2 Corinthians 8:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if there {G1487} be first {G4295} a willing mind {G4288}, it is accepted {G2144} according to {G2526} that {G1437} a man {G5100} hath {G2192}, and not {G3756} according to that {G2526} he hath {G2192} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if the eagerness to give is there, the acceptability of the gift will be measured by what you have, not by what you don’t have.

Berean Standard Bible

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

American Standard Version

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 8:12 articulates a profound principle of Christian generosity, emphasizing that God values the sincere willingness of the giver's heart above the absolute amount of the gift. It teaches that contributions are accepted by God based on what an individual possesses and is able to give, rather than on an unrealistic expectation of what they do not have, thereby promoting a joyful and proportionate approach to stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse (2 Corinthians 8-9) where Paul appeals to the Corinthian church to complete their collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul has just presented the Macedonian churches as a compelling example of sacrificial generosity, noting that despite their "deep poverty," they gave "beyond their ability" and "implored us with much urgency for the favor of participation in the support of the saints" ([2 Corinthians 8:1-4](/2-corinthians/8-1-4 "2 Corinthians 8:1-4 - The Generosity of the Macedonians")). He is encouraging the Corinthians, who had previously shown eagerness to contribute, to follow through on their commitment, not out of compulsion, but as an expression of their love and the grace of God at work within them. Verse 12 serves as a crucial theological foundation, explaining *why* their willingness is so important and *how* their giving will be assessed by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the Jerusalem saints was a significant undertaking in the early church, serving not only as a practical means of support but also as a tangible expression of unity between the Gentile and Jewish Christian communities. Jerusalem, as the birthplace of the church, faced economic hardship, possibly due to famine or persecution. Paul had previously committed to this collection during the Jerusalem Council ([Galatians 2:10](/galatians/2-10 "Galatians 2:10 - Paul's Commitment to the Poor")), recognizing its importance for demonstrating the solidarity of the wider Christian body. In the Greco-Roman world, patronage and public displays of generosity were common, but Paul redefines generosity through a distinctively Christian lens, emphasizing internal disposition over external display or social obligation.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes to several key themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **grace** as the foundation for all Christian living, including giving, as seen in the Macedonians' example where their giving was an outflow of "the grace of God" ([2 Corinthians 8:1](/2-corinthians/8-1 "2 Corinthians 8:1 - Grace Given to the Churches of Macedonia")). The verse also highlights **proportionality** in giving, a concept echoed in other Pauline teachings on stewardship, where believers are encouraged to give "as he may prosper" ([1 Corinthians 16:2](/1-corinthians/16-2 "1 Corinthians 16:2 - Instructions for the Collection")). Most critically, it emphasizes the **disposition of the heart**, asserting that God values the cheerful and willing spirit over the size of the gift, a principle famously reiterated in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2-corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). This passage also implicitly touches on **Christian unity** and **mutual support** within the body of Christ, as the collection fostered connection between distant communities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Willing mind (Greek, _prothymía'_):** From G4288, this term denotes predisposition, alacrity, eagerness, or readiness of mind. It highlights the internal disposition and cheerful willingness of the giver, emphasizing that God looks at the heart's attitude rather than merely the outward act or the size of the gift. It's about the desire to give, not the compulsion.
* **Accepted (Greek, _euprósdektos'_):** From G2144, meaning well-received, approved, or favorable. This word signifies that a gift offered with a willing mind, proportionate to one's means, is pleasing and agreeable to God. It implies divine favor and affirmation for the act of giving when it stems from the right motivation.
* **Hath (Greek, _échō'_):** From G2192, a primary verb meaning to hold, possess, or have. In this context, it refers to one's present resources or means. The repeated use of this verb, contrasted with "hath not," underscores the principle of proportional giving: God's acceptance is based on what is genuinely available to the giver, not on an imagined or unattainable standard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if there be first a willing mind,"**: This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition for acceptable giving. The Greek word for "willing mind" (prothymía) signifies eagerness and readiness. It indicates that the internal disposition and sincere desire to give are paramount. God's primary concern is not the quantity of the gift, but the quality of the heart from which it originates. This "first" implies that the heart's attitude precedes and determines the value of the offering.
* **"it is accepted according to that a man hath,"**: Following the condition of a willing mind, this clause explains the standard by which the gift is "accepted" (euprósdektos, meaning well-received or approved by God). The acceptance is not based on a universal fixed amount, but "according to that a man hath"—that is, in proportion to one's actual resources and capacity. God evaluates generosity relative to what has been entrusted to the individual, acknowledging varying levels of wealth and ability.
* **"and not according to that he hath not."**: This concluding phrase reinforces the principle of proportionality by stating what God does *not* expect. God does not demand what is beyond one's means or what one does not possess. This provides immense relief and encouragement, removing the burden of comparison or the pressure to give what one cannot genuinely afford. It underscores God's fairness and understanding of individual circumstances, ensuring that all can participate in giving and be accepted, regardless of their financial standing.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. **Emphasis** is clearly placed on the internal disposition ("a willing mind"), highlighting that the heart's attitude is the primary criterion for God's acceptance, not the external amount. This is further reinforced by the strong **Contrast** between "that a man hath" and "that he hath not," which clarifies the principle of proportional giving and alleviates potential guilt or pressure. The structure of the verse itself, moving from the condition ("if there be first a willing mind") to the consequence ("it is accepted") and then defining the parameters ("according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not"), demonstrates a logical and persuasive **Argumentation**. This logical progression ensures that the reader grasps both the spiritual prerequisite for giving and the practical, equitable standard by which it is measured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding God's perspective on stewardship and generosity, revealing that divine acceptance is rooted in the heart's disposition and one's capacity, not in absolute figures. It challenges the human tendency to compare gifts or to feel inadequate if one cannot give as much as others. Theologically, it aligns with the character of a God who sees beyond outward appearance to the motives of the heart ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1-samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")), affirming that true worship and service, including giving, must flow from an internal willingness. This principle ensures that all believers, regardless of their economic status, can participate meaningfully in the work of God and experience the joy of generosity.

* [Mark 12:41-44](/mark/12-41-44 "Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Mite")
* [Luke 21:1-4](/luke/21-1-4 "Luke 21:1-4 - The Widow's Offering")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1-samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 8:12 offers profound liberation and encouragement for every believer regarding their stewardship. It shifts our focus from the pressure of external comparison or the burden of perceived inadequacy to the internal state of our hearts. We are reminded that God does not demand what we do not possess, but rather values our cheerful and willing participation with what we do have. This principle extends beyond financial contributions to all areas of life: our time, talents, energy, and resources. Are we offering our "firstfruits" with a willing mind, or are we giving grudgingly or out of obligation? This verse invites us to cultivate a heart of generosity that is eager to bless others and advance God's kingdom, knowing that even the smallest offering, given with a willing spirit, is profoundly accepted and cherished by our Heavenly Father. It challenges us to assess our own "hath" – our unique capacities and resources – and to give proportionally and joyfully from that place of abundance, however great or small it may be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "a willing mind" truly mean in the context of my own giving and service?**
* **How does the principle of "according to that a man hath" alleviate any pressure or guilt I might feel about my contributions?**
* **In what areas of my life (beyond finances) can I apply the principle of giving from a willing heart and according to my capacity?**
* **How does understanding God's acceptance of proportionate giving encourage me to cultivate a more joyful and consistent habit of generosity?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean I don't have to give if I don't feel "willing" or "ready"?**

Answer: No, this verse does not excuse us from giving. Instead, it highlights the *ideal* and *accepted* manner of giving. While the emphasis is on a "willing mind," this willingness is not a fleeting emotion but a cultivated disposition of the heart that flows from grace and love. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to *become* willing and to complete their commitment, not to opt out. The goal is to grow into a cheerful giver ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2-corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")), understanding that God values the heart's posture more than the mere act itself. If we find ourselves unwilling, it's an invitation to examine our hearts and pray for God's grace to cultivate a spirit of generosity.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of tithing or a fixed percentage of giving?**

Answer: This verse complements, rather than contradicts, concepts like tithing. While tithing (giving 10%) is a historical and biblical principle of stewardship, 2 Corinthians 8:12 provides the *theological framework* for *how* any amount, including a tithe, should be given. It emphasizes that the *spirit* of giving is paramount. A tithe given grudgingly or out of legalistic obligation may not be "accepted according to that a man hath" in the spirit of willing generosity. Conversely, someone in deep poverty who gives less than 10% but does so with a willing heart, giving sacrificially from what they have, is profoundly accepted by God, echoing the story of the [widow's mite](/mark/12-41-44 "The Widow's Mite"). The verse teaches that the *proportion* (relative to what one has) and the *disposition* (willing mind) are key, whether that proportion is 10% or another amount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 8:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Christ. The principle of giving from a "willing mind" and "according to that a man hath" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2-corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). His self-emptying act on the cross was the ultimate expression of a willing mind, a perfectly obedient heart, and a complete giving of all He had—His very life—for the sake of humanity. Believers, being united with Christ, are called to participate in this same spirit of sacrificial generosity. Our ability to give with a willing mind is not inherent but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within us, transforming our hearts to reflect the selfless love of Christ. Just as Christ gave Himself completely, empowering us with spiritual riches, so too are we enabled by His grace to give our resources, time, and talents, knowing that our willing offerings, however small in human eyes, are accepted by God because they are offered in the spirit of the One who gave His all for us ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). Our generosity becomes a tangible expression of the gospel, mirroring the divine generosity that redeemed us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 12:42

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Mark 12:44

For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

Luke 21:1

¶ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

Luke 21:4

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Exodus 35:21

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, [and] they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 35:22

And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.