Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:15

What does 2 Corinthians 8:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:15 means

Paul quotes Scripture: “He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.” This recalls the manna in the wilderness, where God’s provision prevented both hoarding and deprivation. By invoking that story, Paul teaches that God’s economy aims at sufficiency for all. The collection for Jerusalem is a contemporary enactment of that ancient principle. As God supplied daily bread then, He now provides through the sharing of His people, curbing excess and meeting need. The verse sanctifies the call to equality with biblical authority and a picture of trust-filled dependence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

As it says in the Writings, He who had taken up much had nothing over and he who had little had enough.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

according as it hath been written, `He who <FI>did gather<Fi> much, had nothing over; and he who <FI>did gather<Fi> little, had no lack.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

According as it is written, He who [gathered] much had no excess, and he who [gathered] little was nothing short.

Context

Having set forth the principle of equality, Paul now anchors it in Scripture, appealing to the wilderness manna narrative. This brings theological weight and continuity to his appeal and concludes the section on motives and principles for giving (vv. 1–15). The chapter then shifts to administrative matters (vv. 16–24), commending the messengers who will handle the gift and emphasizing integrity and accountability. This transition moves from why and how to who will steward the offering.

v.14but 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:

v.15This passage

v.16But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 16:18

    And when they measured it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

  • Luke 22:35

    And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.

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