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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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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:10 tn Grk “who.”
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “and now also complete the doing.”
  3. 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “just as the eagerness to want [it].”
  4. 2 Corinthians 8:11 tn Grk “complete from what you have.”
  5. 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.
  6. 2 Corinthians 8:14 tn Or “their lack.”
  7. 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).
  8. 2 Corinthians 8:15 sn A quotation from Exod 16:18.

10 And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it.(A) 11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.(B) 13 It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality.[a] 14 At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little.[b](C)

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Footnotes

  1. 8:13 Lit but from equality
  2. 8:15 Ex 16:18