2 Corinthians 8:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G235}, as {G5618} ye abound {G4052} in {G1722} every {G3956} thing, in faith {G4102}, and {G2532} utterance {G3056}, and {G2532} knowledge {G1108}, and {G2532} in all {G3956} diligence {G4710}, and {G2532} in your {G5216} love {G26}{G1537} to {G1722} us {G2254}, see that {G2443} ye abound {G4052} in {G1722} this {G5026} grace {G5485} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in diligence of every kind, and in your love for us — see that you excel in this gift too.

Berean Standard Bible

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

American Standard Version

But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 8:7, the Apostle Paul commends the Corinthian believers for their existing spiritual strengths and virtues, including their faith, eloquence, knowledge, diligence, and love for him and his ministry. Building on this foundation of excellence, Paul exhorts them to extend their spiritual abundance to the practical realm of generous giving, urging them to "abound in this grace also." This verse serves as a pivotal call to holistic Christian maturity, emphasizing that spiritual giftedness and theological understanding should naturally manifest in tangible acts of sacrificial love and liberality, particularly in support of the impoverished saints in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extensive appeal to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, spanning chapters 8 and 9 of his second epistle. Paul initiates this discussion by highlighting the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own severe poverty, gave beyond their means, demonstrating a profound overflow of joy and grace ([2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches")). He presents their example not as a legalistic demand but as an invitation to participate in a divine work of grace. Paul then introduces Titus, whom he has sent to Corinth to help facilitate this collection, underscoring the importance of their participation ([2 Corinthians 8:6](/2_corinthians/8-6 "2 Corinthians 8:6 - Titus's Mission")). Verse 7, therefore, acts as a direct exhortation, leveraging their acknowledged spiritual strengths as a springboard for growth in the specific area of financial giving, framing it as another manifestation of God's grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the Jerusalem saints was a significant undertaking for Paul, symbolizing the unity between the Gentile and Jewish believers and providing practical relief to a community suffering from famine and poverty ([Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem")). The Corinthian church, situated in a wealthy Roman provincial capital, was known for its intellectualism, spiritual gifts, and sometimes, its internal divisions and moral issues ([1 Corinthians 1:10-12](/1_corinthians/1-10-12 "1 Corinthians 1:10-12 - Divisions in the Church") and [1 Corinthians 1:5](/1_corinthians/1-5 "1 Corinthians 1:5 - Enriched in Every Utterance and Knowledge")). Paul's challenge to them was not merely about raising funds, but about cultivating a spirit of generous love that would transcend their intellectual and spiritual pride, demonstrating their genuine commitment to Christ and their fellow believers. The act of giving was a tangible expression of their unity in the Body of Christ, bridging geographical and cultural divides.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this passage, and particularly in [2 Corinthians 8](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Grace of Giving"), is the **Grace of Giving**. Paul consistently presents giving not as a burdensome obligation but as a divine enablement and a spiritual privilege, a manifestation of God's unmerited favor at work in believers. He emphasizes that true generosity flows from a heart transformed by grace, mirroring the ultimate grace of Christ's self-emptying act ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Another key theme is **Holistic Christian Maturity**. Paul acknowledges the Corinthians' existing excellence in various spiritual virtues—faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, and love—which he had also touched upon in his first letter ([1 Corinthians 1:5-7](/1_corinthians/1-5-7 "1 Corinthians 1:5-7 - Spiritual Gifts in Corinth")). By urging them to "abound in this grace also," he underscores that spiritual growth must be comprehensive, encompassing both internal spiritual endowments and external, practical expressions of love, particularly through sacrificial giving. This highlights the importance of **Balancing Spiritual Gifts with Practical Love**, ensuring that their spiritual gifts are not ends in themselves but instruments for demonstrating tangible love and service to others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abound (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** From G4052, meaning "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel." Paul uses this word twice in the verse, first acknowledging their existing abundance in other virtues and then urging them to similarly "superabound" or "excel" in the grace of giving. It implies not merely having enough, but having an overflowing measure, indicative of spiritual vitality and generosity.
* **knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From G1108, meaning "knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge." This refers to their spiritual understanding and insight into divine truths. Paul recognizes their intellectual and theological acumen, setting up the contrast that this intellectual abundance should be matched by practical, tangible expressions of love.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." In this context, "grace" refers to the spiritual enablement and divine favor that empowers believers to give generously. It transforms giving from a mere obligation into a joyful, Spirit-empowered act that reflects God's own character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge":** Paul begins with "Therefore" (G235, _allá_), indicating a logical progression from the preceding discussion about the Macedonian churches' exemplary generosity. He then acknowledges the Corinthians' existing spiritual strengths, using "abound" (G4052, _perisseúō_) to describe their overflowing measure in "every thing" (G3956, _pâs_), specifically listing "faith" (G4102, _pístis_ - their trust in God), "utterance" (G3056, _lógos_ - their ability to speak God's truth, perhaps referring to prophecy or teaching), and "knowledge" (G1108, _gnōsis_ - their spiritual understanding). This commendation sets a positive tone, affirming their spiritual giftedness before challenging them further.
* **"and in all diligence, and in your love to us":** Continuing the list of their commendable qualities, Paul adds "all diligence" (G3956, _pâs_ G4710, _spoudḗ_ - their earnestness, zeal, and carefulness in spiritual matters) and "in your love to us" (G5216, _hymōn_ G26, _agápē_ G1722, _en_ G2254, _hēmîn_ - their affection and benevolent regard for Paul and his fellow workers). This comprehensive list underscores the breadth of their spiritual endowments, establishing a high standard of excellence that Paul expects them to apply consistently.
* **"see that ye abound in this grace also."**: This is the core exhortation. The phrase "see that" (G2443, _hína_) introduces a purpose or result clause, urging them to ensure they also excel in "this grace" (G5026, _taútēi_ G5485, _cháris_). The "grace" here specifically refers to the grace of giving, implying that just as their other virtues are manifestations of God's grace, so too should their generosity be. Paul calls them to an overflowing, excellent participation in the collection, making their giving commensurate with their other spiritual abundances.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this verse. **Anaphora** is evident in the repeated use of "in" (G1722, _en_) before each listed virtue ("in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us"), creating a rhythmic emphasis on the breadth of their spiritual abundance. This repetition highlights the comprehensive nature of their existing excellence. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing their acknowledged strengths (faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, love) directly alongside the area where they need to grow (the grace of giving). This contrast serves to motivate them, suggesting that their existing spiritual wealth should naturally extend to practical generosity. Furthermore, Paul uses **Metaphor** by referring to giving as a "grace" (G5485, _cháris_). This elevates the act of giving beyond a mere financial transaction to a divinely empowered spiritual expression, likening it to other spiritual gifts and virtues. This framing transforms the perception of giving from a burden to a privilege and a manifestation of God's work within them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 8:7 profoundly connects the spiritual and the practical, asserting that true Christian maturity is not compartmentalized but holistic. It teaches that the abundance of God's grace, manifested in spiritual gifts and virtues, should naturally overflow into tangible acts of love, particularly generous giving. This perspective elevates giving from a mere obligation to a spiritual discipline and a reflection of God's own character, who gives abundantly and sacrificially. It underscores that our spiritual endowments are given not for personal accumulation but for the edification of the body of Christ and the blessing of others, especially those in need.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts of Grace")
* [Philippians 4:18-19](/philippians/4-18-19 "Philippians 4:18-19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")
* [Acts 20:35](/acts/20-35 "Acts 20:35 - It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 8:7 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and churches, prompting us to examine the consistency of our spiritual lives. If we claim to abound in faith, knowledge, and love, does that abundance translate into tangible, sacrificial generosity? This verse challenges us to view giving not as an optional add-on to our spiritual walk, but as an integral expression of our Christian identity and a vital sign of spiritual maturity. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that delights in giving, recognizing it as a divine enablement and an opportunity to partner with God in His work. Our diligence in spiritual disciplines should be matched by our earnestness in practical love, ensuring that our intellectual understanding and spiritual experiences are grounded in compassionate action. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a holistic discipleship where every aspect of our lives, including our finances, is yielded to Christ and used for His glory and the good of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel you "abound" (excel or have an overflow)?**
* **How does your excellence in these areas translate into tangible acts of love and generosity towards others?**
* **Do you view giving as a burden, an obligation, or a "grace" and a privilege? How might shifting your perspective impact your generosity?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "abound in this grace also," aligning your giving with your other spiritual strengths?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "grace" in the context of giving?**

Answer: In 2 Corinthians 8:7, when Paul speaks of "this grace also" (G5485, _cháris_), he is elevating the act of giving beyond a mere financial transaction or human effort. "Grace" fundamentally refers to God's unmerited favor and divine influence. Here, it encompasses the spiritual enablement and divine favor that empowers believers to give generously. It means that giving is not something we do purely out of our own strength or obligation, but it is a capacity and a desire that God Himself works within us. It is a gift from God that allows us to participate in His generous nature, reflecting His own self-giving love. Paul emphasizes that God is "able to make all grace abound toward you" ([2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Abundant Grace in Giving")), implying that our ability to give generously is itself a testament to His work in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 8:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's exhortation for the Corinthians to "abound in this grace also" directly echoes the supreme example of Christ's unparalleled generosity. As Paul articulates in the very next verse, "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" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Jesus, being eternally rich in divine glory and majesty, willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and ultimately suffered the poverty of the cross, all to bestow upon humanity the immeasurable riches of salvation and eternal life ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Therefore, the call to abound in the grace of giving is not a legalistic demand but an invitation to participate in the very character of God revealed in Christ. Our generosity, whether in material resources, time, or talent, becomes a tangible reflection of the self-emptying love of the One who gave His all for us, enabling us to live out the new covenant reality where we are "rich in every way, to be generous in every way" ([2 Corinthians 9:11](/2_corinthians/9-11 "2 Corinthians 9:11 - Rich in Every Way to Be Generous")).

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

2 Peter 1:5

¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

2 Peter 1:8

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

1 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.