Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:12

What does 2 Corinthians 8:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:12 means

God values the willing heart. If readiness is present, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. This means God does not demand what He has not provided. Proportion, not parity, is the standard. The verse relieves anxiety that generosity requires matching others’ amounts. It also encourages those with little that their offering matters when given freely. The focus returns to grace and sincerity: the Lord, who sees the heart, receives the gift according to capacity and intent, not merely according to size.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if there is a ready mind, a man will have God's approval in the measure of what he has, and not of what he has not.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if the readiness be there, [a man is] accepted according to what he may have, not according to what he has not.

Context

Verse 12 completes Paul’s practical guidance on finishing the collection by articulating a principle of acceptability. It follows the call to complete the work within their means (v. 11) and sets up the fairness theme in verses 13–15. By affirming proportional giving, Paul protects the Corinthians from undue burden while clearing the way for active participation. Next, he clarifies that the goal is equality, not lopsided relief, and he will anchor that aim in Scripture.

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.

v.12This passage

v.13For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed;

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 19:22

    That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:3

    Moreover also, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of mine own of gold and silver, I give it unto the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

  • 2 Chronicles 6:8

    But Jehovah said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thy heart to build a house for my name, thou didst well that it was in thy heart:

  • Exodus 35:29

    The children of Israel brought a freewill-offering unto Jehovah; every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Jehovah had commanded to be made by Moses.

  • Exodus 35:5

    Take ye from among you an offering unto Jehovah; whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, Jehovah’s offering: gold, and silver, and brass,

  • Luke 7:44

    And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair.

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