Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:7

What does 2 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 8:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 8:7 means

Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians excel in many spiritual graces—faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love for the apostolic team. He urges them to abound in the grace of giving as well. Rather than rebuke, he employs encouragement, inviting them to let their generosity match their other strengths. The verse reminds us that Christian maturity is balanced; gifts and zeal should lead to practical care for others. “In your love to us” likely points to their renewed affection; Paul leverages that warmth to call for completion in charity. Abounding in giving will evidence that their spiritual vitality is real and well-rounded.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that as you are full of every good thing, of faith, of the word, of knowledge, of a ready mind, and of love to us, so you may be full of this grace in the same way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but even as in every thing ye do abound, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, that also in this grace ye may abound;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but even as ye abound in every way, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in love from you to us, that ye may abound in this grace also.

Context

After commissioning Titus to finish the collection, Paul now addresses the Corinthians directly in affirming terms. He recognizes God’s work among them and uses it as a platform to request comparable excellence in giving. This approach builds rapport and prevents defensiveness. Verse 7 sets up verse 8, where Paul explicitly notes he is not commanding but seeking proof of sincere love, and verse 9, where Christ’s self-giving becomes the supreme model. The flow moves from encouragement, to motive, to theological foundation.

v.6Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

v.7This passage

v.8I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 7:7

    and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1

    Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.

  • Romans 15:14

    And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

  • Revelation 3:17

    Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13

    For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

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