2 Corinthians 8:3

3 I testify that [they gave] according to [their] ability, and beyond [their] ability, by their own choice,

2 Corinthians 8:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:3

For to [their] power, I bear record
They gave according to their ability, to the utmost of it, which is the most that can be desired, or be given; for no man can give more than he has, nor is he required to do more than he is able:

yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
not that they did or could do beyond their power; but they were "willing" beyond their power; their hearts were larger than their purses; they would gladly have done more than they had ability to do; and to this the apostle bears testimony to give it credit, which otherwise might have been called in question: and it is to be observed, that these churches communicated in this cheerful manner and large way, considering their circumstances, to the utmost of their ability, "of themselves"; unasked, not having been put upon, pressed, and urged to such a service; for persons to give when they are asked, especially when they do it readily, at once, without demurring upon it, and with cheerfulness, is much; but to give unasked discovers a very generous and beneficent disposition: this is reckoned by the Jews as one of the excellencies in giving of alms {u},

``when a man gives into the hands of another (lavyv Mdwq) , "before he asks"; and the next degree to this is, when he gives to him after he asks; and the next to this, who gives less than is proper, but with a cheerful countenance.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Maimon. Hileh. Mattanot Anayim, c. 10. sect. 11, 12, 13.

2 Corinthians 8:3 In-Context

1 Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,

2 that with a great ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and the extreme depth of their poverty have overflowed to the wealth of their generosity.

3 I testify that [they gave] according to [their] ability, and beyond [their] ability, by their own choice,

4 requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints,

5 and not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us, by the will of God.

Footnotes

• [a] *The words "[they gave]" are not in the Greek text, but are implied