2 Corinthians 8:12

12 For if the eagerness is present {according to what one has}, [it is] acceptable not {according to what one does not have}.

2 Corinthians 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind
If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less:

it is accepted;
both of God and man:

according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God", ( Philippians 4:18 ) .

2 Corinthians 8:12 In-Context

10 And I am giving an opinion in this [matter], because this is profitable for you who not only began previously, a year ago, to do [something], but also to want [to do it].

11 So now also complete the doing [of it], in order that just as [you have] the eagerness to want [to do it], thus also [you may] complete [it] from [what you] have.

12 For if the eagerness is present {according to what one has}, [it is] acceptable not {according to what one does not have}.

13 For [this is] not that for others [there may be] relief, [and] for you difficult circumstances, but [as a matter] of equality.

14 At the present time your abundance [will be] for their need, in order that their abundance may also be for your need, so that there may be equality,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "to the degree that if he might have"
• [b]. Literally "to the degree that he might not have"