2 Corinthians 8:3

Verse

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

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,

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

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

Geneva Bible 1599

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

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

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,

Unlocked Literal Bible

For I bear witness that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond what they were able, and of their own free will,

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

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

Context

Generosity Commended

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.

Summary

This verse highlights the sacrificial generosity of the Macedonian churches, despite their own poverty and affliction. It emphasizes their willingness to give beyond their means, driven by their devotion to God and love for fellow believers. The Macedonians' example serves as an inspiration for others to give selflessly and cheerfully, reflecting the heart of Christ in their generosity. Their actions demonstrate that true giving is not about the amount but the attitude of the heart, showing that even in times of difficulty, one can still be a blessing to others through generosity.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

For to their power, etc. - 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.

2 Corinthians 8:3

Generosity Commended

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

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,

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

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

Geneva Bible 1599

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

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

For I bear witness that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond what they were able, and of their own free will,

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

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

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:3

Verse

Context

Generosity Commended

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:3

Generosity Commended

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary