Berean Standard Bible
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
2 Corinthians 8:3 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
- New International Version (NIV)For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
- English Standard Version (ESV)For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
- New King James Version (NKJV)For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
Context of 2 Corinthians 8:3
1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, 4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.
Read all of 2 Corinthians 82 Corinthians 8:3 word by word
ὅτι κατὰ δύναμιν, μαρτυρῶ, καὶ παρὰ δύναμιν αὐθαίρετοι,Read the interlinear
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 8:3
- 2 Corinthians 9:6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
- Mark 14:8She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.
- Acts 11:29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
- 1 Peter 4:11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
- Exodus 35:5Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
- 1 Chronicles 29:5for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD today?”
- Psalms 110:3Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
- Philippians 2:13For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
- Philemon 1:14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8:3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3For to their power, etc. - In their liberality they had no rule but their ability; they believed they were bound to contribute all they could; and even this rule they transgressed, for they went beyond their power - they deprived themselves for a time of the necessaries of life, in order to give to others who were destitute even of necessaries.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3For to their power - To the utmost of their ability. I bear record - Paul had founded those churches and had spent much time with them. He was therefore well qualified to bear testimony in regard to their condition. Yea, and beyond their power - Beyond what could have been expected; or beyond what it would have been thought possible in their condition. Doddridge remarks that this is a noble hyperbole, similar to that used by Demosthenes when he says, “I…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-15Paul now focuses on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund aimed to help the poor believers in the holy city (Acts 11:27–30; Romans 15:25–27, 31; Galatians 2:10). Paul had previously given instructions about this matter (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). Now it was time to gather the funds (2 Corinthians 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from non-Jewish congregations to the Jewish church would strengthen ties between the two groups in the…Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 3-53-5. they were willing--rather, supply from 2Co 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power ... yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE." of themselves--not only not being besought, but themselves beseeching us.Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Corinthians 8:3
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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