2 Corinthians 8:12

12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

2 Corinthians 8:12 in Other Translations

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

12 Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

12 For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not.

12 with whatever contributions you have. Since you are willing to do this, [remember] that people are accepted if they give what they are able to give. God doesn't ask for what they don't have.

12 For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

12 Do you really want to give? Then the gift is received in keeping with what you have, not with what you don't 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 here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.

11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,

Cross References

• 1. Mark 12:43,44; Luke 21:3; 2 Corinthians 9:7