God’s Word Translation
2 Corinthians 8:13
13I don’t mean that others should have relief while you have hardship. Rather, it’s a matter of striking a balance.
2 Corinthians 8:13 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
- New International Version (NIV)Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness
- New King James Version (NKJV)For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;
Context of 2 Corinthians 8:13
11So finish what you began to do. Then your willingness will be matched by what you accomplish 12with whatever contributions you have. Since you are willing to do this, ⌞remember⌟ that people are accepted if they give what they are able to give. God doesn’t ask for what they don’t have. I don’t mean that others should have relief while you have hardship. Rather, it’s a matter of striking a balance. 14At the present time, your surplus fills their need so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things balance out. 15This is what Scripture says: “Those who had gathered a lot didn’t have too much, and those who gathered a little didn’t have too little.”
Read all of 2 Corinthians 82 Corinthians 8:13 word by word
οὐ γὰρ ἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις, ἀλλ᾽ ἐξ ἰσότητος·Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 8:13
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8:13
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 13That other men be eased - I do not design that you should impoverish yourselves in order that others may live affluently.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 13For I mean not that other men be eased - I do not intend that others should be eased in order to relieve you. Literally, “Not that there should be rest ( ̓́ anesisa letting loose; remission, relaxation) to others, but affliction ( ́ thlipsis) to you.” Probably the Corinthians were able to contribute more than many other churches, certainly more than the churches of Macedonia 2 Corinthians 8:2, and Paul therefore presses upon them the duty of giving…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 10-15Verses 10-15 Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think…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. 1313. For--Supply from 2Co 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) may be relieved at the cost of your being "distressed" (so the Greek for "burdened"). The golden rule is, "Love thy neighbour as thyself," not more than thyself.Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Corinthians 8:13
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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