English Standard Version
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, 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,
- New King James Version (NKJV)For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
- New Living Translation (NLT)For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
Context of 2 Corinthians 8:3
1We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
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: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
- Mark 14:8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
- Acts 11:29So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
- 1 Peter 4:11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
- Exodus 35:5Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution: gold, silver, and bronze;
- 1 Chronicles 29:5and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?"
- Psalms 110:3Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
- Philippians 2:13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
- Philemon 1:14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
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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