2 Corinthians 8:2

2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
The Message Bible (MSG)
2 Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts.
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
2 While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
2 during a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
2 They have suffered a great deal. But their joy was more than full. Even though they were very poor, they gave very freely.

2 Corinthians 8:2 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction
The apostle proceeds to show the condition these churches were in when, and the manner in which, they contributed to the relief of others. They were in affliction: they received the Gospel at first in much affliction, as did the church at Thessalonica, which was one of them; and afterwards suffered much from their countrymen for the profession of it, by reproaches, persecutions, imprisonments, confiscation of goods, &c. They were under trying afflictions, which tried their faith and patience, and in many of them. Now for persons in prosperity, when all things go well with them, to be liberal is no such great matter; but for persons in adversity, under trying dispensations of Providence, amidst many afflictive ones to communicate generously to the relief of others, is something very remarkable, and worthy of notice and imitation, which was the case of these churches: for notwithstanding this,

the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded unto
the riches of their liberality;
so that it appears likewise that they were not only in great afflictions, but in deep poverty; had but an handful of meal in the barrel, and a little oil in the cruse, their purses almost empty, and their coffers almost exhausted; they had gotten to the bottom of their substance, had but very little left; and yet freely gave, with joy, even with an abundance of it. The allusion seems to be to the words of David, in ( 1 Chronicles 22:14 ) now behold, (yyneb) which the Septuagint render by (kata ptwceian mou) , "according to my poverty, I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold" for by "the abundance of their joy", is not so much meant the joy they felt in the midst of their afflictions, so that they could glory in them, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, as the cheerfulness of their spirits in contributing to the necessities of others; glad at heart they were that they had hearts to do good, and an opportunity of doing it; which they gladly laid hold on, observing the divine rule, "he that sheweth mercy", let him do it "with cheerfulness": and this they did, considering the small pittance they were possessed of, very largely; for though their poverty was deep, and their purses low, their hearts were large and full, and their hands ready to communicate; so that their poverty "abounded to the riches of their liberality": though their poverty was great, their liberality was rich and large; though it might be but little they gave in quantity, it was much in quality, much in liberality; like the poor widow, who, of her want and penury, cast in more than all the rich besides, not in quantity, but in liberality; they only giving some, and a disproportionate part, she her all.

2 Corinthians 8:2 In-Context

1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Exodus 36:5; 2 Corinthians 9:11
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