God’s Word Translation
2 Corinthians 8:3
3I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.
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
1Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. 2While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. 4They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people ⌞in Jerusalem⌟. 5They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was 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 9:6Remember this: The farmer who plants a few seeds will have a very small harvest. But the farmer who plants because he has received God’s blessings will receive a harvest of God’s blessings in return.
- Mark 14:8She did what she could. She came to pour perfume on my body before it is placed in a tomb.
- Acts 11:29All the disciples in Antioch decided to contribute whatever they could afford to help the believers living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2Every Sunday each of you should set aside some of your money and save it. Then money won’t have to be collected when I come.
- 1 Peter 4:11Whoever speaks must speak God’s words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen.
- Romans 10:2I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God, but they are misguided.
- Galatians 4:15What happened to your positive attitude? It’s a fact that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13I assure you that he works hard for you and the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12with 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.
- Exodus 35:5Choose something of your own to give as a special contribution to the Lord. Let everyone who is willing bring this kind of contribution to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze,
- 1 Chronicles 29:5to make gold objects, silver objects, and everything else the craftsmen will make. Who else is willing to make an offering and dedicate himself to the Lord today?”
- Psalms 110:3Your people will volunteer when you call up your army. Your young people will come to you in holy splendor like dew in the early morning.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17If I spread the Good News willingly, I’ll have a reward. But if I spread the Good News unwillingly, I’m ⌞only⌟ doing what I’ve been entrusted to do.
- Philippians 2:13It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8We felt so strongly about you that we were determined to share with you not only the Good News of God but also our lives. That’s how dear you were to us!
- Philemon 1:14Yet, I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I want you to do this favor for me out of your own free will without feeling forced to do it.
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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