acknowledging God's ownership. |
| Ezr 2:68 | Some of the heads of families, when they came to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, gave freewill offerings for the house of God to restore it. | Freewill offerings for temple rebuilding. |
| 2 Cor 9:11-12 | You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God... this service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. | Generosity leads to enrichment and thanksgiving. |
| 2 Cor 8:5 | And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. | Their giving stemmed from a prior giving of themselves to God. |
| Prov 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. | Blessing promised to those who give to the poor. |
| Ps 112:5 | Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. | Praise for the generous person. |
| 1 Tim 6:17-19 | Command those who are rich... to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age... | Instruction for the rich to be generous and share. |
| Acts 20:35 | In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' | The blessing associated with giving. |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 3 Meaning
The Apostle Paul testifies to the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian churches, highlighting that their giving was not only proportional to their financial capacity but profoundly exceeded it. This offering was entirely voluntary and arose from an inner willingness, rather than external coercion or expectation, especially remarkable given their circumstances of severe poverty. It underscores a sacrificial, grace-driven liberality that sprang from their devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Context
2 Corinthians chapter 8 introduces the theme of giving for the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, which was a significant undertaking for the early Christian communities. Paul uses the Macedonian churches as a profound example of generous, sacrificial giving. These churches, located in cities like Philippi and Thessalonica, were themselves facing severe hardship and poverty, as indicated by verse 2. Despite their "extreme poverty," they demonstrated an overflowing joy that resulted in "rich generosity." Paul recounts their example to encourage the wealthier Corinthians, who had initially committed to this offering, to complete their contribution, highlighting that true Christian giving flows from grace and willing surrender to God.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Word analysis
- For (ὅτι - hoti): A conjunction that introduces a causal or explanatory statement. It signals that Paul is providing the reason or foundation for the subsequent appeal, rooting it in observable fact.
- I bear record (μαρτυρῶ - martyro): "I testify" or "I witness." This verb implies an authoritative, personal testimony based on direct knowledge and observation. Paul is not speculating; he is stating an incontrovertible truth based on his experience with the Macedonian churches, giving weight and credibility to his words.
- that according to their ability (κατὰ δύναμιν - kata dynamin): `κατά` (kata) means "according to" or "proportionate to." `δύναμιν` (dynamin) refers to inherent power, strength, or capability – in this context, financial means or resources. It signifies a baseline expectation: giving in proportion to what one possesses.
- and beyond their ability (καὶ παρὰ δύναμιν - kai para dynamin): `καί` (kai) is "and." `παρά` (para) here means "beyond," "exceeding," or "contrary to." This is the crux of the verse, highlighting the extraordinary nature of their giving. It means they gave more than what was expected of their means, implying significant self-denial and sacrifice.
- they were freely willing (αὐθαίρετοι - authairetoi): This adjective means "of their own accord," "spontaneous," or "freely willing." It emphasizes that their giving was not compelled, not by Paul's urging or pressure, but a deeply internal and voluntary decision. It sprung from a heart given over to the Lord.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "I bear record that according to their ability, and beyond their ability": This phrase combines Paul's personal witness with the astonishing contrast in their giving. It's a testament to a level of generosity that defies logical expectations based on their resources. The inclusion of "beyond their ability" is what makes their example so powerful and truly distinct.
- "they were freely willing": This concluding phrase solidifies the purity of their motives. Their sacrifice was not reluctantly offered but arose from a cheerful, self-initiated spirit. This willingness is paramount in Christian giving, demonstrating a heart truly dedicated to God and His people, transforming obligation into devotion.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Bonus section
The concept of κατὰ δύναμιν (according to ability) aligns with Old Testament principles and Rabbinic tradition where freewill offerings were expected to be proportionate to one's means (Deut 16:17). However, the phrase παρὰ δύναμιν (beyond ability) introduces a new, distinctly New Covenant emphasis, moving from mere duty or proportion to sacrificial, grace-inspired liberality, echoing Christ's own self-giving (2 Cor 8:9). This level of generosity is understood by scholars not as foolish or irresponsible, but as a supernatural enablement, a "grace of God" (2 Cor 8:1) working in the givers, transforming their poverty into an occasion for profound generosity and joy, ultimately for the glory of God and the benefit of others. It highlights that the root of such extraordinary giving is not an overflowing bank account, but an overflowing heart, first given to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5).
2 Corinthians 8 3 Commentary
2 Corinthians 8:3 encapsulates the extraordinary spirit of Macedonian generosity. Paul's testimony emphasizes a form of giving that transcended mere obligation or comfortable proportion, reaching into sacrificial giving. Their actions demonstrated that financial constraints do not limit true generosity; rather, genuine love and grace can motivate believers to give beyond what is rationally expected of their means. This giving was not compelled by Paul or any external force, but arose spontaneously from an inner prompt, reflecting a heart yielded to Christ. It serves as a powerful testament that giving is not about the amount, but the spirit, often revealing a deeper commitment to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5) and a profound trust in His provision, regardless of personal circumstances.
Examples for practical usage:
- A financially struggling student still volunteers time to tutor younger children for free.
- A single mother, despite tight budgets, shares her limited food with a needier neighbor.
- A congregation facing its own financial struggles dedicates resources to support missions abroad.