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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/8-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/47_2Co_08_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 8:12 - Christ's Example" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/8-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/8-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm" title="2 Corinthians 8:11">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 8:12 <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm" title="2 Corinthians 8:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/8.htm">New International Version</a> For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable as if he might have, not as he does not have. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">King James Bible</a> For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">New King James Version</a> For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For if the willingness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> with whatever contributions you have. Since you are willing to do this, [remember] that people are accepted if they give what they are able to give. God doesn't ask for what they don't have. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> If you are eager to give, God will accept your gift on the basis of what you have to give, not on what you don't have. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/8.htm">NET Bible</a> For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is acceptable according to whatever a man has, and not according to what he has not. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/8.htm">World English Bible</a> For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for if the willing mind is present, it is well-accepted according to that which anyone may have, not according to that which he does not have; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable as if he might have, not as he does not have. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For if a forwardness lie before, according as any has, it is acceptable, not as he has not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, not according to that which he hath not. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For when the will is prompted, it receives according to what that person has, not according to what that person does not have. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Bible</a> For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For if there is a willingness to give, every man can give according to that which he has, and not according to that which he has not, and his gift will be acceptable. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For if there is a willingness, so it is accepted according to what one has; it is not according to what one does not have.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For if there is a readiness of mind, one is accepted according to what he has, not according to what he has not. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For if there is first a willing mind, it is acceptable according to what one may have, and not according to what he has not. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For if there is first a ready mind, a man is acceptable according to what he hath, and not according to what he hath not. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for what a man gives with a ready mind, according to his abilities, is well received; but not when he goes beyond his circumstances. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is acceptable according to whatever a man has, and not according to what he has not. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for, if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he has not. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For if there be first a willing mind, any me is accepted according to what he hath, not according to what he hath not. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1413" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Christ's Example</a> …11Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. 12<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4288.htm" title="4288: prothymia (N-NFS) -- Inclination, readiness, eagerness, willingness, promptness. From prothumos; predisposition, i.e. Alacrity.">eagerness</a> <a href="/greek/4295.htm" title="4295: prokeitai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth.">is there,</a> <a href="/greek/2144.htm" title="2144: euprosdektos (Adj-NFS) -- From eu and a derivative of prosdechomai; well-received, i.e. Approved, favorable.">the gift is acceptable</a> <a href="/greek/2526.htm" title="2526: katho (Adv) -- From kata and hos; according to which thing, i.e. Precisely as, in proportion as.">according to</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">what</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echē (V-PSA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">one has,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/2526.htm" title="2526: katho (Adv) -- From kata and hos; according to which thing, i.e. Precisely as, in proportion as.">according to</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">what he does not have.</a> 13It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a> As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ... <a href="/luke/21-1.htm">Luke 21:1-4</a> Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ... <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a> Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. <a href="/acts/11-29.htm">Acts 11:29</a> So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a> if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Philippians 4:18</a> I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-2.htm">1 Corinthians 16:2</a> On 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. <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a> Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a> For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a> “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. <a href="/deuteronomy/16-17.htm">Deuteronomy 16:17</a> Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9</a> Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24-25</a> One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a> Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not.if.<a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a> Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.<a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.<a href="/exodus/35-5.htm">Exodus 35:5,21,22,29</a> Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/luke/21-8.htm">Assuming</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Well-Accepted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Willingness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-17.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Assuming</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Well-Accepted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Willingness</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 8</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;</a> 7. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">by commendation of their former forwardness;</a> 9. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">by the example of Christ;</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;</a> 16. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about their commitment to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The eagerness or willingness to give reflects a sincere desire to help, which is more important than the amount given. This aligns with the biblical principle found in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God values the heart over outward appearances. The eagerness to give is a reflection of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, producing a cheerful and willing spirit.the gift is acceptable Paul reassures the Corinthians that their gift is pleasing to God when given with the right attitude. This echoes the teaching in <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Philippians 4:18</a>, where Paul describes the gifts from the Philippians as a "fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." The acceptability of the gift is not based on its size but on the sincerity and willingness behind it. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the heart of the worshiper was crucial for the offering to be accepted by God (<a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-17</a>).according to what one has This phrase highlights the principle of proportional giving. Paul encourages believers to give in accordance with their means, which ensures that the act of giving is not burdensome. This is consistent with the teaching in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-17.htm">Deuteronomy 16:17</a>, where each person is instructed to give as they are able, according to the blessings they have received from God. It underscores the idea that God does not expect believers to give beyond their capacity, but rather to give generously from what they have been entrusted with.not according to what he does not have Paul clarifies that God does not require believers to give what they do not possess. This is a practical and compassionate approach, recognizing the varying economic situations of individuals within the church. It reflects the wisdom found in <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9-10</a>, where honoring God with one's wealth is encouraged, but within the context of one's own resources. This teaching protects believers from feeling guilt or pressure to give beyond their means, promoting a spirit of freedom and joy in giving.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues of generosity and giving. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthians.htm">Corinthians</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth, known for their spiritual gifts but also for their struggles with unity and moral issues. 3. <a href="/topical/m/macedonian_churches.htm">Macedonian Churches</a> Mentioned earlier in the chapter as an example of generous giving despite their poverty. 4. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> A fellow worker of Paul, who was sent to Corinth to help organize the collection for the Jerusalem church. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem_church.htm">Jerusalem Church</a> The church in Jerusalem that was in need, prompting Paul to organize a collection from the Gentile churches.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_giving.htm">The Heart of Giving</a> God values the willingness and eagerness to give more than the size of the gift. Our attitude in giving reflects our trust and love for God. <a href="/topical/p/proportional_giving.htm">Proportional Giving</a> Giving should be according to one's means. God does not expect us to give what we do not have, but to be faithful with what we do have. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_worship.htm">Generosity as Worship</a> Our giving is an act of worship and should be done with joy and sincerity, reflecting our gratitude for God's provision. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Just as Paul encouraged the Corinthians by sharing the example of the Macedonians, we should encourage one another in our communities to give generously and support those in need. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_trust_in_provision.htm">Faith and Trust in Provision</a> Trusting God with our resources demonstrates faith in His provision. We are called to be stewards of what He has given us, using it to bless others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_second_blessing.htm">What is the second blessing?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_many_smart_people_atheists.htm">Why does God allow so many intelligent people to remain atheists if He wants all to believe?</a> <a href="/q/tithes__gross_or_net_income.htm">Should tithes be calculated on gross or net income?</a> <a href="/q/is_missing_church_considered_a_sin.htm">Is missing church considered a sin?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) For if there be first a willing mind.--This grows "out of that which ye have" in the previous verse. He is expecting a sum large relatively, and not absolutely. The history of the widow's mite, found in the Gospel of his friend St. Luke (<a href="/context/luke/21-1.htm" title="And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.">Luke 21:1-4</a>), was probably not unknown to him as belonging to "the words of the Lord Jesus" which he freely cites (<a href="/acts/20-35.htm" title="I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.">Acts 20:35</a>). He has, at all events, imbibed the spirit of its teaching from other like words.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - For if there be first a willing mind, etc. "For if the readiness is forth- coming, it is acceptable," etc. In other words, God considers not quantum, but ex quanto; not the magnitude of the gift, but the proportion which it bears to the means of the giver. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eagerness προθυμία (prothymia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4288.htm">Strong's 4288: </a> Inclination, readiness, eagerness, willingness, promptness. From prothumos; predisposition, i.e. Alacrity. is there, πρόκειται (prokeitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4295.htm">Strong's 4295: </a> From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth. [the gift] is acceptable εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdektos) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2144.htm">Strong's 2144: </a> From eu and a derivative of prosdechomai; well-received, i.e. Approved, favorable. according to καθὸ (katho) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2526.htm">Strong's 2526: </a> From kata and hos; according to which thing, i.e. Precisely as, in proportion as. what ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. one has, ἔχῃ (echē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. according to καθὸ (katho) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2526.htm">Strong's 2526: </a> From kata and hos; according to which thing, i.e. Precisely as, in proportion as. [what] he does not have. ἔχει (echei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is there it (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>