TRV
Translation
King James Version
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
Complete Jewish Bible
to finish what you started, so that your eagerness in wanting to commence the project may be matched by your eagerness to complete it, as you contribute from what you have.
Berean Standard Bible
Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.
American Standard Version
But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
World English Bible Messianic
But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe therefore performe to doe it also, that as there was a readinesse to will, euen so yee may performe it of that which yee haue.
Young's Literal Translation
and now also finish doing it , that even as there is the readiness of the will, so also the finishing, out of that which ye have,
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In the KJVVerse 28,944 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 verses 7–15
7 ¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 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.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 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:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
In these verses the apostle uses several cogent arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of charity.
I. He urges upon them the consideration of their eminence in other gifts and graces, and would have them excel in this of charity also, Co2 8:7. Great address and much holy art are here used by the apostle. When he would persuade the Corinthians to this good thing, he commends them for other good things that were found in them. Most people love to be complimented, especially when we ask a gift of them for ourselves or others; and it is a justice we owe to those in whom God's grace shines to give them their due commendation. Observe here, What it was that the Corinthians abounded in. Faith is mentioned first, for that is the root; and, as without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6), so those who abound in faith will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. To their faith was added utterance, which is an excellent gift, and redounds much to the glory of God and the good of the church. Many have faith who want utterance. But these Corinthians excelled most churches in spiritual gifts, and particularly in utterance; and yet this was not in them, as in too many, both the effect and evidence of ignorance; for with their utterance there appeared knowledge, abundance of knowledge. They had a treasury of things new and old, and in their utterance they brought out of this treasury. They abounded also in all diligence. Those who have great knowledge and ready utterance are not always the most diligent Christians. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as know and talk, well. And further, they had abundant love to their minister; and were not like too many, who, having gifts of their own, are but too apt to slight their ministers, and neglect them. Now to all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to the poor; that, where so much good was found, there should be found yet more good. Before the apostle proceeds to another argument he takes care to prevent any misapprehensions of his design to impose on them, or to bind heavy burdens upon them by his authority; and tells them (Co2 8:8) he does not speak by commandment, or in a way of authority. I give my advice, Co2 8:10. He took occasion from the forwardness of others to propose what would be expedient for them, and would prove the sincerity of their love, or be the genuine effect and evidence thereof. Note, A great difference should be made between plain and positive duty, and the improvement of a present opportunity of doing or getting good. Many a thing which is good for us to do, yet can not be said to be, by express and indispensable commandment, our duty at this or that time.
II. Another argument is taken from the consideration of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The best arguments for Christian duties are those that are taken from the love of Christ, that constraineth us. The example of the churches of Macedonia was such as the Corinthians should imitate; but the example of our Lord Jesus Christ should have much greater influence. And you know, saith the apostle, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Co2 8:9), that though he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, rich in all the glory and blessedness of the upper world, yet for your sakes he became poor; not only did become man for us, but he became poor also. He was born in poor circumstances, lived a poor life, and died in poverty; and this was for our sakes, that we thereby might be made rich, rich in the love and favour of God, rich in the blessings and promises of the new covenant, rich in the hopes of eternal life, being heirs of the kingdom. This is a good reason why we should be charitable to the poor out of what we have, because we ourselves live upon the charity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
III. Another argument is taken from their good purposes, and their forwardness to begin this good work. As to this he tells them, 1. It was expedient for them to perform what they purposed, and finish what they had begun, Co2 8:10, Co2 8:11. What else did their good purposes and good beginnings signify? Good purposes, indeed, are good things; they are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing, without performances. So good beginnings are amiable; but we shall lose the benefit unless there be perseverance, and we bring forth fruit to perfection. Seeing therefore the Corinthians had shown a readiness to will, he would have them be careful also in the performance, according to their ability. For, 2. This would be acceptable to God. This willing mind is accepted (Co2 8:12), when accompanied with sincere endeavours. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will accept of what they have, or can do, and not reject them for what they have not, and what is not in their power to do: and this is true as to other things besides the work of charity. But let us note here that this scripture will by no means justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the profession of a willing mind, are sufficient to save them. It is accepted, indeed, where there is a performance as far as we are able, and when Providence hinders the performance, as in David's case concerning building a house for the Lord, 2 Sa. 7.
IV. Another argument is taken from the discrimination which the divine Providence makes in the distribution of the things of this world, and the mutability of human affairs, Co2 8:13-15. The force of the arguing seems to be this: - Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, and that with this design, that those who have a greater abundance may supply those who are in want, that there may be room for charity. And further, considering the mutability of human affairs, and how soon there may be an alteration, so that those who now have an abundance may stand in need of being supplied themselves in their wants, this should induce them to be charitable while they are able. It is the will of God that, by our mutually supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not an absolute equality indeed, or such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. But as in works of charity there should be an equitable proportion observed, that the burden should not lie too heavy on some, while others are wholly eased, so all should think themselves concerned to supply those who are in want. This is illustrated by the instance of gathering and distributing manna in the wilderness, concerning which (as we may read, Ex. 16) it was the duty of every family, and all in the family, to gather what they could, which, when it was gathered, was put into some common receptacle for each family, whence the master of the family distributed to every one as he had occasion, to some more than they were able, through age and infirmity, to gather up; to others less than they gathered, because they did not need so much: and thus he that had gathered much (more than he had occasion for) had nothing over, when a communication was made to him that had gathered little, who by this method had no lack. Note, Such is the condition of men in this world that we mutually depend on one another, and should help one another. Those who have ever so much of this world have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but a little of this world seldom want these; nor, indeed, should those who have abundance suffer others to want, but be ready to afford supply.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–15. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul is saying that the Corinthians should give as much as they are willing and able to give. That way their conscience would become clear and not be clouded by pretense, pleasing man but not God.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 17 on 2 Corinthians
He said not, ye have done it, but, ye have put a completion to it,
"That as there was the readiness to will, so also [there may be] the completion also out of your ability."
That this good work halt not at readiness but receive also the reward that follows upon deeds.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 8:11 is a powerful apostolic exhortation from Paul to the Corinthian believers, urging them to complete the charitable collection they had enthusiastically initiated for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. This verse underscores the vital principle of translating good intentions and initial eagerness into concrete, tangible actions, emphasizing that true Christian generosity is demonstrated not merely by a willingness to give, but by the diligent and proportionate performance of that commitment according to one's available resources.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs Parallelism in this verse, specifically a "as... so" construction, to draw a direct comparison between the Corinthians' initial "readiness to will" and the desired "performance." This rhetorical device effectively highlights the gap between intention and action, underscoring the necessity of bridging that gap. The verse also functions as a direct Exhortation, a strong appeal from Paul, characteristic of his pastoral letters, urging his readers to specific ethical and practical conduct. Furthermore, there is an underlying Appeal to Integrity, as Paul implicitly calls the Corinthians to be people of their word, demonstrating consistency between their stated intentions and their actual deeds. The repetition of the concept of "doing" or "performance" (epiteléō and poiéō in the Greek, though KJV translates both as "perform/doing") serves as a form of Emphasis, reinforcing the central message of completion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle articulated in 2 Corinthians 8:11, moving from intention to completion, is a fundamental theological truth that permeates Scripture. It highlights that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or emotional stirring, but an active, obedient response to God's grace. This verse underscores the divine expectation that believers will manifest their inner transformation through outward deeds, demonstrating the sincerity of their love and commitment. It teaches that God values not only the heart's desire but also the diligent effort to bring that desire to fruition, always within the bounds of what He has provided. This balance of willingness and proportionate action reflects a holistic understanding of Christian living, where grace empowers both the desire and the ability to serve.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 8:11 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, challenging us to honestly assess the gap between our good intentions and our actual follow-through. It serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is active and demonstrable, not merely theoretical or aspirational. This principle extends far beyond financial giving, touching every aspect of our Christian walk. Are there areas in our lives where we have a "readiness to will" – a desire to grow spiritually, to serve others, to share the Gospel, or to break a sinful habit – but have yet to translate that desire into consistent "performance"? Paul's exhortation calls us to cultivate diligence and integrity, recognizing that our commitments to God and to others should be met with faithful execution, always within the measure of what God has graciously given us. It encourages a life marked by consistency, where our "yes" truly means "yes," and our actions bear witness to our sincerity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the main message of 2 Corinthians 8:11?
Answer: The main message of 2 Corinthians 8:11 is the critical importance of moving beyond good intentions and initial eagerness to the actual completion of a commitment. Paul urges the Corinthians to match their "readiness to will" with a tangible "performance," specifically in the context of their promised contribution to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, emphasizing that this performance should be proportionate to their available resources ("out of that which ye have").
How does this verse relate to Christian giving?
Answer: This verse directly relates to Christian giving by emphasizing that true generosity involves not just the desire to give, but the diligent act of giving. It highlights that giving should be completed as promised and should be done "out of that which ye have," meaning proportionately to one's means. This principle is further elaborated in 2 Corinthians 8:12-15, where Paul assures them that God accepts what one has, not what one does not have, promoting equity and cheerful giving.
Does "out of that which ye have" mean I only need to give if I have a lot?
Answer: No, "out of that which ye have" does not mean you only need to give if you have a lot. Instead, it means that your giving should be proportionate to your current resources, whatever they may be. Paul's point is that God accepts and values giving that comes from a sincere heart and is within one's means, rather than imposing an impossible burden or expecting what one does not possess. The example of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 shows that even those in extreme poverty can give generously and sacrificially "out of their deep poverty," demonstrating that the amount is less important than the willingness and the proportion to one's ability.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 8:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse exhorts believers to move from intention to performance in their giving, Christ perfectly fulfilled the divine will, translating God's eternal intention for salvation into the ultimate performance of redemption. From eternity, God's "readiness to will" was to save humanity (Ephesians 1:4-5). Jesus, the Son, perfectly executed this divine will, declaring, "I have come to do your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7). His entire earthly life, culminating in His obedient suffering and death on the cross, was the supreme "performance" of God's redemptive plan, a giving of Himself "out of that which He had" – His very life and perfection (Philippians 2:5-8). Through His finished work, Christ not only fulfilled all righteousness but also empowered believers, by His Spirit, to live lives of faithful "performance," enabling us to translate our "readiness to will" for God's kingdom into tangible acts of love, service, and generosity, just as He perfectly performed the Father's will (John 15:5).