Christian Standard Bible
2 Corinthians 8:3
3I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, 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
1We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: 2During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.
Read all of 2 Corinthians 82 Corinthians 8:3 word by word
ὅτι κατὰ δύναμιν, μαρτυρῶ, καὶ παρὰ δύναμιν αὐθαίρετοι,Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 8:3
- 2 Corinthians 9:6The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
- Mark 14:8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial.
- Acts 11:29Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.
- 1 Peter 4:11If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
- Exodus 35:5Take up an offering among you for the Lord. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring this as the Lord’s offering: gold, silver, and bronze;
- 1 Chronicles 29:5the gold for the gold work and the silver for the silver, for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the Lord today?”
- Psalms 110:3Your people will volunteer on your day of battle. In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, the dew of your youth belongs to you.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission.
- Philippians 2:13For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
- Philemon 1:14But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of 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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