2 Corinthians 8:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 8:13 is a pivotal verse in Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church regarding their participation in a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. After commending the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches and encouraging the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution, Paul clarifies his underlying intent. He assures them that his exhortation is not meant to impose an oppressive burden on them while others are made comfortable, but rather to foster a spirit of balanced, equitable, and mutual support within the broader Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion (2 Corinthians 8-9) concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul has just presented the Macedonian churches as a powerful example of sacrificial giving, noting that "in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality" ([2 Corinthians 8:2](/2_corinthians/8-2 "2 Corinthians 8:2 - Macedonian Churches' Generosity")). He then urges the Corinthians to complete their own commitment, which they had begun a year prior ([2 Corinthians 8:10](/2_corinthians/8-10 "2 Corinthians 8:10 - Corinthians' Prior Commitment")). [Verse 13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") serves as a crucial clarification of Paul's motives, ensuring that his call to generosity is understood not as an imposition of hardship, but as a means to achieve a divinely intended equity, which he further elaborates in [2 Corinthians 8:14-15](/2_corinthians/8-14-15 "2 Corinthians 8:14-15 - The Principle of Equality and Manna").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Jerusalem was experiencing significant hardship, likely due to famine (as prophesied in [Acts 11:28](/acts/11-28 "Acts 11:28 - Agabus's Prophecy of Famine")), persecution, and general economic distress. Paul's collection from the Gentile churches was not merely an act of charity but a profound theological statement. It demonstrated the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, fulfilling a promise Paul had made to the Jerusalem apostles to "remember the poor" ([Galatians 2:10](/galatians/2-10 "Galatians 2:10 - Remembering the Poor")). In the Greco-Roman world, while philanthropy existed, it was often motivated by a desire for social status or reciprocal favors. Paul's emphasis on voluntary, mutual, and equitable giving, rooted in grace, stood in stark contrast to these cultural norms, reflecting a distinctively Christian ethos of communal care.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter and Christian theology. The principle of **equitable giving** is paramount, emphasizing that Christian generosity should aim for a balance where abundance meets need, preventing extreme want for some while others have surplus. This promotes a healthy **mutual interdependence** within the body of Christ, where believers bear one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens")). Paul also underscores the **grace of giving**, framing it not as a legalistic obligation but as a Spirit-empowered manifestation of God's generosity working through believers ([2 Corinthians 8:1](/2_corinthians/8-1 "2 Corinthians 8:1 - The Grace of God Given to the Churches of Macedonia")). Finally, the verse implicitly highlights the **unity of the church**, as the collection served to bind together disparate communities of believers, fostering a sense of shared identity and responsibility in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **not (Greek, _ou'_):** This is the absolute negative adverb in Greek, used here to emphatically deny a particular intention or outcome. Paul is not merely suggesting, but firmly stating that his aim is *not* to create an imbalanced situation. It underscores his earnest desire to clarify his motives and prevent any misunderstanding that his exhortation for giving might be interpreted as a demand for ruinous sacrifice.
* **eased (Greek, _ánesis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to let go" or "to relax," _ánesis_ denotes "relaxation," "relief," or "rest." In this context, it refers to the alleviation of hardship or pressure for the Jerusalem saints. Paul uses this word to describe the desired state of those receiving aid, emphasizing that the goal is genuine comfort and freedom from distress, not merely a slight improvement.
* **burdened (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** This powerful word literally means "pressure" or "squeezing," and figuratively signifies "affliction," "tribulation," "distress," or "trouble." It evokes the image of being crushed under a heavy weight. By using _thlîpsis_, Paul highlights the severe hardship the Corinthians would experience if his appeal were to result in their financial ruin, contrasting it sharply with the "ease" of the recipients. This choice of words underscores his commitment to preventing an inequitable transfer of suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [I mean] not":** Paul initiates a crucial clarification of his purpose. The bracketed "I mean" is supplied in the KJV for clarity, as the Greek particle "gar" (G1063) introduces a reason or explanation. Paul is explicitly stating what his intention is *not*, setting the stage for the principle of equity he will articulate. This phrase serves to preempt any misinterpretation that he is coercing or exploiting the Corinthians.
* **"that other men be eased":** This clause refers to the recipients of the collection, the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul acknowledges that the collection's purpose is indeed to bring "ease" or "relief" to them, alleviating their suffering and want. This is the positive outcome desired for the beneficiaries.
* **"and ye burdened":** This clause presents the negative outcome Paul wishes to avoid for the givers, the Corinthians. He emphatically states that his intention is not for them to be placed under a heavy "burden" or "pressure" (thlîpsis) as a result of their generosity. This highlights his pastoral concern that their giving should be sustainable and voluntary, not ruinous or forced.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** in [2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") by juxtaposing "eased" (ánesis) with "burdened" (thlîpsis). This stark contrast vividly illustrates the imbalance he seeks to prevent, making his point about equity exceptionally clear. The use of these two opposing terms, one signifying relief and the other intense pressure, underscores the core message that the collection is not about shifting a burden from one group to another, but about achieving a state of mutual balance. Furthermore, Paul's statement can be seen as a form of **Meiosis** or **Understatement**, where he states what he *does not* intend rather than directly stating his positive intention (which is the principle of equality articulated in the subsequent verse). This gentle, indirect approach can be more persuasive, as it addresses potential fears or misunderstandings before explicitly laying out the desired outcome, demonstrating his sensitivity and pastoral care for the Corinthian church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") articulates a profound theological principle of divine order and communal responsibility within the body of Christ. It reflects God's character as one who desires justice, equity, and the well-being of all His children, not the exploitation of some for the benefit of others. This verse underscores that Christian giving is not a zero-sum game or a mechanism for transferring hardship, but a means of fostering genuine interdependence and mutual care. It reminds us that while sacrificial giving is commendable, it should always aim for the flourishing of the entire community, preventing situations where one part of the body suffers unduly while another enjoys excessive comfort. This principle of balance is rooted in the very nature of God, who provides for His people and calls them to reflect His generosity and care for the needy.

* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Gentile Churches Ministering to Jerusalem")
* [Acts 4:34-35](/acts/4-34-35 "Acts 4:34-35 - Early Church Sharing of Possessions")
* [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - Practical Love for Brothers and Sisters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") offers timeless wisdom for how believers and churches should approach generosity and stewardship today. It challenges us to consider not only the act of giving but also its impact on both the giver and the receiver. This verse encourages a spirit of sustainable generosity, where our acts of charity are a joyful outflow of our resources and faith, rather than a burdensome obligation that leads to personal or communal distress. It reminds us that the Christian community thrives on mutual aid, where those who have more are called to help those with less, understanding that circumstances can change, and roles may reverse. This fosters a healthy interdependence, promoting unity and shared responsibility within the global body of Christ. Whether managing personal finances, church budgets, or engaging in global missions, a balanced approach to giving and receiving honors God's design for community and equity, ensuring that our contributions are made willingly and joyfully, without leading to undue hardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can our personal giving and our church's outreach reflect a principle of mutual ease rather than simply shifting burdens?**
* **What might it look like to practice sustainable generosity in our current economic and social context, ensuring our giving is both impactful and responsible?**
* **In what ways can we identify and address imbalances of resources and needs within our local community and the broader global body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that Christians should strive for absolute equality in wealth?**

Answer: No, [2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") does not advocate for an absolute equalization of wealth, but rather for equity and balance in meeting needs. Paul's concern is that no one within the Christian community should suffer extreme destitution while others enjoy abundance. The principle articulated here, and further in [2 Corinthians 8:14-15](/2_corinthians/8-14-15 "2 Corinthians 8:14-15 - The Principle of Equality and Manna"), is about mutual support and ensuring that "he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack." It's about preventing undue burden on givers and alleviating severe hardship for recipients, fostering a healthy interdependence within the body of Christ.

**Does Paul's statement mean that Christian giving should never be sacrificial?**

Answer: While [2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") emphasizes avoiding undue burden, it does not negate the concept of sacrificial giving. Paul had just praised the Macedonian churches for giving "beyond their ability" ([2 Corinthians 8:3](/2_corinthians/8-3 "2 Corinthians 8:3 - Macedonian Churches' Generosity")), demonstrating that true generosity often involves sacrifice. The key distinction lies in the *motive* and *outcome*. Paul's concern is that the Corinthians' giving should not lead to their *ruin* or *oppression* to ease others, but rather contribute to a balanced state where needs are met through willing hearts. It's about preventing an *unjust* burden, not discouraging generous, Spirit-led sacrifice that flows from love and joy, as emphasized in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 8:13](/2_corinthians/8-13 "2 Corinthians 8:13 - Paul's Principle of Equitable Giving") finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The principle of mutual ease and burden-bearing is supremely embodied in the incarnation and atonement. As Paul declares just a few verses earlier, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - The Grace of Jesus Christ")). This is the divine exchange, the ultimate act of equitable giving: Christ, in His infinite glory and abundance, took upon Himself the ultimate "burden" of humanity's sin and its consequences, experiencing profound "thlîpsis" on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Through His self-emptying, He provides "ánesis" – rest, relief, and spiritual riches – for all who believe ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor and Are Heavy Laden")). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to live out this same self-giving love and mutual support, reflecting His character and continuing His mission of bringing ease to the burdened and sharing spiritual and material abundance with those in need, all for the glory of God ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ")).

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

Acts 4:34

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Romans 15:26

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

Romans 15:27

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.