2 Corinthians 8:7 kjv
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:7 nkjv
But as you abound in everything?in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us?see that you abound in this grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:7 niv
But since you excel in everything?in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you?see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7 esv
But as you excel in everything ? in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you ? see that you excel in this act of grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:7 nlt
Since you excel in so many ways ? in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us ? I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
2 Corinthians 8 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 8:7 | "But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this gracious work also." | Overflowing blessings: Deut 28:11-13, Psalm 23:5, Prov 3:10, Mal 3:10 |
| Rom 15:26-27 | "For it pleased the churches of Macedonia and Achaia to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem." | Encouragement to give: Phil 4:15-18, 1 Tim 6:17-19 |
| 1 Cor 1:5-7 | "For everything was supplied to you in him, in speech and in all knowledge...so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." | Spiritual riches: Eph 1:3, Col 1:10 |
| 2 Cor 9:7-8 | "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you..." | Grace of giving: Acts 20:35, Phil 2:3-4 |
| Gal 6:6-10 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things with the one who teaches... And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." | Sharing and reaping: Prov 11:25, Gal 6:2 |
| Luke 6:38 | "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap." | Generosity rewarded: Matt 5:42, Prov 28:27 |
| Acts 11:29-30 | "So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea." | Charitable giving: 1 John 3:17-18 |
| 1 Tim 5:9-10 | "Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and if she has a reputation for good works..." | Supporting those in need: Deut 10:18-19, Psalm 68:5-6 |
| 2 Sam 24:1-3, 24 | David’s census and offering. "So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver... And the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price, and I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.'" | Costly offerings: Gen 14:20, 1 Chron 21:24-25 |
| Rom 12:8 | "...he who leads, with zeal; he who does by mercy, with cheerfulness." | Cheerful service: 2 Cor 9:7 |
| Heb 13:16 | "Do not neglect to do good and to share for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." | Pleasing sacrifices: Phil 4:18 |
| Col 3:23 | "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." | Working for the Lord: Col 3:17 |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." | Stewardship of gifts: 1 Cor 12:7 |
| Prov 3:9-10 | "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." | Honoring God with wealth: Ex 23:19, Lev 23:10-14 |
| Matt 25:35-40 | Parable of the sheep and the goats. "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." | Serving the needy as serving Christ: Matt 10:40, Luke 10:16 |
| 1 Cor 15:10 | "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." | Grace enables action: Eph 2:8-10 |
| Phil 1:5-6 | "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will continue to complete it..." | Partnership in the Gospel: Phil 4:14 |
| James 2:15-16 | "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them what is necessary for the body, what good is that?" | Faith demonstrated by deeds: 1 John 3:18 |
| 1 Thess 4:1, 10 | "Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God...we encourage you more and more." | Pleasing God in conduct: 1 Thess 5:23 |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 7 Meaning
This verse is about the Corinthians' abundance in all spiritual and material gifts, especially their readiness to participate in the offering for the needy saints in Jerusalem. It encourages them to excel also in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8 7 Context
The Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth concerning a collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He has previously commended them for their desire to give and is now urging them to follow through with their promise. In chapter 8, he uses the example of the Macedonian churches, who gave generously despite their own poverty, to inspire the Corinthians. He highlights God's grace as the source of all abundance, both spiritual and material, and calls the Corinthians to respond to this grace with their own generosity. This verse serves as a powerful exhortation to them to extend their already evident spiritual richness into a tangible expression of love and generosity through the collection.
2 Corinthians 8 7 Word Analysis
"But" (de - δε): A conjunction indicating a transition or contrast, often marking a new point in the argument or a shift in emphasis. Here it connects their existing abundance to the present exhortation.
"as you abound" (epeissoevonteV - περισσεύοντες): Present participle from perisseuo (περισσεύω), meaning "to overflow," "to abound," "to be more than enough." It emphasizes a state of great plenty and abundance.
"in everything" (panti - παντί): All. This covers all areas of spiritual and potentially material blessings they had received from God.
"in faith" (pistei - πίστει): In their belief and trust in God and His promises. This is the foundation of their spiritual life and actions.
"in speech" (logw - λόγω): In their communication, declaration of faith, and eloquent testimony.
"in knowledge" (gnwsei - γνώσει): In their understanding of God, His Word, and His will.
"in all earnestness" (pas_h spoudh - πάση σπουδή): In all diligence, eagerness, and zeal. Spoude (σπουδή) suggests haste or eagerness to do something good.
"and in your love for us" (kai en th agaph hmwn - καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ ἡμῶν): In their love towards Paul and his fellow workers. This shows a well-rounded Christian character, encompassing love for the brethren and their leaders.
"see" (blephte - βλέπετε): Present imperative of blepo (βλέπω), meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to look to." It's an instruction to take notice, to be mindful, and to act accordingly.
"that you may abound" (hina perisseuhte - ἵνα περισσεύητε): That you may overflow. It's a goal for them to be equally rich and overflowing in this specific grace of giving.
"in this gracious work also" (kai en toutw tw cariti ergw - καὶ ἐν τούτῳ τῷ χαρίτι ἔργῳ): In this grace-work also. "Chariti" (χάριτι) is the dative case of charis (χάρις), meaning grace. This links the act of giving directly to God's undeserved favor, highlighting it as a divinely empowered and motivated action, not mere human obligation. "Ergo" (ἔργῳ) means "work." The giving is presented as a work made possible and motivated by grace.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "abound in everything... see that you abound in this gracious work also": This is a call for balance and consistency. Their spiritual abundance should manifest in practical acts of love and obedience, specifically in the ministry of giving. It’s not about having spiritual gifts and neglecting acts of mercy.
2 Corinthians 8 7 Bonus Section
The concept of "grace-work" is significant. It signifies that the act of giving itself is a gift from God, made possible by His enabling power. It reframes giving not as a burden but as a privilege and a conduit for God’s grace to flow through the believer. This also ties into the Old Testament principle of cheerful and abundant giving, as seen in the freewill offerings for the Tabernacle and the Temple. The apostle appeals to their existing spiritual blessings as a motivation to excel in generosity, showing that true abundance in Christ naturally leads to outward acts of love and provision for others in need. This reinforces the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where inner faith produces outward fruit.
2 Corinthians 8 7 Commentary
Paul's exhortation is not to compel giving but to encourage a deeper, more mature expression of faith. The Corinthians are already blessed with many gifts. Paul asks them to channel this abundance, including their love for him and his team, into this specific ministry. The emphasis on "grace-work" underscores that giving, when done rightly, is an act empowered and motivated by God's grace. It is a demonstration of their spiritual maturity and their fellowship with the broader body of Christ. Their giving should be as abundant as their other spiritual gifts. It’s about synchronizing their spiritual wealth with practical benevolence, proving that their faith is a living, active force.
- Practical Usage Examples:
- When a church is vibrant in worship and teaching, leaders should also encourage active service and charitable outreach, ensuring spiritual life translates into tangible love for others.
- Individuals who excel in Bible study might be encouraged to share their knowledge practically, perhaps by mentoring others or engaging in teaching opportunities.
- A Christian's generosity should be a consistent outflow of their entire spiritual life, not an isolated act.