Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:14

What does 2 Corinthians 8:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:14 means

Paul outlines the principle of equality: at this time, the Corinthians’ abundance should supply the Jerusalem believers’ need; at another time, the situation could be reversed, and their abundance might supply Corinth’s need. The aim is a balanced sharing so that no member church lacks necessities. This expresses the unity of the body across geography and culture. Such reciprocity trusts God’s providence through the generosity of His people. Equality here is not forced sameness but mutual provision that honors God and maintains love among the churches.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But so that things may be equal; that from those things of which you have more than enough at the present time their need may be helped, and that if you are in any need they may be a help to you in the same way, making things equal.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but by equality, at the present time your abundance--for their want, that also their abundance may be for your want, that there may be equality,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but [on the principle] of equality; in the present time your abundance for their lack, that their abundance may be for your lack, so that there should be equality.

Context

Verse 14 unfolds the positive vision hinted at in verse 13: not distress but equitable sharing. It situates the offering within a broader theology of the church as a mutually supporting family. The upcoming citation in verse 15 from Israel’s wilderness experience will ground this principle in Scripture, showing that God’s design has always balanced provision so that none lacked and none hoarded. The argument moves from intent, to principle, to biblical precedent.

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

v.14This passage

v.15as it is written, He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 4:34

    For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

  • 2 Corinthians 9:12

    For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

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