King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Complete Jewish Bible:
They begged and pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service for God’s people.
Berean Standard Bible:
they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
American Standard Version:
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Praying{G1189} us{G2257} with{G3326} much{G4183} intreaty{G3874} that we{G2248} would receive{G1209} the gift{G5485}, and{G2532} take upon us the fellowship{G2842} of the ministering{G1248} to{G1519} the saints{G40}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Acts 24:17
- Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Galatians 6:10
- As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
2 Corinthians 9:1
- ¶ For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
Hebrews 6:10
- For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
1 Corinthians 16:3
- And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:4
- And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
1 Corinthians 16:15
- I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:4
2 Corinthians 8:4 is a verse that captures the essence of generosity and partnership in the early Christian community. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the apostle Paul's efforts to organize a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, commending them for their eagerness to participate in this act of charity.
In the verse, Paul describes how the Macedonian churches, despite their own poverty and affliction, begged for the opportunity to contribute to the relief of their fellow Christians in Jerusalem. The phrase "praying us with much intreaty" reflects the deep desire of the Macedonians to be involved in this ministry, emphasizing their persistence and the strength of their conviction.
The "gift" mentioned refers to the financial contribution for the Jerusalem believers, and the "fellowship of the ministering to the saints" speaks to the communal aspect of Christian charity. This fellowship implies a shared responsibility and participation in caring for one another, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
The themes of this verse include sacrificial giving, unity within the body of Christ, and the joy found in generosity. It underscores the principle that those who have enough should provide for those who lack, not out of obligation but out of a genuine spirit of Christian love and fellowship. Paul presents this act of giving as a partnership in the gospel, where the Corinthians are being invited to join with other believers in a tangible expression of faith that strengthens the bonds between churches.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 8:4 highlights the importance of generosity and collaborative support among early Christian communities. It exemplifies the spirit of mutual aid and the extension of grace through practical means, encouraging believers to actively participate in the welfare of others as a reflection of their commitment to Christ and His teachings.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1189
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέομαι
Transliteration: déomai
Pronunciation: deh'-om-ahee
Description: middle voice of δέω; to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition:--beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare πυνθάνομαι. - Strong's Number: G2257
There are 365 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἡμῶν
Transliteration: hēmōn
Pronunciation: hay-mone'
Description: genitive case plural of ἐγώ; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we. - Strong's Number: G3326
There are 445 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μετά
Transliteration: metá
Pronunciation: met-ah'
Description: a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between ἀπό or ἐκ and εἰς or πρός; less intimate than ἐν and less close than σύν):--after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence. - Strong's Number: G4183
There are 331 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πολύς
Transliteration: polýs
Pronunciation: pol-oos'
Description: including the forms from the alternate ; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare πλεῖστος, πλείων. - Strong's Number: G3874
There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: παράκλησις
Transliteration: paráklēsis
Pronunciation: par-ak'-lay-sis
Description: from παρακαλέω; imploration, hortation, solace:--comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty. - Strong's Number: G2248
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἡμᾶς
Transliteration: hēmâs
Pronunciation: hay-mas'
Description: accusative case plural of ἐγώ; us:--our, us, we. - Strong's Number: G1209
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέχομαι
Transliteration: déchomai
Pronunciation: dekh'-om-ahee
Description: middle voice of a primary verb; to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take. Compare λαμβάνω. - Strong's Number: G5485
There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: χάρις
Transliteration: cháris
Pronunciation: khar'-ece
Description: from χαίρω; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G2842
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κοινωνία
Transliteration: koinōnía
Pronunciation: koy-nohn-ee'-ah
Description: from κοινωνός; partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:--(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship. - Strong's Number: G1248
There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: διακονία
Transliteration: diakonía
Pronunciation: dee-ak-on-ee'-ah
Description: from διάκονος; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate):--(ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing). - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G40
There are 1382 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἅγιος
Transliteration: hágios
Pronunciation: hag'-ee-os
Description: from (an awful thing) (compare ἁγνός, θάλπω); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.