2 Corinthians 8:3

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2 Corinthians 8:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

King James Version KJV

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

American Standard Version ASV

For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

Bible in Basic English BBE

For I give them witness, that as they were able, and even more than they were able, they gave from the impulse of their hearts,

Free Bible Version FBV

I can confirm that they gave what they could, in fact even more than that! By their own choice

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For to their power (I beare record) yea, and beyonde their power, they were willing,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

because, according to [their] power, I testify, and above [their] power, they were willing of themselves,

World English Bible WEB

For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For according to their power (I bear them witness), and beyond their power, they were willing.

Translation for Translators T4T

I know that this is true, because I have seen for myself that they not only gave money [EUP] that they were able to give, they gave so much money that they did not even keep enough to buy what they needed for themselves. Without anyone telling them to share their possessions,

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 8:3

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Word Study

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2 Corinthians 8:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK οτι κατα δυναμιν μαρτυρω και υπερ δυναμιν αυθαιρετοι

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

κατα kata G2596 according to Prep

δυναμιν dunamis G1411 power Noun-ASF

μαρτυρω martureō G3140 to testify Verb-PAI-1S

και kai G2532 and Conj

υπερ huper G5228 above/for Prep

δυναμιν dunamis G1411 power Noun-ASF

αυθαιρετοι authairetos G830 self-chosen Adj-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 8:3

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

κατα kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

δυναμιν dunamis G1411 "power" Noun-ASF

Power or strength, like miraculous ability, as seen in Matthew 25:15 and Acts 3:12, referring to the power to perform miracles or great deeds.

Definition: δύναμις, -εως, ἡ (δύναμαι), [in LXX for עֹז ,גּבוּרָה ,צָבָה ,(חֵיל) חַיִל, etc.; 35 words in all ;] power, might, strength; relatively, ability, power to perform: Mat.25:15, Act.3:12, Heb.11:11; κατὰ δ., 2Co.8:3; παρὰ δ., ib.; ὑπὲρ δ., 2Co.1:8; of pecuniary ability, 2Co.8:3, Rev.18:3; absol., power, might: Luk.24:49, Act.1:8; opposite to ἀσθένεια, 1Co.15:43; ἡ δ. τ. ἁμαρτίας, 1Co.15:56; of power in action, Rom.1:16, 20 1Co.1:18, Php.3:10, al.; ἡ δ. τ. θεοῦ, Mat.22:29, Mrk.12:24, Rom.1:20, al.; opposite to μόρφωσις, 2Ti.3:5; in doxologies, Rev.4:11 7:12, al.; ἐν δ., Mrk.9:1, Luk.4:36, Rom.1:4, al.; of the power of performing miracles, Act.6:8, 2Th.2:9; pl., Mat.13:54, Mrk.6:14, Gal.3:5, al.; of the force or meaning of a word (Plat., al.), 1Co.14:11. By meton., of persons or things; __(a) of God, Mat.26:64, Mrk.14:62 (Dalman, Words, 200ff.); __(b) of angels, Rom.8:38, Eph.1:21, 1Pe.3:22; __(with) of armies, pl. [LXX for צְבָאוֹת ], metaphorically, of the stars, Mat.24:29, Mrk.13:25, Luk.21:26; __(d) of that wh. manifests God's power: Christ, 1Co.1:24; τ. εὐαγγέλλιον, Rom.1:16; ἡ δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Co.5:4; __(e) of mighty works (Tr., Syn., §xci), δ. ποιεῖν, Mrk.6:5 9:39; pl., Mat.7:22, Mrk.6:2, Luk.10:13, al.; σημεῖακ. δ., Act.8:13; δ. κ. τέρατα κ. σημεῖα, Act.2:22, 2Co.12:12. SYN.: βία, ἐνέργεια, ἐξουσία, ἰσχύς, κράτος (see Tr., l.with; Cremer, 218, 236; DB, i, 616; iv, 29; DCG, i, 607; ii, 188). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 116 NT verses. KJV: ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 1:5.

μαρτυρω martureō G3140 "to testify" Verb-PAI-1S

To testify means to be a witness or give evidence, as seen in John and Acts where people testify about Jesus and their faith.

Definition: μαρτυρέω, -ῶ (μάρτυς), [in LXX chiefly for עֵד (עֵד (Gen.31:47-48, al.), also for עוּד hi. (Gen.43:3, La 2:13), עָנָה (Num.35:30) ;] __(a) prop., to be a witness, bear witness, testify: absol. (find., al.), Jhn.15:27, Act.26:5; parenthetical (Bl., § 79, 7; MM, xvi), 2Co.8:3; with dative of person(s) (comm. and incomm.; El., § 37, 2), Act.22:5, Heb.10:15; id. before ὅτι, Mat.23:31, Rom.10:2, al.; accusative and inf., Act.10:43; with accusative of thing(s) (cl.), Jhn.3:11, Rev.22:16, 20; with accusative cogn., before περί, Jhn.5:32, 1Jn.5:10; with dative of thing(s), Jhn.5:33, Act.14:3, al.; before περί, with genitive (of person(s) and of thing(s)), Jhn.1:7-8, 15 2:25 18:23 21:24, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:36 7:7; ὅτι, Jhn.1:34 4:44 al.; ὅτι recit., Jhn.4:39; κατά before ὅτι, 1Co.15:15; pass., Heb.7:8; ptcp., Rom.3:21; impers., Heb.7:17; __(b) in late Gk., to witness favourably, give a good report, approve (Bl., § 54, 3; MM, xvi; Deiss., BS, 265): with dative of person(s), Luk.4:22; before ἐπί with dative of thing(s), Heb.11:4; pass., Act.6:3; before ἐν, 1Ti.5:10, Heb.11:2; διά, with genitive of thing(s), Heb.11:39; with genitive of person(s), Act.10:22, al.; impers., III Jn 12 (cf. ἐπι, συν-επι-, κατα-, συν-μαρτυρέω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 73 NT verses. KJV: charge, give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness See also: 1 Corinthians 15:15; John 1:32; Hebrews 7:8.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

υπερ huper G5228 "above/for" Prep

Above or for something, often used to describe doing something for someone's benefit. In Matthew 5:44 and Romans 10:1, it means praying for or on behalf of others.

Definition: ὑπέρ (when following subst.—poët.—ὕπερ; so as adv., 2Co.11:23), prep. with genitive, accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place (rest or motion), over, above, across, beyond, hence, metaphorically, __1. for, on behalf of: of prayer, Mat.5:44, Act.8:24, Rom.10:1, Jas.5:16, al.; of laying down life, Jhn.10:11, Rom.9:3, al.; esp. of Christ giving his life for man's redemption, Mrk.14:24, Jhn.10:15, Act.21:13, Rom.5:6-8, al.; opposite to κατά, Mrk.9:40, Luk.9:50, Rom.8:31. __2. Causal, for, because of, for the sake of: with genitive of person(s), Act.5:41, Rom.1:5, Php.1:29, 2Co.12:10, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.11:4, Rom.15:8, 2Co.1:6, al. __3. = ἀντί (see M, Pr., 105), for, instead of, in the name of: 1Co.15:29, 2Co.5:15, 21 Gal.3:13, Col.1:7, Phm 13 (cf. Field, Notes, 225). __4. In more colourless sense, = περί (M, Pr., l.with), for, concerning, with regard to: Rom.9:27, 2Co.1:6 8:23 12:8, Php.1:7, 2Th.2:1, al. __II. C. accusative, primarily of place, over, beyond, across, hence, metaphorically, of measure or degree in excess, above, beyond, over, more than: Mat.10:24, 37 Luk.6:40, Act.26:13, 1Co.10:13, 2Co.1:8, Eph.1:22 3:20, Phm 16, al.; after comparatives = than (Jdg.11:25, al.), Luk.16:8, Heb.4:12. __III. As adv. (see supr. ad init.), more: ὕπερ ἐγώ, I more, 2Co.11:23; in compounds, see: ὑπεράνω, ὑπερλίαν, ὑπερπερισσῶς. __IV. In composition: over (ὑπεραίρω), beyond (ὑπερβάλλω), more (ὐπερνικάω), on behalf of (ὐπερεντυγχάνω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:21.

δυναμιν dunamis G1411 "power" Noun-ASF

Power or strength, like miraculous ability, as seen in Matthew 25:15 and Acts 3:12, referring to the power to perform miracles or great deeds.

αυθαιρετοι authairetos G830 "self-chosen" Adj-NPM

This term means self-chosen or voluntary, and it's used in 2 Corinthians 8:3 and 8:17 to describe willing acts of kindness. It highlights the importance of giving freely and willingly.

Definition: αὐθαίρετος, -ον (αὐτός, αἱρέομαι), [in Sm.: Exo.35:5, 22 * ;] __1. self-chosen. __2. of one's own accord: 2Co.8:3 8:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: of own accord, willing of self See also: 2 Corinthians 8:3; 2 Corinthians 8:17.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 8:3

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Context — Generosity Commended

1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 35:29	So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.
2	Exodus 35:5	Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
3	Exodus 35:21–22	And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments. So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.
4	2 Corinthians 9:6–7	Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
5	Philemon 1:14	But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
6	1 Corinthians 9:17	If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
7	Acts 11:29	So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
8	1 Chronicles 29:9	And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.
9	1 Corinthians 16:2	On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
10	1 Chronicles 29:13–17	Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You. For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You. I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.

2 Corinthians 8:3 Summary

[This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:3, shows that the Macedonian churches gave generously to others, even when it was hard for them, because they wanted to help. They gave more than they thought they could, and they did it willingly, as seen in Exodus 25:2. This is an example of what it means to give with a cheerful heart, as in 2 Corinthians 9:7. We can learn from their example by giving to others, even when it's difficult, because we love God and want to help those in need, as encouraged in Acts 20:35.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to give 'according to their ability and even beyond it'?

This phrase, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:3, indicates that the Macedonian churches gave generously, even sacrificing their own needs, to support others, as also encouraged in Acts 20:35 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Is giving to others always voluntary, as stated in 2 Corinthians 8:3?

According to Scripture, giving to others can be voluntary, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:3 and Exodus 25:2, but it is also a command, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and Matthew 19:21.

How can I determine my own ability to give to others?

To determine your ability to give, consider your financial situation, as in 2 Corinthians 8:12, and your spiritual goals, as in Matthew 6:2-4 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

What role does the will of God play in giving to others?

The will of God, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3, should guide our decisions, including giving to others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:5, where the Macedonians gave 'because it was the will of God'.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can give 'beyond my ability' to support others, as seen in the example of the Macedonian churches?
How can I ensure that my giving is voluntary, yet also obedient to God's commands, as in 2 Corinthians 8:3 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8?
What role does joy play in my decision to give to others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:2?
In what ways can I follow the example of the Macedonians, who 'gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us', as in 2 Corinthians 8:5?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 8:3

For to [their] power, I bear record,.... They gave according to their ability, to the utmost of it, which is the most that can be desired, or be given; for no man can give more than he has, nor is he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 8:3

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; They (were) willing - rather supply from 2 Corinthians 8:5, 'According to their power ... yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:3

Two things the apostle commendeth in the charity of the churches of Macedonia: 1. The quantity of their gift, which, he saith, was to their power, yea, ( on his knowledge), beyond what they were able. 2. Their freedom in the action; so as they did not need the apostle’ s exhortations and arguments, but did it of themselves freely and cheerfully.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:3

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Ver. 3. Yea, and beyond their power] One such poor Macedonian might well shame a hundred rich Corinthian curmudgeons. They knew that Manus pauperum est gazophylacium Christi, The hand of the poor man is the treasury of Christ, and might haply have heard of their once King Alexander the Great, how that when he had undertaken the conquest of the Persian empire, he gave away his treasure; and being asked where it was, he pointed to the poor, and said, In scriniis, in my chests; and when he was further asked what he kept for himself, he answered, Spem maiorum et meliorum, The hope of greater and better things. They were willing] Gr. Αυθαιρετοι, they were volunteers, full of cheerful charity. So were Aidanus, and after him Mr Fox, who gave his horse to a poor beggar that answered him discreetly. Mr Greenham also gave more than he could spare; so that he usually lacked money to get in his harvest. An avaricious churlish fellow; a miser, a niggard �D

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:3

(3) They were willing of themselves.—Literally, spontaneously. This was the point of excellence which he wished to indicate as an example to the Corinthians. Those of Macedonia needed no appeal or counsel such as he had given to the Corinthians and to others.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:3

Verse 3. For to their power, c.] 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.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 8:3

3. willing of themselves] Willynge of their owne accorde, Tyndale. Literally, of their own choice, not excluding, however, as Meyer well remarks, Divine, but only human, influence in the matter. Cf. 2 Corinthians 8:17.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 8:3

For 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.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:3

3. And he exhorts them to make a liberal contribution, 2 Corinthians 8:1 to 2 Corinthians 9:15.a. By the Macedonian example, 2 Corinthians 8:1-8.St.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 8:3

	Sermon	Description
	Harvesting Eternal Rewards - Part 4 by Josef Tson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching and teaching the word of God. He emphasizes the idea that preachers should focus on feeding and nourishing their
	Put Your Heart Into It! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of serving God wholeheartedly, urging believers to give their lives and resources joyfully rather than grudgingly. He highlights the examp
	Human and Religious Blindness, and Heavenly Sight by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the contrast between human and religious blindness and the heavenly sight offered through Jesus Christ. He illustrates how the spiritual blindness of Is
	Who Is Willing to Dedicate His Service to the Lord by Aaron Hurst	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to the congregation and the ministry for their impact on his life. He shares his personal journey of transformation, star
	The Work of God in Our Heart by Jesse Stoltzfus	This sermon delves into the significance of the heart, exploring the spiritual heart as the core of one's being where feelings, will, and intellect reside. It emphasizes the impact
	The Willingness That Precedes the Glory by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of willingly offering ourselves to God's purposes, even in times of oppression. He draws examples from the book of Judges, hig
	Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th