2 Corinthians 8 7

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 verses

2 Corinthians 8 7 Meaning

The Apostle Paul commends the Corinthian believers for their abounding in various spiritual and intellectual gifts, as well as their evident affection for him and his ministry. He then transitions to challenge them to excel similarly in the specific "grace" of generous giving for the needy saints in Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes that true Christian maturity is holistic, encompassing spiritual giftedness, understanding, diligent service, love, and practical acts of self-sacrificial generosity. It encourages them not just to participate in this collection but to demonstrate the same exceptional zeal they display in other areas of their faith.

2 Corinthians 8 7 Context

This verse is embedded within 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, which address the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul has been urging the Corinthian church to fulfill a promise they made a year prior regarding this contribution. In the preceding verses (2 Cor 8:1-6), he uses the exemplary, sacrificial generosity of the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) as a model, noting that despite their severe poverty, they gave beyond their ability out of joy. Paul introduces their "grace" (favor) in giving, highlighting divine enablement rather than mere human effort. Following this, 2 Corinthians 8:7 specifically targets the Corinthians, shifting from commendation of others to a direct appeal to them. It sets the stage for Paul's appeal by first affirming their existing strengths and then directing them to apply that same excellence to an area they needed to improve—material generosity. The overall historical context involves Gentile churches supporting Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating Christian unity and mutual care across cultural and ethnic lines during a time of hardship.

2 Corinthians 8 7 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: alla - ἀλλὰ) Signals a transition and an exhortation, moving from Paul's praise of the Corinthians' spiritual gifts to a challenge regarding their generosity. It sets up a contrast or an "even so" plea.

• as you abound: (Greek: perisseuete - περισσεύετε, from perisseuo) Meaning to superabound, excel, be enriched, have in abundance or more than enough. It denotes an overflow or extraordinary quantity. Paul acknowledges their existing spiritual wealth, laying the groundwork for further challenge.

• in everything: (Greek: en panti - ἐν παντὶ) A broad, sweeping statement confirming the Corinthians' comprehensive excellence across many spiritual facets, indicating that they were spiritually gifted in diverse ways.

• in faith: (Greek: en pistei - ἐν πίστει) Refers to their trust and confidence in God, foundational to Christian life. It indicates spiritual conviction and relationship with Christ.

• in speech: (Greek: en logo - ἐν λόγῳ) Encompasses their ability to articulate spiritual truths, teach, preach, or express their faith eloquently (cf. 1 Cor 1:5).

• in knowledge: (Greek: en gnosei - ἐν γνώσει) Denotes intellectual understanding of Christian doctrine and spiritual insight (cf. 1 Cor 1:5). This might be intellectual or theological depth.

• in all diligence: (Greek: en pase spoude - ἐν πάσῃ σπουδῇ) Means eagerness, earnestness, zeal, enthusiasm, and conscientiousness in their spiritual endeavors and ministry. It speaks to their commitment and proactive effort.

• and in your love for us: (Greek: kai te ex humon en hemin agape - καὶ τῇ ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμῖν ἀγάπῃ) A specific mention of their affection and active love demonstrated toward Paul and his apostolic team. This personalizes the commendation.

• see that you abound: (Greek: hin kai en taute te chariti perisseuete - ἵνα καὶ ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε) "See that" (implied imperative from hina) functions as a strong exhortation, meaning "make sure that" or "strive that." It employs the same root word for "abound" (perisseuo), reiterating the call to excel with the same spiritual intensity they applied to other virtues.

• in this grace also: (Greek: en taute te chariti - ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι) "This grace" specifically refers to the grace of giving, already highlighted through the Macedonian example. "Also" (kai) explicitly links this act of material generosity with the other spiritual virtues previously listed, underscoring it as an equally vital component of complete Christian life and an area where they should excel.

2 Corinthians 8 7 Bonus section

The rhetorical structure of 2 Corinthians 8:7, beginning with commendation before an exhortation, is a common Pauline pattern, designed to motivate by affirmation rather than mere rebuke. Paul often used such balanced appeals to guide the Corinthians. The concept of "grace" (charis) here extends beyond unmerited favor to encompass the divine enablement for believers to perform acts of Christian service, specifically giving. This highlights that generosity, especially sacrificial giving, is not solely a matter of human willpower or available resources, but a manifestation of God's work in a believer's heart, empowering them to share what they have received from Him. It elevates material contribution to the level of spiritual gift, crucial for the healthy functioning and witness of the church. The verse implicitly counters the notion that only charismatic or intellectual gifts are valuable; practical and material gifts of support are equally important for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8 7 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:7 serves as a powerful call to holistic Christian maturity, where the exercise of spiritual gifts and genuine affection for God's servants must be matched by practical, tangible generosity. Paul's rhetorical strategy is astute: he first praises the Corinthians for their recognized strengths in faith, communication, understanding, zealous effort, and personal devotion. This affirmation builds common ground and receptiveness before he presents the challenge. The repetition of "abound" (from perisseuo) highlights the theme of overflowing excellence. The "grace" of giving, presented as a divinely empowered capacity rather than mere human effort, is placed on par with their other virtues. This suggests that giving is not an ancillary act but an integral expression of the Spirit-filled life, essential for demonstrating Christ-like love and spiritual completeness. It challenges any perception that intellectual or verbal gifting alone defines spiritual maturity, emphasizing that true discipleship flows into concrete acts of sacrificial love, following Christ's ultimate example of self-giving (2 Cor 8:9).

Examples for practical usage:

• A church excels in worship and teaching but needs to prioritize missions or local outreach financially.
• An individual is deeply knowledgeable in scripture but struggles to be generous with time or money towards others in need.
• A Christian demonstrates fervent prayer life but is reluctant to use their resources to support Gospel work.