2 Corinthians 8:3

3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,

2 Corinthians 8:3 in Other Translations

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

3 I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could - far more than they could afford! -

3 For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave] of their own accord,

3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.

3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability,

3 I give witness that they gave as much as they could. In fact, they gave even more than they could. Completely on their own,

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 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 Corinthians 16:2