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.
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.
- BSB 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.
- 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.
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 13:16But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- 1 Tim 6:18–19that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- Prov 19:17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
- 2 Cor 9:2for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
- Jas 2:15–16And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food,
- 1 Cor 7:25Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
- 1 Cor 16:2On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
- 1 Cor 7:40But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God’s Spirit.
- Phil 4:17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
- 2 Cor 8:8I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
- 2 Cor 12:1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
- Matt 10:42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.”
- John 11:50nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”
- 1 Cor 6:12“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
- 1 Cor 10:23“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.
- John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
- John 18:14Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.
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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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