Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:3

What does 2 Corinthians 8:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:3 means

They gave according to their ability, and even beyond it, and they did so freely. Paul bears personal witness to this, underscoring credibility. The Macedonians were not compelled, tricked, or flattered into giving. Their generosity exceeded normal expectations because their motivation was internal and spiritual. “Beyond their power” suggests sacrificial giving that required trust in God’s provision. Yet the key is voluntariness: actions springing from willing hearts, not coerced duty. This verse teaches that faithful stewardship involves honest assessment of means, courageous generosity that stretches us, and freedom from external pressure. Grace makes people eager to give more than logic alone might dictate.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I give them witness, that as they were able, and even more than they were able, they gave from the impulse of their hearts,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because, according to <FI>their<Fi> power, I testify, and above <FI>their<Fi> power, they were willing of themselves,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For according to [their] power, I bear witness, and beyond [their] power, [they were] willing of their own accord,

Context

Verse 3 elaborates on the surprising abundance of verse 2 by focusing on the manner of the Macedonians’ giving. After naming affliction and poverty, Paul now stresses willingness and sacrifice, qualities that validate the sincerity of their love. The following verse (v. 4) will add that they even begged to be included, and verse 5 will reveal the root: they had fully offered themselves to the Lord. Together, these verses present a full portrait designed to inspire, not shame, the Corinthians as Paul transitions to his appeal.

v.2how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

v.3This passage

v.4beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:13

    for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8

    even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us.

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:13

    Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

  • Acts 11:29

    And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judæa:

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