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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 8:8 I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/8-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/47_2Co_08_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 8:8 - Generosity Commended" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/8-8.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/8-8.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 8</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="/ad8.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/8-7.htm" title="2 Corinthians 8:7">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 8:8 <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm" title="2 Corinthians 8:9">►</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> I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I do not speak as a command, but proving the genuineness of your love through the earnestness of others also. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">King James Bible</a> I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">New King James Version</a> I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I am not saying this as a command, but as proving, through the earnestness of others, the sincerity of your love as well. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am not ordering you to do this. I am simply testing how real your love is by comparing it with the concern that others have shown. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I'm not commanding you, but I'm testing how genuine your love is by pointing out the dedication of others. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> I am not commanding you but testing the genuineness of your love by the enthusiasm of others. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/8.htm">NET Bible</a> I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/8.htm">World English Bible</a> I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I do not speak according to command, but because of the diligence of others, and proving the genuineness of your love, <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I do not speak as a command, but proving the genuineness of your love through the earnestness of others also. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> not according to command do I speak, but because of the diligence of others, and of your love proving the genuineness, <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I speak not according to command, but by care of others, trying also the purity of your love.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I speak not as commanding; but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I am speaking, not commanding. But through the solicitude of others, I approve of the good character of your charity. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Bible</a> I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I am not making a demand on you, but I am prompted by the devotion of your fellow believers to test the sincerity of your love. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I am not commanding simply to give you orders, but I am testing the truth of your love with the diligence of your companions.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I do not speak this as a commandment, but on account of the zeal of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I speak not according to commandment, but through the zeal of others also proving the sincerity of your divine love. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I speak not by commandment, but because of the forwardness of others, and to prove the genuineness of your love. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I don't mean to prescribe to you, but that the zeal of others may show you are as sincerely well-affected. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I am not speaking by way of command; but as proving, through the diligence of others, the sincerity of your love. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I speak not by way of command, but to prove the sincerity of your love also, by means of the forwardness of others. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/8-8.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=1371" 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">Generosity Commended</a> …7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8<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."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I am not making</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)."></a> <a href="/greek/2003.htm" title="2003: epitagēn (N-AFS) -- Instruction, command, order, authority. From epitasso; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness.">a demand,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">I am testing</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- 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/1103.htm" title="1103: gnēsion (Adj-ANS) -- From the same as genesia; legitimate, i.e. Genuine.">sincerity</a> <a href="/greek/5212.htm" title="5212: hymeteras (PPro-GF2P) -- Your, yours. From humeis; yours, i.e. Pertaining to you.">of your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēs (N-GFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">in comparison to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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/4710.htm" title="4710: spoudēs (N-GFS) -- (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm. From speudo; speed, i.e. despatch, eagerness, earnestness.">earnestness</a> <a href="/greek/2087.htm" title="2087: heterōn (Adj-GMP) -- (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.">of others.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.…<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="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a> Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a> What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ... <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-11</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, / filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a> Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. <a href="/hebrews/13-1.htm">Hebrews 13:1</a> Continue in brotherly love. <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a> Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ... <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? <a href="/mark/12-30.htm">Mark 12:30-31</a> Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ / The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.speak.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">2 Corinthians 8:10</a> 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.<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="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6,12,25</a> But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment… by occasion.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">2 Corinthians 8:1-3</a> Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; … <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">2 Corinthians 9:2</a> For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.<a href="/romans/11-12.htm">Romans 11:12-14</a> Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? … prove.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-24.htm">2 Corinthians 8:24</a> Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.<a href="/2_corinthians/6-6.htm">2 Corinthians 6:6</a> By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,<a href="/joshua/24-14.htm">Joshua 24:14</a> Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Comparing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Diligence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Earnestness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Forwardness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-8.htm">Genuine</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">Genuineness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-28.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Quality</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">Sincerity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Standard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-2.htm">Test</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Using</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">Comparing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">Diligence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">Earnestness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Forwardness</a> <a href="/philippians/2-20.htm">Genuine</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">Genuineness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-24.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-11.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Others</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-24.htm">Quality</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Sincerity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-19.htm">Standard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Test</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Using</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">Zeal</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I am not giving a command Paul begins by clarifying that his appeal is not a directive or an authoritative command. This approach reflects the New Testament emphasis on voluntary acts of love and generosity, as seen in the teachings of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Matthew 5:42</a>, <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a>). The early church, as described in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>, practiced communal sharing, but it was always voluntary. Paul’s method here aligns with the principle of free will, which is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God desires willing hearts rather than obligatory compliance (<a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a>).but I am testing the sincerity of your love Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, encouraging them to demonstrate the authenticity of their love. This testing is not for Paul's benefit but for the Corinthians to examine their own hearts. The concept of testing is prevalent in Scripture, often used by God to refine and prove the faithfulness of His people (<a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>, <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a>). The sincerity of love is a hallmark of true Christian faith, as love is the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>) and the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ (<a href="/john/13-35.htm">John 13:35</a>).through the earnestness of others Paul refers to the Macedonian churches, whose generosity despite their poverty serves as an example (<a href="/2_corinthians/8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:1-5</a>). The Macedonians' earnestness is a model for the Corinthians, illustrating how genuine love manifests in action. This comparison is not meant to shame but to inspire. The early church often used examples of faithfulness to encourage others, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, the "faith chapter," which recounts the deeds of faithful individuals throughout biblical history. The earnestness of others serves as a tangible benchmark for the Corinthians to measure their own commitment and love.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues within the church and encouraging them in their faith and practices. 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 moral and doctrinal issues. 3. <a href="/topical/m/macedonian_churches.htm">Macedonian Churches</a> Mentioned earlier in the chapter as an example of generosity despite their poverty, serving as a model for the Corinthians. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem_church.htm">Jerusalem Church</a> The intended recipients of the collection Paul is organizing, experiencing poverty and in need of support from other Christian communities. 5. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> A fellow worker with Paul, who is involved in the collection for the Jerusalem church and serves as a trusted messenger to the Corinthians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sincerity_of_love.htm">Sincerity of Love</a> True love is not just spoken but demonstrated through actions. Paul challenges the Corinthians to show their love through their generosity. <a href="/topical/t/testing_and_growth.htm">Testing and Growth</a> Tests of faith and love are opportunities for growth. Paul’s challenge is not a command but an invitation to mature in their faith. <a href="/topical/c/comparison_and_encouragement.htm">Comparison and Encouragement</a> Paul uses the example of the Macedonian churches not to shame but to inspire the Corinthians to greater acts of love and generosity. <a href="/topical/v/voluntary_generosity.htm">Voluntary Generosity</a> Giving should be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion. Paul emphasizes the importance of a willing heart in acts of charity. <a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a> The early church exemplified mutual support and care. Modern believers are encouraged to look for ways to support their faith communities and beyond.<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/how_does_god_show_his_love.htm">What does 'love each other deeply' mean?</a> <a href="/q/insights_on_day_27's_spiritual_growth.htm">What is the significance of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice?</a> <a href="/q/is_paul's_giving_emphasis_social_pressure.htm">Could Paul’s emphasis on generous giving in 2 Corinthians 8 be seen as an attempt to exert social pressure on the Corinthians, rather than purely as a spiritual directive?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_devout_people_face_injustice.htm">Proverbs 2:8 promises God will protect His faithful--why, then, do many devout people face injustice or calamity?</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>(8) I speak not by commandment.--The English, and, indeed, the Greek also, is to some extent ambiguous, and leaves us uncertain whether he disclaims merely the tone of command or the sanction of a divine authority. The former seems the preferable meaning, but ultimately the one runs into the other. He gives no commands in this matter to others because he has received no commandment from the Lord Himself. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm" title="But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.">1Corinthians 7:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm" title="But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.">1Corinthians 7:12</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm" title="Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.">1Corinthians 7:25</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Not by commandment. St. Paul felt an honourable sensibility which prevented him from straining his authority by urging the Corinthians to give of their substance. Among Gentiles such contributions towards the needs of others - the result of unselfish compassion - were all but unknown. The forwardness; i.e. the ready zeal. The sincerity; more literally, the genuineness. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I am not making λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. a demand, ἐπιταγὴν (epitagēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2003.htm">Strong's 2003: </a> Instruction, command, order, authority. From epitasso; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. I am testing δοκιμάζων (dokimazōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter 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. sincerity γνήσιον (gnēsion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1103.htm">Strong's 1103: </a> From the same as genesia; legitimate, i.e. Genuine. of your ὑμετέρας (hymeteras) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5212.htm">Strong's 5212: </a> Your, yours. From humeis; yours, i.e. Pertaining to you. love ἀγάπης (agapēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. in comparison to διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive 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. earnestness σπουδῆς (spoudēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4710.htm">Strong's 4710: </a> (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm. From speudo; 'speed', i.e. despatch, eagerness, earnestness. of others. ἑτέρων (heterōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2087.htm">Strong's 2087: </a> (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by way of commandment (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:9" /></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>