2 Corinthians 8:14 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

Bible > 2 Corinthians > Chapter 8 > Verse 14

◄ 2 Corinthians 8:14 ►

New International Version
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,

New Living Translation
Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

English Standard Version
your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

Berean Standard Bible
At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality.

Berean Literal Bible
At the present time, your abundance will be for their need, so that their abundance also may be for your need, so that there may be equality.

King James Bible
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

New King James Version
but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.

New American Standard Bible
at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for their need, so that their abundance also may serve as assistance for your need, so that there may be equality;

NASB 1995
at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality;

NASB 1977
at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality;

Legacy Standard Bible
at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality.

Amplified Bible
at this present time your surplus [over necessities] is going to supply their need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may be given to supply your need, that there may be equality;

Christian Standard Bible
At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
at the present time your surplus is available for their need, so their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality.

American Standard Version
but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

Contemporary English Version
for you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share,

English Revised Version
but by equality; your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At the present time, your surplus fills their need so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things balance out.

International Standard Version
At the present time, your surplus fills their need, so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things are fair.

Majority Standard Bible
At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality.

NET Bible
At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,

New Heart English Bible
but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.

Webster's Bible Translation
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Weymouth New Testament
but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in turn be a supply for your deficiency later on, so that there may be equalization of burdens.

World English Bible
but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack, that there may be equality.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but by equality, at the present time your abundance—for their want, that also their abundance may be for your want, that there may be equality,

Berean Literal Bible
At the present time, your abundance will be for their need, so that their abundance also may be for your need, so that there may be equality.

Young's Literal Translation
but by equality, at the present time your abundance -- for their want, that also their abundance may be for your want, that there may be equality,

Smith's Literal Translation
But of equality, now in this time your abundance for their want, that also their abundance be for your want: that there be equality:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want, that there may be an equality,

Catholic Public Domain Version
In this present time, let your abundance supply their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be an equality, just as it was written:

New American Bible
your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.

New Revised Standard Version
your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But that there may be an equality at this particular time, that your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But that your abundance might come together at this time with their lack of these things, so that their abundance also of those things would be for your lack, that there would be equality.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
and that, at a future time, their abundance may supply your wants; that there may be equality,

Godbey New Testament
that their abundance may correspond with your deficiency, in order that there may be equality:

Haweis New Testament
but that according to equality, your abundance on the present occasion should afford a supply for their deficiency, that their abundance also may supply your deficiency, that there may be equality.

Mace New Testament
that as your present sufficiency supplies their wants, their sufficiency may supply your occasions another way: and thus there will be an equality.

Weymouth New Testament
but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in turn be a supply for your deficiency later on, so that there may be equalization of burdens.

Worrell New Testament
but, by the rule of equality, your abundance being a supply, at the present time, for their deficiency; that also their abundance may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality:

Worsley New Testament
but by an equality, that your abundance may at this time be a supply to their want; and their abundance may be the like to your want, if need be: that there may be an equality:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Christ's Example
…13It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. 14At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. 15As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 4:32-35
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ...

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 15:26-27
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. / They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

Philippians 4:15-16
And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

1 Corinthians 12:25-26
so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 Timothy 6:17-18
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Exodus 16:18
When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Leviticus 25:35-37
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.

Treasury of Scripture

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Jump to Previous

Abundance Burdens Deficiency Enough Equal Equality Help Helped Lack Making Matter Need Plenty Present Principle Superfluity Supplied Supplies Supply Time Turn Want Way

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Abundance Burdens Deficiency Enough Equal Equality Help Helped Lack Making Matter Need Plenty Present Principle Superfluity Supplied Supplies Supply Time Turn Want Way

2 Corinthians 8

1. He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;
7. by commendation of their former forwardness;
9. by the example of Christ;
14. and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;
16. commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers.

Berean Study Bible

At the present time
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the situation. In the Greek, "νῦν" (nun) indicates the current moment, suggesting that the Corinthians have a timely opportunity to act. Historically, this reflects the socio-economic conditions of the early church, where believers were encouraged to respond to immediate needs within the Christian community. The call to action is not for a distant future but for the present, highlighting the importance of seizing the moment to fulfill God's work.

your surplus
The Greek word for "surplus" is "περίσσευμα" (perisseuma), which means abundance or excess. This suggests that the Corinthians were blessed with more than they needed. In a conservative Christian perspective, this abundance is seen as a blessing from God, entrusted to believers to be used for His purposes. The concept of stewardship is central here, where Christians are called to manage their resources wisely and generously, recognizing that all they have is ultimately God's provision.

will meet their need
The phrase "will meet" comes from the Greek "γένηται" (genētai), meaning to become or to happen. This implies an active transformation where the Corinthians' surplus becomes the means to fulfill the needs of others. The "need" (Greek: "ὑστέρημα," husterēma) refers to a deficiency or lack. Historically, the Jerusalem church was experiencing poverty, and Paul was organizing a collection to support them. This reflects the early church's commitment to mutual aid and the principle that those with more should help those with less, fostering a spirit of unity and love.

so that in turn their surplus
The reciprocity implied here is significant. The phrase "in turn" (Greek: "καὶ ἐκείνων," kai ekeinōn) suggests a future time when roles might reverse. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where generosity is expected to be reciprocated, not necessarily in material terms but in spiritual blessings and support. It underscores the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where each member supports the other, creating a cycle of giving and receiving.

will meet your need
This mirrors the earlier phrase, reinforcing the idea of mutual support. The Corinthians, though currently in a position to give, may one day find themselves in need. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of building relationships based on love and support rather than mere transactions. It also highlights the divine economy, where God provides for His people through the generosity of others.

Then there will be equality
The Greek word for "equality" is "ἰσότης" (isotēs), which means fairness or equity. This is not about enforced equality but a voluntary leveling of resources to ensure that no one lacks what is necessary. In the conservative Christian view, this reflects God's justice and the ideal of the early church, where believers shared everything in common (Acts 4:32-35). It is a call to live out the gospel through practical acts of love, ensuring that all members of the community are cared for, reflecting the kingdom of God on earth.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) But by an equality.--The meaning of the word is obvious. The Church of Jerusalem was at this time suffering from poverty, and, therefore, St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to come to its assistance. A time might come in which their relative position would be inverted, and then he would plead not less earnestly that Jerusalem should assist Corinth. It is reading too much between the lines to see in the words the thought which the Apostle expresses elsewhere (Romans 15:27), that the equality of which he speaks consisted in the Corinthians giving money and receiving spiritual privileges. But for the fact that controversial ingenuity is "capable of anything," it might have been thought impossible to see in them the doctrine that men are to give to the poor in order that, in their time of need, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, they might receive from them a transfer of their superfluous merits. And yet this has actually been done by Roman Catholic commentators--even by such as Estius.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - But by an equality, etc. The verse, like so many in this chapter, is expressed very elliptically: "But by a reciprocal fairness in the present case, your superabundance to their lack, that also their superabundance may be in proportion to your lack, that there may come to be reciprocal fairness." St. Paul may possibly be thinking of the reciprocity of spiritual and temporal benefits, as in Romans 15:27; but if so he leaves the thought unexpressed. The application of the text to "works of supererogation" (Art. XIV.), as forming a fund at the disposal of the hierarchy in the way of indulgences, pardons, etc., is a singular perversion. The passage has been pointed out by Dean Stanley as one which indicates a possible acquaintance with the writings of Aristotle.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

At
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

present
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

time,
καιρῷ (kairō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

surplus
περίσσευμα (perisseuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4051: Abundance, overflow. From perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance.

will meet
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

their
ἐκείνων (ekeinōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

need,
ὑστέρημα (hysterēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5303: From hustereo; a deficit; specially, poverty.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

in turn
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

their
ἐκείνων (ekeinōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

surplus
περίσσευμα (perisseuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4051: Abundance, overflow. From perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance.

will
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

meet
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

need.
ὑστέρημα (hysterēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5303: From hustereo; a deficit; specially, poverty.

Then
ὅπως (hopōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).

there will be
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

equality.
ἰσότης (isotēs)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2471: Equality; equality of treatment, fairness. Likeness; by implication, equity.

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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:14 But for equality (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)