2 Corinthians 8:1
What does 2 Corinthians 8:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 8:1 means
Paul begins by drawing the Corinthians’ attention to what God has done among the churches of Macedonia. He calls their generosity “the grace of God,” highlighting that true giving springs from God’s work in the heart, not from mere human calculation. By mentioning grace first, Paul frames the coming appeal as participation in God’s activity rather than a fundraiser driven by pressure. The Macedonians had received a divine enablement to give, and their example will serve as a model. Paul wants the Corinthians to see that generosity is a spiritual gift and a fruit of God’s favor. What follows is meant to encourage imitation of grace, not competition or guilt.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now we give you news, brothers, about the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the assemblies of Macedonia,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But we make known to you, brethren, the grace ofGod bestowed in the assemblies of Macedonia;
Context
After addressing reconciliation and confidence earlier in the letter, Paul now turns to the practical matter of the collection for the saints. Verse 1 opens a new section that will run through the end of chapter 9, beginning with a report about the Macedonians. This introduction sets a positive tone: an emphasis on God’s grace before any request. The next verses describe the conditions under which the Macedonians gave and the character of their giving. Understanding this frame helps the reader see that the appeal is theological and pastoral, not transactional or manipulative.
v.1This passage
v.2how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:2
how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10
for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;
- 2 Corinthians 9:4
lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.
- 2 Corinthians 9:2
for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9
and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- Acts 16:9
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
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