10 I (A)give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin (B)a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 11 But now finish [a]doing it also, so that just as there was the (C)willingness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. 12 For if the willingness is present, it is acceptable (D)according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For this is not for the relief of others and for your hardship, but by way of equality— 14 at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for (E)their need, so that their abundance also may [b]serve as assistance for (F)your need, so that there may be equality; 15 as it is written: “(G)The one who had gathered much did not have too much, and the one who had gathered little did not have too little.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:11 Lit the doing
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:14 Lit become

10 And in this (A)I give advice: (B)It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and (C)were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For (D)if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, (E)“He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Read full chapter