But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the willingness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability.
Parallel translations
- WEB But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
- KJV Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
- BSB Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.
- NKJV but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.
- NLT Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.
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 tells them to complete the giving they began, matching their earlier eagerness with finished action, giving out of what they actually have. Readiness should result in real generosity.
Overview
A willing heart must translate into a finished work. Paul stresses that the completion should come 'out of your ability,' so the gift is proportionate to their means. This balances zeal with realism: God values both the readiness of the will and the practical follow-through that demonstrates sincere love.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- 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.
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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.
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Original language
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