Translations
Modern
Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
Traditional
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
Literal
…lest perhaps if Macedonians should come with me and should find you unprepared, we would be put to shame—not that we might say you—in this confidence.
Latin
…ne cum venerint Macedones mecum, et invenerint vos imparatos, erubescamus nos (ut non dicamus vos) in hac substantia.
Original
Greek
English
Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
Notes
Two reasons encourage the spirit of love in giving:
to follow the example of the Macedonians, who were generous despite their poverty (9:2); and
to avoid embarrassing Paul or themselves, as he had praised the Corinthians' generosity to the Macedonians (9:3–5).
To ensure the collection at Corinth is ready on time, Paul will send delegates (8:16–24) ahead to prepare the promised gift.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Places
Macedonia: A region in northern Greece; Paul preached there
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Macedonia Second Letter to the Corinthians
Topics
Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Emulation: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality in Corinth Tact: Paul in Stimulating Benevolent Giving