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.”

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Footnotes

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

10 And in this matter I give my advice: it is best for you now to complete what a year ago you began not only to do but to desire, 11 so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he has not. 13 I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, 14 but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

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