2 Corinthians 8:4
What does 2 Corinthians 8:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 8:4 means
They urgently pleaded for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints. Paul calls participation in the collection a “grace” and a “fellowship.” Grace, because it is a gift from God to be able to give; fellowship, because giving unites believers in practical love. The Macedonians did not see giving as losing, but as joining a holy cause. Their insistence reversed the usual pattern; instead of an apostle urging a church to contribute, the churches urged the apostle to let them. This verse reframes giving as joyful partnership in God’s work, not as an imposed tax or a reluctant obligation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Seriously requesting us that they might have a part in this grace of being servants to the needs of the saints:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862with much entreaty calling on us to receive the favour and the fellowship of the ministration to the saints,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890begging of us with much entreaty [to give effect to] the grace and fellowship of the service which [was to be rendered] to the saints.
Context
Continuing the profile of Macedonian generosity, verse 4 adds eagerness to the elements of sacrifice and willingness already described. The focus sharpens from what they gave to how they viewed giving: as grace and fellowship. This prepares for the theological root in verse 5—self-surrender to the Lord—and for the practical step in verse 6—sending Titus to help Corinth complete its gift. The momentum of the example is building, aiming to kindle a similar desire in the Corinthians.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 6:1
Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
- 2 Kings 5:15
And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a present of thy servant.
- Acts 16:15
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3
And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:
- Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
- 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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