2 Corinthians 8:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

Complete Jewish Bible:

It is not that relief for others should cause trouble for you, but that there should be a kind of reciprocity:

Berean Standard Bible:

It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.

American Standard Version:

For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} I mean not^{G3756} that^{G2443} other men^{G243} be eased^{G425}, and^{G1161} ye^{G5213} burdened^{G2347}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:13

2 Corinthians 8:13 is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Corinth, where he discusses the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian community's practice of sharing resources to support those in need, particularly during times of famine and economic hardship.

In this verse, Paul is addressing a potential imbalance in the contribution to this relief effort. He emphasizes the principle of equity in Christian giving, asserting that the goal is not to create a situation where one group is overburdened while another is excessively comfortable. The theme here is fairness and mutual support among believers. Paul's words reflect the early church's ethos of ensuring that aid is distributed in a way that does not overwhelm some while easing the load of others.

The apostle is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously, as they are able, while also reminding them that the purpose of this collection is to even out the resources among the wider Christian community. He speaks to the idea of a shared responsibility, where each local church contributes according to its means, so that there is a balance between the burden and the ease experienced by different groups of believers. This principle of Christian charity and economic justice continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about wealth distribution and the role of the church in social welfare.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
4. Strong's Number: G243
   There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄλλος
   Transliteration: állos
   Pronunciation: al'-los
   Description: a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).
   
5. Strong's Number: G425
   There are 96 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄνεσις
   Transliteration: ánesis
   Pronunciation: an'-es-is
   Description: from ἀνίημι; relaxation or (figuratively) relief:--eased, liberty, rest.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
7. Strong's Number: G5213
   There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῖν
   Transliteration: hymîn
   Pronunciation: hoo-min'
   Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).
   
8. Strong's Number: G2347
   There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θλῖψις
   Transliteration: thlîpsis
   Pronunciation: thlip'-sis
   Description: from θλίβω; pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.