but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.
Parallel translations
- KJV But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
- BSB At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.
- NKJV but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.
- NASB at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for their need, so that their abundance also may serve as assistance for your need, so that there may be equality;
- NLT Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.
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
The principle is equality: present abundance meeting present need, with the expectation that the situation may one day be reversed. Mutual supply binds believers together.
Overview
Paul envisions a fellowship in which surplus flows to need, so that no member lacks. Today the Corinthians can supply Jerusalem's want; another day the roles may reverse. This is not enforced leveling of wealth but Spirit-prompted generosity that expresses the interdependence of Christ's body.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 2
- 2 Cor 9:12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;
- Acts 4:34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
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 8:14 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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.