New American Standard Bible 1995
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For I testify that 1according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave 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, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by 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 9:6Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
- Mark 14:8She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.
- Acts 11:29And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
- 1 Peter 4:11Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
- Exodus 35:5‘Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze,
- 1 Chronicles 29:5of gold for the things of gold and of silver for the things of silver, that is, for all the work done by the craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?”
- Psalms 110:3Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
- Philippians 2:13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
- Philemon 1:14but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion 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
Notes
- 1. 2 Corinthians 8:3 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8:11 ↩
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
New American Standard Bible 1995 — © 1960–1995 The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
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