Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, New Living Translation For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. English Standard Version For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, Berean Standard Bible For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, Berean Literal Bible For I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, they were willing of themselves, King James Bible For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; New King James Version For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, New American Standard Bible For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, NASB 1995 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, NASB 1977 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, Legacy Standard Bible For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, Amplified Bible For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, Christian Standard Bible I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, Holman Christian Standard Bible I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, American Standard Version For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, Contemporary English Version They gave as much as they could afford and even more, simply because they wanted to. English Revised Version For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, GOD'S WORD® Translation I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. Good News Translation I can assure you that they gave as much as they could, and even more than they could. Of their own free will International Standard Version I can testify that by their own free will they have given to the utmost of their ability, yes, even beyond their ability. NET Bible For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, New Heart English Bible For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, Webster's Bible Translation For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; Weymouth New Testament For I can testify that to the utmost of their power, and even beyond their power, they have of their own free will given help. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, World English Bible For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbecause, according to [their] power, I testify, and above [their] power, they were willing of themselves, Berean Literal Bible For I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, they were willing of themselves, Young's Literal Translation because, according to their power, I testify, and above their power, they were willing of themselves, Smith's Literal Translation For according to power, I testify, and above power chosen voluntarily; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor according to their power ( I bear them witness), and beyond their power, they were willing. Catholic Public Domain Version And I bear witness to them, that they were willing to accept what was in accord with their ability, and even what was beyond their ability. New American Bible For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, New Revised Standard Version For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor to their power, I can testify, yes, and beyond their power they have shared of their own accord. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For I testify that according to their power and more than their power in the willingness of their soul, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentfor I testify that according to their power, and beyond their power, they gave voluntarily, Godbey New Testament Because I witness, that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they were anxious, Haweis New Testament For unto their power, I bear them witness, and above their power, they were voluntarily ready to give: Mace New Testament (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: Weymouth New Testament For I can testify that to the utmost of their power, and even beyond their power, they have of their own free will given help. Worrell New Testament For, according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord; Worsley New Testament For to their power, I bear them witness, yea and beyond their power, they contributed of their own accord: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Generosity Commended…2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, 4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.… Cross References Acts 11:29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. Romans 15:26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Philippians 4:15-18 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. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. ... 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. 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? Luke 21:1-4 Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ... Mark 12:41-44 As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ... Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. 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, ... Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Matthew 6:3-4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, / so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Treasury of Scripture For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; to. 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… Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: I bear. Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Colossians 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. beyond. 2 Corinthians 8:12,16,17 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not… Exodus 35:5,21,22,29 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, … 1 Chronicles 29:5,6,9,13-17 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? … Jump to Previous Ability Able Accord Bear Free Help Impulse Means Power Record Testify Testimony Themselves Utmost Willing WitnessJump to Next Ability Able Accord Bear Free Help Impulse Means Power Record Testify Testimony Themselves Utmost Willing Witness2 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. For I testify Paul is providing a personal witness to the actions of the Macedonian churches. His testimony carries weight as an apostle and leader in the early church. This phrase underscores the importance of credible witness in the Christian community, as seen in other scriptures like John 21:24 and 1 John 1:1-3, where personal testimony is used to affirm truth. that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it Of their own accord Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, writing to the church in Corinth to encourage generosity and highlight the example of the Macedonian churches. 2. Macedonian Churches The recipients of Paul's praise in this passage, known for their extreme poverty yet abundant generosity. 3. Corinth The city where the church receiving this letter is located, known for its wealth and diversity, yet being encouraged to emulate the Macedonians' generosity. 4. Titus A fellow worker with Paul, who was involved in the collection for the Jerusalem church and mentioned in the broader context of 2 Corinthians 8. 5. Jerusalem Church The intended beneficiaries of the collection, experiencing significant need due to famine and persecution. Teaching Points Generosity Beyond MeansThe Macedonians gave not only according to their ability but beyond it, demonstrating sacrificial giving. This challenges believers to consider how they can give sacrificially, trusting God to provide. Voluntary Giving The phrase "of their own accord" highlights the importance of willingness in giving. True generosity stems from a heart moved by the Spirit, not compulsion. Faith in Action The Macedonians' actions exemplify faith in action. Despite their poverty, they trusted God to use their contributions for His purposes. Believers today are encouraged to act in faith, knowing God can multiply their efforts. Encouragement to Others The example of the Macedonians serves as an encouragement to the Corinthians and to us. Our acts of generosity can inspire others to give and serve. God's Provision The Macedonians' ability to give beyond their means is a testament to God's provision. Believers are reminded that God supplies all needs and can enable us to give generously. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:3?2. How does 2 Corinthians 8:3 inspire sacrificial giving in our daily lives? 3. What does "beyond their ability" teach about trusting God with our resources? 4. How can we emulate the Macedonians' generosity in our church community today? 5. Which other scriptures encourage giving "entirely on their own" like in 2 Corinthians 8:3? 6. How can we apply the Macedonians' example of generosity in financial hardships? 7. How does 2 Corinthians 8:3 challenge our understanding of generosity and sacrifice? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 8:3? 9. How does 2 Corinthians 8:3 reflect the early Christian community's values? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8? 11. What is Faith Promise Giving? 12. What are the Garima Gospels? 13. Could Paul’s emphasis on generous giving in 2 Corinthians 8 be seen as an attempt to exert social pressure on the Corinthians, rather than purely as a spiritual directive? 14. How does a loving God allow suffering? What Does 2 Corinthians 8:3 Mean For I testifyPaul takes the witness stand, so to speak, assuring the Corinthians, “For I testify…” (2 Corinthians 8:3). He is not passing along rumors; he is providing firsthand, Spirit-guided testimony. • Acts 20:35 reminds us that Paul consistently modeled and reported what he personally saw (“I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak”). • Galatians 1:20 underscores Paul’s habit of solemn affirmation: “I assure you before God that what I am writing is no lie.” By beginning this way, Paul emphasizes truthfulness and accountability, inviting us to take his words with full confidence. that they gave according to their ability The Macedonian believers matched their resources to the need. They were not wealthy, yet they measured what they had and offered it. • In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus praises the widow who “out of her poverty put in all she had to live on,” showing that giving is assessed by proportion, not raw amount. • 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs, “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of money in keeping with his income.” Key takeaway: honest self-evaluation precedes faithful giving. and even beyond it An extraordinary phrase—Paul says they exceeded their own capacity. Grace propelled them past the limits of simple arithmetic. • Ephesians 3:20 celebrates the God “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” implying that when believers yield to Him, the results outstrip human forecasts. • Philippians 4:18-19 shows that when the Philippians (also Macedonians) gave sacrificially, Paul called it “a fragrant offering… and my God will supply all your needs.” Their needs were met even while they poured out more than seemed possible. The Macedonians demonstrate that divine enablement can stretch limited means into abundant blessing. Of their own accord No manipulation, no coercion; their generosity sprang from willing hearts. • Exodus 35:29 tells how Israel built the tabernacle through “all the men and women whose hearts moved them to bring anything.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7 will later add, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Voluntary giving reflects authentic faith and deep joy in the gospel. summary Paul’s testimony about the Macedonians reveals a pattern for generous discipleship: truthful witness, proportional assessment, Spirit-empowered sacrifice, and wholehearted willingness. As we heed this verse, we learn that genuine grace moves believers to give realistically yet sacrificially, trusting God to supply beyond what seems possible and doing it all with glad, voluntary hearts. (3) They were willing of themselves.--Literally, spontaneously. This was the point of excellence which he wished to indicate as an example to the Corinthians. Those of Macedonia needed no appeal or counsel such as he had given to the Corinthians and to others.Verse 3. - They were willing of themselves. "Of their own accord," as in ver. 17. The verb in the original is energetically omitted, with the "they gave" of ver. 5. St. Paul does not mean that the notion of making the collection originated with them (2 Corinthians 9:2), but only that they displayed a voluntary energy in carrying it out.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I testify [that] μαρτυρῶ (martyrō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. [they gave] according to κατὰ (kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [their] ability δύναμιν (dynamin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. and even καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. beyond παρὰ (para) Preposition Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. [it]. δύναμιν (dynamin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. Of their own accord, αὐθαίρετοι (authairetoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 830: Of one's own accord, self-chosen. From autos and the same as hairetizo; self-chosen, i.e. voluntary. Links 2 Corinthians 8:3 NIV2 Corinthians 8:3 NLT 2 Corinthians 8:3 ESV 2 Corinthians 8:3 NASB 2 Corinthians 8:3 KJV 2 Corinthians 8:3 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 8:3 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 8:3 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 8:3 French Bible 2 Corinthians 8:3 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:3 For according to their power I testify (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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