2 Corinthians 8:12

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

2 Corinthians 8:12 is a foundational verse in Paul's teaching on Christian giving, emphasizing God's perspective on generosity. It highlights that the sincerity and readiness of the giver's heart are paramount, not the absolute amount of the gift.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church to complete their collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul uses the remarkable generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example, who, despite their own severe poverty, gave "beyond their ability" (2 Corinthians 8:3). He encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their previous commitment, not out of compulsion, but from a genuine desire to participate in this act of love and unity within the early Christian community.

Key Themes

  • The Willing Heart (Prothumia): The phrase "a willing mind" translates from the Greek word prothumia (πρόθυμια), which denotes eagerness, readiness, or alacrity. This emphasizes that God values the disposition of the heart more than the size of the donation. True Christian giving is not coerced but flows from a joyful and willing spirit.
  • Proportional Giving: The verse clearly states that a gift "is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." This biblical principle means that God assesses generosity based on what one possesses, not on an arbitrary standard. It echoes the story of the widow's mite in the Gospels, where Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two small coins, for she gave "all that she had" (Mark 12:44), more than all the rich who gave out of their abundance.
  • Divine Acceptance: The term "accepted" (Greek: dektos) signifies that such giving is pleasing and welcome to God. When generosity stems from a willing heart and is proportionate to one's means, it finds favor with the Lord.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement and clarity for believers regarding their contribution to God's work and financial stewardship:

  • It removes the pressure of comparison, reminding us that God doesn't expect us to give what we don't have. Our giving should be joyful and sustainable.
  • It shifts the focus from the quantity of the gift to the quality of the heart behind it. A small gift given with great love is more valuable in God's eyes than a large gift given reluctantly or for show.
  • This principle extends beyond financial contributions to all forms of stewardship—our time, talents, and resources. God accepts our willingness to serve and use what He has given us, according to our capacity.
  • Ultimately, it encourages us to cultivate a cheerful spirit in all our giving, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver and blesses those who give from the heart.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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