New English Translation
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,
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 we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, 2that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 4begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. 5And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first 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
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 8:3
- 2 Corinthians 9:6My 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 did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial.
- Acts 11:29So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.
- 1 Peter 4:11Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth.
- Galatians 4:15Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!
- Colossians 4:13For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.
- Exodus 35:5‘Take an offering for the Lord. Let everyone who has a willing heart bring an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, bronze,
- 1 Chronicles 29:5for gold and silver items, and for all the work of the craftsmen. Who else wants to contribute to the Lord today?”
- Psalms 110:3Your people willingly follow you when you go into battle. On the holy hills at sunrise the dew of your youth belongs to you.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility.
- Philippians 2:13for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
- Philemon 1:14However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.
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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