2 Corinthians 8 8

2 Corinthians 8:8 kjv

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

2 Corinthians 8:8 nkjv

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2 Corinthians 8:8 niv

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

2 Corinthians 8:8 esv

I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.

2 Corinthians 8:8 nlt

I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 8 Meaning

In this verse, Paul clarifies that his appeal for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem is not a mandatory order or command, but rather an invitation to demonstrate the authentic and genuine nature of the Corinthian believers' love. He uses the exemplary generosity and earnestness of the Macedonian churches as a way to prove, or test, the sincerity of their affection and commitment to Christ and their fellow believers. It's an appeal to grace and love, not legal obligation.

2 Corinthians 8 8 Context

Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians focuses on Paul's appeal for a special collection to aid the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, suffering from famine and persecution. Paul is strategically and pastorally encouraging the Corinthian church to complete this collection. Prior to this verse, he extensively praises the Macedonian churches (2 Cor 8:1-5) who, despite their own severe poverty, demonstrated extraordinary and willing generosity, motivated by God's grace and giving themselves first to the Lord. Paul then sent Titus to Corinth to oversee their collection, reminding them of their previous enthusiasm to participate (2 Cor 8:6-7). This specific verse serves as a critical turning point, as Paul explicitly clarifies that his exhortation is not a mandate but a strategic invitation for the Corinthians to express their Christian love, thereby preventing any perception of legalistic pressure while simultaneously inspiring them through the Macedonians' example.

2 Corinthians 8 8 Word analysis

• οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν (ou kat’ epitagēn) - not as a command:

  • οὐ (ou): The strong Greek negative particle, emphasizing the absolute negation. "Not at all."
  • κατ’ (kat’): A preposition meaning "according to," "in the manner of," or "as a."
  • ἐπιταγὴν (epitagen): Meaning "command," "order," "injunction," "imperative," or "decree." This term highlights an authoritative directive, usually with an implied obligation or force. Paul specifically disavows this approach. It sets Christian giving apart from legalistic obligations or mandated levies, stressing the voluntary nature of their participation in the gift.

• λέγων (legōn) - speaking:

  • A present active participle, indicating an ongoing action or that this is his manner of speaking. He is actively in the process of stating his intentions.

• ἀλλὰ διὰ (alla dia) - but through:

  • ἀλλὰ (alla): A strong adversative conjunction, "but," or "on the contrary," which introduces a sharp contrast to what was just stated (not a command).
  • διὰ (dia): A preposition meaning "through," "by means of," or "by reason of." It indicates the instrument or means by which the next action is accomplished.

• τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς (tēs heterōn spoudēs) - the earnestness of others:

  • ἑτέρων (heterōn): Refers to "others," specifically the Macedonian churches mentioned earlier (2 Cor 8:1-5). Paul highlights their example as the means of encouraging the Corinthians.
  • σπουδῆς (spoudēs): Meaning "earnestness," "diligence," "eagerness," "zeal," "promptness," or "enthusiasm." It denotes an eager, committed, and unhesitating readiness to act. This "earnestness" was visibly demonstrated in the Macedonians' generous giving, even out of their extreme poverty. This word underscores the Spirit-filled drive behind their charitable actions.

• δοκιμάζων (dokimazōn) - proving/testing:

  • A present active participle, meaning "testing," "proving," "examining," "discerning," "approving," or "putting to the test." Paul is actively in the process of testing or providing an opportunity for them to prove their sincerity. This is not about suspicion, but about providing a context where genuine motives can become manifest and demonstrated for all to see. It’s a loving challenge for self-examination, where the Corinthians can confirm for themselves and others the genuineness of their love.

• τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον (to tēs hymeteras agapēs gnēsion) - the sincerity of your love as well:

  • τῆς ὑμετέρας (tēs hymeteras): "Your," referring to the Corinthians.
  • ἀγάπης (agapēs): "Love." This is the highest form of selfless, divine, unconditional love that characterizes God and should characterize believers. It is a defining quality of the Christian faith. It's the central virtue being tested.
  • γνήσιον (gnēsion): Meaning "genuine," "sincere," "authentic," "true," "legitimate," or "pure." This term emphasizes the true, unadulterated quality of their love, free from hypocrisy or mere outward show. It is the real thing, not an imitation or forced sentiment. Paul wants to see if their professed love translates into tangible, benevolent action.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I am not speaking this as a command": Paul carefully avoids any appearance of coercion, distancing his appeal from any legalistic mandate. He recognizes that true Christian generosity springs from the heart, not external pressure. This highlights the ethos of grace-based giving.
• "but as proving through the earnestness of others": This phrase reveals Paul's rhetorical and pastoral strategy. He uses the exemplary conduct of the Macedonians not to shame but to inspire and provide a benchmark. Their visible earnestness serves as the "test" or "proof," providing the context for the Corinthians to examine their own hearts.
• "the sincerity of your love as well": The ultimate goal is to validate the authenticity of the Corinthians' "agape" love. This is a challenge to their profession of faith and affection. Genuine love, in Paul's theology, naturally overflows into acts of charity and practical concern for fellow believers. The phrase "as well" ("kai" in Greek implies 'also' or 'too') suggests a desired parallel with the sincerity proven by the Macedonians' love.

2 Corinthians 8 8 Bonus section

• Paul's Pastoral Wisdom: This verse brilliantly showcases Paul's nuanced pastoral approach. He knows that issuing a direct command could lead to resentment or perfunctory compliance. By making it an appeal to love and using an encouraging example, he taps into their Christian conscience and motivates them from within.
• Agape as the Foundation: The explicit mention of "agapē" (love) underlines that Christian giving is fundamentally an outflow of one's love for God and fellow believers, rather than merely an act of charity or social responsibility. This connects giving to the very essence of the Christian life.
• Faith and Works Intersection: While not explicit works-righteousness, the verse certainly highlights the indispensable connection between faith (professed love) and works (demonstrated earnestness in giving). Genuine faith, by its nature, produces visible fruits, of which generosity is a key one.
• "Testing" as Affirmation: The word "δοκιμάζων" (dokimazōn) implies more than mere evaluation; it also carries the nuance of approving after a test. Paul desires for the Corinthians to be "approved" in their love, affirming their Christian character and the genuineness of their relationship with Christ and the church in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 8 8 Commentary

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:8, employs a sophisticated pastoral strategy rooted deeply in Christian theology. He masterfully avoids issuing a direct "command" for giving, understanding that generosity born of obligation lacks the spirit and true value of Christian love. Instead, he appeals to the Corinthians' character, providing an opportunity for them to demonstrate the "sincerity" or "genuineness" of their "agape" love. The vehicle for this demonstration is "the earnestness of others," specifically the exemplary Macedonian churches, who had given far beyond their means with enthusiastic willingness. This "proving" is not about doubting their love but inviting them to validate its reality through tangible action.

This verse encapsulates a core principle of New Testament giving: it is to be voluntary, grace-motivated, and an expression of love. It’s a test not designed to trip them up, but to solidify their commitment and reveal the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. By presenting the Macedonian example, Paul subtly encourages emulation without dictating a legal requirement, trusting that true spiritual maturity will manifest in sacrificial and joyful giving, proving their professed love is authentic.