Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:2

What does 2 Corinthians 8:2 mean?

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

What 2 Corinthians 8:2 means

Paul highlights the paradox of the Macedonians’ generosity: severe affliction and deep poverty did not shrink their hearts; instead, overflowing joy produced abundant liberality. Their circumstances, which might excuse withholding, became the very stage on which grace shone brightest. This verse shows that Christian giving is not the leftover of prosperity but the overflow of joy in God, even when resources are limited. The phrase “riches of their liberality” underscores that wealth in generosity is measured by readiness to share, not by bank accounts. Their poverty did not impoverish their love; it deepened it. Such giving reveals a heart liberated from fear and attached to God’s sufficiency.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

How while they were undergoing every sort of trouble, and were in the greatest need, they took all the greater joy in being able to give freely to the needs of others.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, did abound to the riches of their liberality;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty has abounded to the riches of their [free-hearted] liberality.

Context

Having introduced God’s grace at work in Macedonia, Paul now describes its surprising context: hardship and want. This prepares the Corinthians to see that favorable conditions are not a prerequisite for generous participation in the Jerusalem collection. Verse 2 functions as the emotional core of the example, which verses 3–5 will unpack with details about willingness, insistence, and self-dedication. The flow moves from the Macedonians’ situation, to their action, to the spiritual priorities that shaped it. This sets the stage for Paul’s direct exhortation to Corinth in verses 6–8.

v.1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

v.2This passage

v.3For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:3

    that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

  • Acts 2:45

    and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.

  • Deuteronomy 15:4

    Howbeit there shall be no poor with thee (for Jehovah will surely bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it),

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13

    seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14

    For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judæa in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

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 8:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary