2 Corinthians 8:10-15
New English Translation
10 So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you[a] made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, 11 to finish what you started,[b] so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly,[c] you can also complete it according to your means.[d] 12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself[e] is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality. 14 At the present time, your abundance will meet their need,[f] so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered[g] much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”[h]
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- 2 Corinthians 8:10 tn Grk “who.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “and now also complete the doing.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “just as the eagerness to want [it].”
- 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “complete from what you have.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.
- 2 Corinthians 8:14 tn Or “their lack.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:15 tn The word “gathered” is not in the Greek text, but is implied (so also for the second occurrence of the word later in the verse).
- 2 Corinthians 8:15 sn A quotation from Exod 16:18.
2 Corinthians 8:10-15
Common English Bible
10 I’m giving you my opinion about this. It’s to your advantage to do this, since you not only started to do it last year but you wanted to do it too. 11 Now finish the job as well so that you finish it with as much enthusiasm as you started, given what you can afford. 12 A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can’t afford, if it’s apparent that it’s done willingly. 13 It isn’t that we want others to have financial ease and you financial difficulties, but it’s a matter of equality. 14 At the present moment, your surplus can fill their deficit so that in the future their surplus can fill your deficit. In this way there is equality. 15 As it is written, The one who gathered more didn’t have too much, and the one who gathered less didn’t have too little.[a]
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