New International Version
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
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;
- 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,
- 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
1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also 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 9:6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
- Mark 14:8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.
- Acts 11:29The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
- 1 Peter 4:11If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 10:2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
- Colossians 4:13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
- Exodus 35:5From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze;
- 1 Chronicles 29:5for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?”
- Psalms 110:3Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.
- Philippians 2:13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
- Philemon 1:14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.
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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