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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 8:3 | "For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily" | Acts 20:35 (Teachings on giving) |
| Rom 12:8 | "He who gives, with liberality" | 2 Cor 9:7 (Giving cheerfully) |
| Phil 4:17 | "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account." | Luke 6:38 (Give and it will be given to you) |
| 1 Tim 6:18 | "that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" | Prov 11:24 (Generosity leads to prosperity) |
| Acts 11:29 | "Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea" | 1 Cor 16:2 (Giving as the Lord has prospered) |
| 1 Cor 13:3 | "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." | Matt 25:35-40 (Helping the needy) |
| Deut 15:7-8 | "If there are any poor among you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and be sure to lend him enough for his need—whatever he needs." | 2 Cor 9:6 (Sowing sparingly vs. bountifully) |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | "As each has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." | Eph 4:28 (Working to give) |
| 2 Cor 8:7 | "But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also." | Col 2:7 (Abounding in faith) |
| 2 Cor 8:2 | "of the M to the churches of Gia." | Acts 17:1 (Distribution to saints) |
| Prov 3:9-10 | "Honor the LORD with your wealth, and with the first-fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." | 2 Cor 8:4 (Contributing to the ministry) |
| Luke 10:34-35 | "He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day when he departed, he paid the innkeeper and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever else you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'" | 2 Cor 8:10 (Completing the deed) |
| 2 Cor 9:8 | "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." | Eph 3:20 (Power to do exceeding abundantly) |
| Gal 5:22 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" | 2 Cor 8:1 (The grace of God in Macedonians) |
| Phil 2:3-4 | "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the others better than himself. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." | 2 Cor 8:5 (First gave themselves to the Lord) |
| Mark 12:41-44 | The widow's mite story highlights selfless giving. | 2 Cor 8:12 (Accepted according to what one has) |
| Matt 19:21 | "Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'" | 2 Cor 8:7 (Abound in this grace also) |
| Heb 13:16 | "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." | 2 Cor 8:21 (Providing for things honest not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men) |
| 2 Cor 9:10 | "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food provide and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness" | 2 Cor 8:6 (The one who supplies seed) |
| Phil 4:15-16 | "Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving except you only." | 2 Cor 8:1-2 (The grace of God given in the churches of Macedonia) |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 3 Meaning
The verse emphasizes a willing and voluntary giving from the Macedonians, even going beyond their capacity. Their contribution was an act of grace, demonstrating their profound generosity and commitment. It highlights that the true measure of giving is not the amount, but the spirit in which it is given, reflecting a divine prompting rather than external pressure.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Context
This verse is part of the second epistle to the Corinthians, specifically in a section (chapters 8-9) dedicated to encouraging the Corinthian church to complete their promised collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. Paul is using the example of the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea) as a model for the Corinthians. These Macedonian believers, despite facing severe trials and poverty themselves, demonstrated extraordinary generosity. This particular verse highlights the selfless and abundant nature of their giving. The overarching context is the encouragement of cheerful and generous giving, demonstrating Christian love and unity within the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Word Analysis
For (gar - γάρ): Indicates a reason or explanation for a previous statement. It serves as a logical connector.
I (ego - ἐγώ): Emphasizes the personal testimony of Paul, adding weight to his assertion.
bear witness (marturō - μαρτυρῶ): To testify, to give evidence, to bear record. This implies a strong, direct endorsement based on firsthand knowledge. It signifies a public declaration of truth.
that (hoti - ὅτι): Introduces the content of Paul's testimony or witness.
according to (kata - κατὰ): In conformity with, proportioned to, in agreement with.
their (autos - αὐτός): Refers back to the Macedonian believers.
ability (hō - ὥς): To the extent of their power or means.
yes (alla - ἀλλά): But, moreover, yes. Used here to introduce a stronger, superlative statement, contrasting with or amplifying the previous phrase. It signals an intensification.
and (kai - καί): A simple conjunction connecting two phrases.
beyond (huper - ὑπὲρ): Over, above, beyond. Indicates an exceeding of their ordinary limits.
their (autos - αὐτός): Again referring to the Macedonians.
ability (hūperbolē - ὑπερβολῇ): Excess, surpassing, extremity. Signifies an extreme degree, surpassing what might be expected or required. This points to a generosity that went above and beyond.
they gave (echairontai - ἐχαίρονται): They were eager, they rejoiced to give. This is the perfect passive middle/passive form of "chairō" (χαίρω), suggesting a consistent state of eagerness and joy in giving.
voluntarily (hekousion - ἑκούσιον): Willingly, of their own free will. It is from the noun "hekousios" (ἑκούσιος), meaning that which is done willingly. This stresses the voluntary nature, not done out of compulsion or obligation.
Giving according to and beyond ability: The phrase "according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability" describes the quality of their giving. It was proportionate to what they possessed, and then it exceeded that. This illustrates sacrificial generosity.
Eagerness and Joy in Giving: The verb "gave" (in the sense of "were eager/rejoiced to give") signifies that their giving was motivated by an internal desire and happiness, not by duty or pressure. It was a manifestation of their faith and love.
Paul's Personal Testimony: Paul's "bear witness" is crucial. It's not just an observation but a heartfelt endorsement of the sincerity and extraordinary nature of the Macedonians' actions. This adds significant weight to his appeal to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Bonus Section
The Macedonians’ willingness to give “beyond their ability” (huper hūperbolēn - ὑπὲρ ὑπερβολῇ) points to a characteristic of New Testament giving. This extreme, exceeding giving was enabled by God’s grace working powerfully within them (2 Cor 8:1-2, 7). Their poverty made this act even more remarkable and a testament to God’s empowering work, serving as a spiritual principle: the less we have materially, the more we can exemplify generosity when empowered by the Spirit. Their initial act of giving themselves to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5) was the foundation for their abundant giving to the needs of others. This emphasizes that financial giving is an outflow of complete consecration to Christ.
2 Corinthians 8 3 Commentary
Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their exceptional generosity. They gave according to what they could, and then even surpassed their means. This giving was not forced but stemmed from a genuine willingness and joy in their hearts. Paul testifies to this personal knowledge, underscoring their sincere love and commitment to supporting fellow believers. This selfless act of generosity, even from those in poverty, serves as a powerful example of Christian stewardship and sacrificial love, reflecting the grace of God at work. It prompts consideration of our own motives and extent of giving, emphasizing that true giving is willing and abundant.