Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:20

What does 2 Corinthians 8:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:20 means

Paul explains that these measures serve to avoid any accusation about how the generous gift is handled. He anticipates potential criticism and proactively removes grounds for it. Since the collection is substantial, safeguards matter. Integrity requires both honesty and the appearance of honesty. The presence of multiple trusted delegates ensures accountability and protects the reputation of the gospel. This verse shows that spiritual work invites scrutiny, and the wise response is transparent procedures that commend the work to friend and critic alike.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And so that no man might be able to say anything against us in the business of this giving which has been put into our hands:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

avoiding this, that any one should blame us in this abundance [which is] administered by us;

Context

Following the appointment of reputable companions (v. 19), Paul states the purpose: to prevent blame in administration. This anticipates concerns and reassures the Corinthians that the team takes stewardship seriously. Verse 21 will broaden the principle beyond this one project to a general commitment to what is honorable before God and people. The argument moves from practice to principle.

v.19and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness:

v.20This passage

v.21for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:3

    And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    abstain from every form of evil.

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:12

    But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

  • Ephesians 5:15

    Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

  • Romans 14:16

    Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

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