Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:11

What does 2 Corinthians 8:11 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:11 means

Paul urges them to complete the act, so that their initial readiness of will is matched by actual performance, and to do so “out of your ability.” He is not asking for impossibilities. The call is to align desire with deed, proportioned to current capacity. This guards against both procrastination and perfectionism: finish it, and do it within your means. The emphasis on completion shows that promises and intentions, however sincere, do not relieve the need for tangible follow-through. Grace is practical; it produces real outcomes that serve others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then make the doing of it complete; so that as you had a ready mind, you may give effect to it as you are able.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now also finish doing <FI>it<Fi> , that even as <FI>there is<Fi> the readiness of the will, so also the finishing, out of that which ye have,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But now also complete the doing of it; so that as [there was] the readiness to be willing, so also to complete out of what ye have.

Context

Following the recommendation of verse 10, verse 11 presses for timely action and frames it realistically. It bridges the aspiration of last year’s intention with the practicalities of current ability. Verse 12 will deepen the pastoral tone by stating that God accepts what is offered willingly in proportion to what one has. Together, these verses remove excuses and undue pressures, paving the way for Paul’s principle of equality in verses 13–15.

v.10And 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.

v.11This passage

v.12For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

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