Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:10

What does 2 Corinthians 8:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:10 means

Paul offers his considered judgment: it will be beneficial for the Corinthians to finish what they began a year earlier. They had not only started to act but had formed a willing intention. Good beginnings are commendable, but they need completion. Paul’s counsel recognizes their initiative and gently steers them toward follow-through. The phrase “expedient for you” suggests that finishing will bless them, not just others; obedience completes joy and integrity. This verse balances pastoral sensitivity with clear direction: desire must become deed, and plans, execution.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in this I give my opinion: for it is to your profit, who were the first to make a start a year before, not only to do this, but to make clear that your minds were more than ready to do it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and an opinion in this do I give: for this to you <FI>is<Fi> expedient, who not only to do, but also to will, did begin before--a year ago,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I give [my] opinion in this, for this is profitable for you who began before, not only to do, but also to be willing, a year ago.

Context

With Christ’s example fresh in view, Paul turns to pragmatic guidance. Verse 10 recalls the Corinthians’ early start and frames completion as in their own best interest. This recalls the history of the collection effort and invites them to recover their first zeal. Verses 11–12 will specify how to proceed—complete the doing with what they have, and remember that God values willing readiness over amount. The flow moves from encouragement to concrete steps.

v.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

v.10This passage

v.11But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

    But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:23

    All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.

  • John 11:50

    nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 8

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 8.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 8:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary