Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:6

What does 2 Corinthians 8:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:6 means

Because of the Macedonians’ example, Paul encouraged Titus to return to Corinth and help finish what was started—the “grace” of giving. Titus had previously begun organizing the contribution; now he is to complete it. Paul again calls generous participation a “grace,” reminding the Corinthians that this is God-enabled work. The verse shows pastoral wisdom: examples inspire, but capable leadership helps translate desire into action. Sending Titus respects Corinth’s earlier initiative while providing gentle oversight. Completion, not mere intention, is the goal. Grace that began should be brought to maturity in practical follow-through.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that we made a request to Titus that, as he had made a start before, so he might make this grace complete in you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that we exhorted Titus, that, according as he did begin before, so also he may finish to you also this favour,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So that we begged Titus that, according as he had before begun, so he would also complete as to you this grace also;

Context

Verse 6 marks the pivot from the Macedonian example (vv. 1–5) to Paul’s direct engagement with Corinth. Having drawn a compelling picture of grace at work, Paul assigns Titus, who had a history with the Corinthians, to help them finish their part in the Jerusalem relief. The next verses (7–8) will encourage the Corinthians by acknowledging their strengths and clarifying that Paul’s appeal is not a command but a test of love. This situates the call to give within relationship, not mere administration.

v.5and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

v.6This passage

v.7But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

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

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:19

    and 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:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:5

    I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

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

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