Keraia
2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8:15

Generosity Commended · 2 Corinthians 8:1–15
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Translations

Modern
As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”
Traditional
As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Literal
As it has been written: “The one who gathered much did not abound, and the one who gathered little did not lack.”
Latin
Qui multum, non abundavit: et qui modicum, non minoravit.

Original

Greek
English
As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

Notes

2 Corinthians 8:15

Paul quotes from Exodus 16:18 to explain that Christians have a shared duty. Wealthy believers, like the Corinthians, should assist poorer believers in Jerusalem. This way, everyone will have enough.

2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15

Paul now focuses on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund aimed to help the poor believers in the holy city (Acts 11:27–30; Romans 15:25–27, 31; Galatians 2:10). Paul had previously given instructions about this matter (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). Now it was time to gather the funds (2 Corinthians 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from non-Jewish congregations to the Jewish church would strengthen ties between the two groups in the early Christian community.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Christian Giving

Parallels

Philippians 4:10–20

Glossary

Alms Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Corinthians Titus (Person) Titus, Letter to

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning