2 Corinthians 8:3
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
2 Corinthians 8:3 in other translations
| BSB | For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, |
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| WEB | For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, |
| ASV | For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, |
| YLT | because, according to their power, I testify, and above their power, they were willing of themselves, |
| DARBY | For according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, |
| BBE | 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, |
| Webster | For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; |
What does 2 Corinthians 8:3 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
I bear record. Paul had founded those churches, and had spent much time with them. He was therefore well qualified to bear testimony in regard to their condition.
Yea, and beyond their power. Beyond what could have been expected; or beyond what it would have been thought possible in their condition. Doddridge remarks that this is a noble hyperbole, similar to that used by Demosthenes when he says, "I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power." The sense is, they were willing to give more than they were well able. It shows the strong interest which they had in the subject, and the anxious desire which they had to relieve the wants of others.
Of themselves, αυθαιρετοι. Acting from choice; self-moved; voluntarily; of their own accord. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. "God loveth a cheerful giver," 2Cor 9:7; and from all the accounts which we have of these churches in Macedonia, it is evident that they were greatly distinguished for their cheerful liberality.
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving him what is his own. All we…
2 Corinthians 8:3 in the original Greek
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Cross references for 2 Corinthians 8:3
- Exodus 35:29
The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
- Exodus 35:5
Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
- Exodus 35:21-22
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.
- Philemon 1:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
- Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea:
- 1 Corinthians 16:2
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
- 1 Chronicles 29:5-6
The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,
- Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
- 1 Chronicles 29:13-17
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. …
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- 2 Corinthians 8:2
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
- 2 Corinthians 8:3
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
- 2 Corinthians 8:4
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:3 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Pues de su grado han dado conforme á sus fuerzas, yo testifico, y aun sobre sus fuerzas; |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Car selon leur pouvoir (j’en rends témoignage), et au-delà de leur pouvoir, ils ont agi spontanément, |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Denn nach Vermögen, ich bezeuge es, und über Vermögen waren sie aus eigenem Antriebe willig, |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | quia secundum virtutem testimonium illis reddo, et supra virtutem voluntarii fuerunt, |