The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:12 Explained

2 Corinthians 8:12

KJV: 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.

YLT: for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not;

Darby: For if the readiness be there, a man is accepted according to what he may have, not according to what he has not.

ASV: For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 2 Corinthians 8:12 Mean?

Study Notes

willing
See 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 , .
Moreover
In 2 Corinthians 8, 9, the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:
(1) It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 8:7
(2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love 2 Corinthians 8:8-12 ; 2 Corinthians 9:1 ; 2 Corinthians 9:2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:5 ; 2 Corinthians 9:7
(3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 ; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 ; 1 Corinthians 16:1 ; 1 Corinthians 16:2 .
(4) Giving is to be proportioned to income 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 ; 1 Corinthians 16:2 . The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law Genesis 14:20 .
(5) The rewards of Christian giving are (a) joy 2 Corinthians 8:2 (b) increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 (c) increased thankfulness to God 2 Corinthians 9:12 (d) God and the Gospel glorified 2 Corinthians 9:13 ; 2 Corinthians 9:14

Verse Meaning

The standard by which God would judge their contribution would be how much they gave in relation to how much they had, not just how much they gave (cf. Mark 12:41-44). God does not expect us to give what we do not have. The apostle assumed their giving sprang from proper motivation.
"Paul"s sentiment here is entirely in line with the OT prophets" teaching that the right attitude to Yahweh is more important than the sacrifice itself." [1]

Context Summary

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Stimulating To Liberality
Surely the plea for a generous gift of money toward the collection which Paul was making for the poor saints in Jerusalem, could not have been more tenderly and convincingly urged than it is urged here. He begins by mentioning the generosity of the Christians in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, who were very poor, the inference being that the wealthier Corinthians would make similar sacrifices. He quotes the example of the Lord Jesus, who made Himself poor that they might be enriched and who for nineteen centuries since has had the joy of enriching myriads of souls. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a year ago they had resolved to make this gift. Finally he sketches his fair dream of reciprocity between church and church, so that wherever there was need the supplies of Christian benevolence should flow forth to meet it.
Notice, then, that Christian liberality originates in the grace of God, ministers abundant joy to those who give, is not staunched by deep poverty, begins with the consecration of the giver's soul to God, and does not wait to be entreated, because it demands the privilege of ministering thus to the lack of Christ's body. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 8

1  He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;
7  by commendation of their former forwardness;
9  by the example of Christ;
14  and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;
16  commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:12

Is there [προκειται]
Lies before one. Old word. [source]
Acceptable [ευπροσδεκτος]
See note on 2 Corinthians 6:2. According as a man hath (κατο εαν εχηι — katho ean echēi). Indefinite comparative clause with εαν — ean and present subjunctive εχει — echei Clearly God does not expect us to give what we do not have. Not according as he hath not Note present indicative rather than subjunctive because a specific case is presented. See 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:43. [source]
According as a man hath [κατο εαν εχηι]
Indefinite comparative clause with εαν — ean and present subjunctive εχει — echei Clearly God does not expect us to give what we do not have. [source]
Not according as he hath not [ου κατο ουκ εχει]
Note present indicative rather than subjunctive because a specific case is presented. See 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:43. [source]
If there be first a willing mind [εἰ ἡ προθυμία προκειται]
The error of the A.V. consists in regarding πρό in πρόκειται as indicating priority in time; be first; whereas it signifies position, before one; as “the hope, or the race, or the joy which is set before us.” Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 12:2; or “the example which is set forth,” Judges 1:7. Hence Rev., correctly, if the readiness is there. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 8:12

Romans 15:16 Minister [λειτουργον]
Predicate accusative in apposition with με — me and see note on Romans 13:6 for the word. “The word here derives from the context the priestly associations which often attach to it in the lxx” (Denney). But this purely metaphorical use does not show that Paul attached a “sacerdotal” character to the ministry. Ministering (ιερουργουντα — hierourgounta). Present active participle of ιερουργεω — hierourgeō late verb from ιερουργος — hierourgos (ιεροσ εργω — hierosη προσπορα των ετνων — ergō), in lxx, Philo, and Josephus, only here in N.T. It means to work in sacred things, to minister as a priest. Paul had as high a conception of his work as a preacher of the gospel as any priest did. The offering up of the Gentiles Genitive of apposition, the Gentiles being the offering. They are Paul‘s offering. See note on Acts 21:26. Acceptable (ηγιασμενη εν πνευματι αγιωι — euprosdektos). See note on 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12. Because “sanctified in the Holy Spirit” (αγιαζω — hēgiasmenē en pneumati hagiōi perfect passive participle of hagiazō). [source]
Romans 15:16 The offering up of the Gentiles [ευπροσδεκτος]
Genitive of apposition, the Gentiles being the offering. They are Paul‘s offering. See note on Acts 21:26. Acceptable (ηγιασμενη εν πνευματι αγιωι — euprosdektos). See note on 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12. Because “sanctified in the Holy Spirit” (αγιαζω — hēgiasmenē en pneumati hagiōi perfect passive participle of hagiazō). [source]
Romans 15:16 Acceptable [ηγιασμενη εν πνευματι αγιωι]
See note on 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12. Because “sanctified in the Holy Spirit” (αγιαζω — hēgiasmenē en pneumati hagiōi perfect passive participle of hagiazō). [source]
1 Corinthians 11:22 That have not [τους μη εχοντας]
Not those without houses, but those who have nothing, “the have-nots” (Findlay) like 2 Corinthians 8:12, in contrast with οι εχοντες — hoi echontes “the haves” (the men of property). What shall I say to you? (τι ειπω υμιν — ti eipō humiṉ) Deliberative subjunctive that well expresses Paul‘s bewilderment. [source]
1 Corinthians 16:2 Lay by him in store [παρ εαυτωι τιτετω τησαυριζων]
By himself, in his home. Treasuring it (cf. Matthew 6:19. for τησαυριζω — thēsaurizō). Have the habit of doing it, τιτετω — tithetō (present imperative). As he may prosper (οτι εαν ευοδωται — hoti ean euodōtai). Old verb from ευ — eu well, and οδος — hodos way or journey, to have a good journey, to prosper in general, common in lxx. In N.T. only here and Romans 1:10; 3 John 1:2. It is uncertain what form ευοδωται — euodōtai is, present passive subjunctive, perfect passive indicative, or even perfect passive subjunctive (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 54). The old MSS. had no accents. Some MSS. even have ευοδωτηι — euodōthēi (first aorist passive subjunctive). But the sense is not altered. οτι — Hoti is accusative of general reference and εαν — ean can occur either with the subjunctive or indicative. This rule for giving occurs also in 2 Corinthians 8:12. Paul wishes the collections to be made before he comes. [source]
1 Corinthians 16:2 As he may prosper [οτι εαν ευοδωται]
Old verb from ευ — eu well, and οδος — hodos way or journey, to have a good journey, to prosper in general, common in lxx. In N.T. only here and Romans 1:10; 3 John 1:2. It is uncertain what form ευοδωται — euodōtai is, present passive subjunctive, perfect passive indicative, or even perfect passive subjunctive (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 54). The old MSS. had no accents. Some MSS. even have ευοδωτηι — euodōthēi (first aorist passive subjunctive). But the sense is not altered. οτι — Hoti is accusative of general reference and εαν — ean can occur either with the subjunctive or indicative. This rule for giving occurs also in 2 Corinthians 8:12. Paul wishes the collections to be made before he comes. [source]
2 Corinthians 8:11 The completion also [εκ του εχειν]
The finishing also (articular first aorist active infinitive). Out of your ability (ek tou echein). “Out of the having,” literally, and so, “out of what you can give” (2 Corinthians 8:12). [source]
2 Corinthians 8:11 Out of your ability [ek tou echein)]
“Out of the having,” literally, and so, “out of what you can give” (2 Corinthians 8:12). [source]
Hebrews 6:18 To lay hold upon the hope set before us [κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης]
For κρατῆσαι tolay fast hold, see on Mark 7:3; see on Acts 3:11; see on Colossians 2:19. Προκειμένης lyingbefore or set before; destined or appointed. Mostly in Hebrews. Comp. 2 Corinthians 8:12; Judges 1:7. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Willingly [προδύμως]
Not strong enough. The word is compounded of πρό , forward, and θυμός , heart or spirit. Hence Rev., with a ready mind; a forward spirit; denoting not mere willingness, but zeal. Only here in New Testament. Compare the kindred adjective πρόθυμος , ready (Romans 1:15; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38), and the kindred noun προθυμία , readiness (2 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 8:19; 2 Corinthians 9:2). [source]
1 Peter 4:13 Inasmuch [κατο]
“In so far forth as” (“according to which thing”), old conjunction, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 8:12; Romans 8:26. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 8:12 mean?

If for the readiness is present as if he might have acceptable not not he does have
εἰ γὰρ προθυμία πρόκειται καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ εὐπρόσδεκτος οὐ οὐκ ἔχει

προθυμία  readiness 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: προθυμία  
Sense: zeal, spirit, eagerness.
πρόκειται  is  present 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: πρόκειμαι  
Sense: to lie or be placed before (a person or a thing) or in front of.
ἔχῃ  he  might  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
εὐπρόσδεκτος  acceptable 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: εὐπρόσδεκτος  
Sense: well received, accepted, acceptable.
ἔχει  he  does  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.