And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
Parallel translations
- WEB I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.
- KJV And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
- ESV And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
- NKJV And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;
- NASB I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.
- NLT Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul offers wise counsel rather than a command, urging the Corinthians to finish the giving they had eagerly begun a year before. Good intentions must be carried through to completion.
Overview
The Corinthians had been the first to desire and start the collection for the poor saints. Paul gently reminds them that initial enthusiasm is not enough; willingness must mature into action. His tone is pastoral persuasion, not coercion, honoring their freedom while calling them to follow through on their commitment.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Heb 13:16And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- 1 Tim 6:18–19Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Prov 19:17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
- 2 Cor 9:2For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.
- Jas 2:15–16Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- 1 Cor 7:25Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
- 1 Cor 16:2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
- 1 Cor 7:40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
- Phil 4:17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
- 2 Cor 8:8I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.
- 2 Cor 12:1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
- Matt 10:42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
- John 11:50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
- 1 Cor 6:12“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.
- 1 Cor 10:23“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.
- John 16:7But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
- John 18:14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 8:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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