2 Corinthians 8:14

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} by {G1537} an equality {G2471}, that now {G3568} at {G1722} this time {G2540} your {G5216} abundance {G4051} may be a supply for {G1519} their {G1565} want {G5303}, that {G2443} their {G1565} abundance {G4051} also {G2532} may be {G1096} a supply for {G1519} your {G5216} want {G5303}: that {G3704} there may be {G1096} equality {G2471}:

Complete Jewish Bible

at present your abundance can help those in need; so that when you are in need, their abundance can help you — thus there is reciprocity.

Berean Standard Bible

At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

American Standard Version

but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 8:14 articulates a foundational principle of Christian stewardship and community: the establishment of mutual support and equity within the body of Christ. Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church regarding their participation in a collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem clarifies that the underlying motivation for such generous giving is to create a dynamic balance, ensuring that the current abundance of some can meet the present needs of others, with the understanding that circumstances may reverse over time, allowing for reciprocal aid.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extended appeal to the Corinthian church concerning their participation in a special collection for the impoverished believers in Judea, particularly in Jerusalem. Having previously encouraged them to fulfill a pledge made a year prior (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:10](/2_corinthians/8-10 "2 Corinthians 8:10 - The Corinthians' Pledge")), Paul now provides the theological and practical rationale behind such an endeavor. He strategically presents compelling motivations for their giving, beginning with the astonishing generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own severe poverty, gave beyond their means (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Macedonian Example")). Most profoundly, Paul anchors the call to generosity in the ultimate example of Christ's self-sacrificial grace, who, though rich, became poor for our sakes so that through His poverty we might become rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Grace")). Verse 14 serves as the culminating articulation of the practical outcome and theological principle of this communal sharing: to foster a dynamic balance where those with current surplus supply the needs of those in want, anticipating future reciprocity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection Paul was organizing was for the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, who were facing severe economic hardship, likely due to famine (as mentioned in [Acts 11:28-30](/acts/11-28-30 "Acts 11:28-30 - Famine Relief")) and potential persecution, which could lead to loss of property or livelihood. This collection also held significant symbolic weight, serving to demonstrate the unity between the Gentile churches and the mother church in Jerusalem, bridging ethnic and cultural divides within the nascent Christian movement. In the Greco-Roman world, patronage was common, where the wealthy would give to clients in exchange for loyalty or status. However, Paul's appeal transcends this, promoting a distinctively Christian model of mutual aid rooted in familial love and the principle of equality, where giving is not for personal gain or status, but for the communal good and the glory of God. This collection was a tangible expression of the spiritual debt Gentile believers owed to Jewish believers, from whom they had received the gospel (cf. [Romans 15:27](/romans/15-27 "Romans 15:27 - Spiritual Debt and Material Aid")).
* **Key Themes:** The principle of **Equality and Reciprocity** is central to [2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality"). Paul is not advocating for absolute economic leveling, but rather a dynamic balance where current surplus meets present deficiency, implying a reciprocal relationship over time. This ensures that no part of the body of Christ suffers extreme lack while another part has excess. This principle ensures that believers care for one another in practical ways, embodying the command to "do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (cf. [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All")). The theme of **Mutual Aid and Christian Generosity** is also prominent, highlighting the church's function as a supportive community. When one member has an abundance, they are called to share with those in want, fostering a spirit of interdependence and demonstrating the unity of believers, much like the early church's practice of sharing all things in common (cf. [Acts 4:34-35](/acts/4-34-35 "Acts 4:34-35 - Sharing in the Early Church")). Finally, the verse subtly underscores **Stewardship and Divine Provision**. It reminds believers that their "abundance" is not solely for personal consumption but is a gift from God, to be stewarded for the benefit of the entire community, echoing the broader biblical teaching that God provides for His people's needs (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **equality (Greek, _isótēs'_):** This term (G2471) denotes fairness, equity, or balance, rather than a strict, mathematical uniformity of possessions. It suggests a state where needs are met through shared resources, preventing extreme disparities within the community of believers. It implies a just distribution based on need, not a forced leveling of all economic status.
* **abundance (Greek, _perísseuma'_):** Derived from G4051, this word refers to a surplus, an overflow, or something that is "over and above" what is strictly necessary for one's own immediate needs. It signifies a plentiful supply or an excess of resources, whether material or otherwise, that God has graciously provided.
* **want (Greek, _hystérēma'_):** This term (G5303) signifies a deficit, a lack, or a state of poverty or penury. It points to a genuine need or deficiency that requires external supply to be met. It is the opposite of "abundance" and highlights a condition of privation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But by an equality,"**: Paul introduces the overarching principle that governs this act of giving. The collection is not merely charity but is intended to establish a state of balance or fairness within the broader Christian community. This "equality" is not about making everyone equally wealthy, but ensuring that basic needs are met and extreme suffering is alleviated through mutual support.
* **"that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want,"**: This clause specifies the immediate application of the principle. At the present moment, the Corinthian church, which presumably enjoys a degree of material prosperity ("your abundance"), is called upon to use its surplus to alleviate the pressing needs ("their want") of the Jerusalem saints. The purpose is practical provision, bridging the gap between excess and deficiency.
* **"that their abundance also may be a supply for your want:"**: This is the reciprocal, forward-looking aspect of the "equality." Paul envisions a future scenario where the roles might be reversed. The Jerusalem church, despite its current poverty, possesses spiritual riches and a deep heritage in the gospel. Paul implies that their "abundance" (perhaps spiritual, or even future material prosperity) could, in time, become a supply for the Corinthians' "want," demonstrating a dynamic, ongoing relationship of mutual dependence and support within the body of Christ.
* **"that there may be equality:"**: This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the central purpose of the entire transaction. The goal is the establishment and maintenance of this equitable balance, where the needs of all members of the Christian family are met through shared resources, reflecting the unity and interdependence of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality") to underscore his message. The most prominent is **Chiasm**, a rhetorical device where successive phrases or clauses are parallel in structure but reversed in order (A-B-B'-A'). Here, the structure can be seen as "your abundance for their want" (A-B) followed by "their abundance for your want" (B'-A'), framed by the overarching theme of "equality." This chiastic structure emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship and the dynamic balance Paul seeks to achieve. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of the phrase "abundance... may be a supply for... want," which highlights the core concept of mutual provision. This repetition reinforces the idea that the exchange is not a one-way street but a continuous cycle of giving and receiving. Finally, Paul uses **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing "abundance" and "want," sharply delineating the two opposing states of material condition and emphasizing the need for the former to alleviate the latter. These devices collectively serve to embed the principle of mutual support and dynamic equality firmly in the minds of his readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle articulated in [2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality") is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting God's character as a provider who cares for the needy, and His design for His people to live in community, sharing generously from what they have received. It underscores the truth that all possessions are ultimately God's, and believers are merely stewards, called to manage resources not just for personal benefit but for the common good of the body of Christ. This mutual aid is a tangible expression of Christian love, demonstrating the unity of believers across geographical and cultural divides, and embodying the practical outworking of the new covenant. It moves beyond mere charity to a theology of shared life, where the strength of one part of the body supports the weakness of another, ensuring that the entire body flourishes.

* [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - Early Church Sharing")
* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Collection for Jerusalem")
* [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - Practical Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality") presents a profound challenge and opportunity for believers today, both individually and corporately. It calls us to examine our own lives and resources, asking whether our "abundance"—whether material wealth, time, talents, or spiritual gifts—is being stewarded in a way that genuinely addresses the "want" of others within the Christian community, both locally and globally. This verse encourages a radical generosity that views our possessions not as solely for personal consumption, but as tools for building up the body of Christ and alleviating suffering. It fosters a spirit of humility, reminding us that circumstances can change, and today's giver might become tomorrow's receiver, strengthening the bonds of unity and interdependence within the church. Ultimately, it calls us to live out the truth that we are interconnected members of one body, and our prosperity should be channeled to bless others, reflecting the self-giving nature of Christ and the communal love that defines His followers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (finances, time, skills, spiritual gifts) do I experience "abundance," and how am I currently using that abundance to meet the "want" of others in the body of Christ?**
* **How does the principle of "equality" in this verse challenge my cultural assumptions about personal wealth and individual responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can my local church take to better embody the dynamic of mutual aid and reciprocal support envisioned in this passage?**
* **Considering the possibility of future "want" in my own life, how does this perspective influence my approach to generosity today?**

### FAQ

**Is Paul advocating for communism or forced redistribution of wealth in 2 Corinthians 8:14?**

No, Paul is not advocating for communism or forced redistribution of wealth. The "equality" (Greek: _isótēs_) he speaks of is not an absolute economic leveling, but rather a dynamic balance achieved through voluntary, needs-based giving motivated by Christian love and grace. Unlike communist systems which often involve state-mandated confiscation and redistribution of private property, Paul's appeal is to the freewill generosity of believers, as seen throughout [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8-9 - The Collection for the Saints"). He emphasizes that "each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (cf. [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")). The goal is to meet genuine needs and foster unity, not to abolish private property or enforce economic uniformity. It's about ensuring that no one in the Christian community suffers extreme lack while others have surplus, reflecting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

**What does "equality" mean in the context of 2 Corinthians 8:14?**

In [2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality"), "equality" (Greek: _isótēs_) does not imply an absolute, mathematical leveling of all possessions or wealth. Instead, it refers to a state of equity, fairness, or balance within the Christian community. The concept is that those who currently have an "abundance" (a surplus beyond their immediate needs) should use that surplus to meet the "want" (the genuine deficiency or poverty) of others. This creates a dynamic equilibrium where basic needs are met, and no member of the body of Christ is in extreme privation while others have excess. It also implies reciprocity over time, where those who are currently receiving aid might, in the future, be in a position to give, and vice-versa. It's about a just and loving distribution of resources to ensure that the needs of all are adequately addressed within the fellowship of believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of "equality" and mutual provision in [2 Corinthians 8:14](/2_corinthians/8-14 "2 Corinthians 8:14 - Mutual Support and Equality") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul himself points to this in the preceding verse, stating, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Grace")). Christ, in His divine abundance, emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His "want" on the cross, His suffering and death, became the "supply" for our spiritual poverty, our sin, and our separation from God. Through His ultimate act of self-giving, He established a new spiritual "equality" where all who believe are made rich in Him, receiving forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. The church, as His body, is called to embody this same self-emptying love and mutual provision, extending Christ's work of reconciliation and restoration in the world. Our acts of sharing and generosity are not merely ethical duties but are a participation in the very life and mission of Christ, who continually supplies our needs and calls us to be channels of His grace, building up the body until we all reach maturity in Him (cf. [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing 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,

2 Corinthians 9:12

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;