New International VersionIn the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
New Living TranslationThey are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
English Standard Versionfor in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Berean Standard BibleIn the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
Berean Literal Biblethat in much proof of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and of their deep poverty abounded into the riches of their generosity.
King James BibleHow that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
New King James Versionthat in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
New American Standard Biblethat in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
NASB 1995that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
NASB 1977that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
Legacy Standard Biblethat in a great testing by affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the richness of their generosity.
Amplified Biblefor during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.
Christian Standard BibleDuring a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Holman Christian Standard BibleDuring a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.
American Standard Versionhow that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Contemporary English VersionAlthough they were going through hard times and were very poor, they were glad to give generously.
English Revised Versionhow that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhile they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.
Good News TranslationThey have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor.
International Standard VersionIn spite of their terrible ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and deep poverty have led them to be abundantly generous.
NET Biblethat during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.
New Heart English Biblehow that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
Webster's Bible TranslationThat in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality.
Weymouth New Testamenthow, while passing through great trouble, their boundless joy even amid their deep poverty has overflowed to increase their generous liberality. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
World English Biblehow in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbecause in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality;
Berean Literal Biblethat in much proof of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and of their deep poverty abounded into the riches of their generosity.
Young's Literal Translation because in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, did abound to the riches of their liberality;
Smith's Literal TranslationThat in much proof of pressure the abundance of their joy and their poverty according to depth abounded to the abundance of their simplicity. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy; and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor within a great experience of tribulation, they have had an abundance of joy, and their profound poverty has only increased the richness of their simplicity.
New American Biblefor in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
New Revised Standard Versionfor during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHow that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep rooted poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor in the many trials of their afflictions there was an abundance to their joy, and the depth of their poverty was made to superabound in the wealth of their generosity. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentthat under an afflicting trial, their overflowing joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality;
Godbey New Testamentbecause in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Haweis New Testamentthat in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, hath more abounded to the riches of their liberality.
Mace New Testamentwho tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power,
Weymouth New Testamenthow, while passing through great trouble, their boundless joy even amid their deep poverty has overflowed to increase their generous liberality.
Worrell New Testamentthat, in much trial of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
Worsley New Testamenthow in a great trial of affliction, their abundant chearfulness and their deep poverty, hath munificently shewn the riches of their bounty.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Generosity Commended1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2Inthe terribleordealthey suffered,theirabundantjoyanddeeppovertyoverflowedintorichgenerosity.3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,…
Cross References Acts 11:29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
Romans 15:26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Philippians 1:29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
James 1:2-3Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
1 Thessalonians 1:6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
1 Peter 1:6-7In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
Romans 5:3-5Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
1 Peter 4:13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.
Philippians 4:10-19Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. / I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. ...
1 John 3:17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Galatians 2:10They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Luke 21:1-4Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ...
Matthew 5:11-12Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
Treasury of Scripture How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. in. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as theyhave of the Jews: 1 Thessalonians 3:3,4 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto… the abundance. Nehemiah 8:10-12 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: forthis dayis holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength… Acts 2:45,46 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to allmen, as every man had need… their deep. Mark 12:42-44 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing… Luke 21:1-4 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury… James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? the riches. 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, andyet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 9:11,13 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God… Deuteronomy 15:4 Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth theefor an inheritance to possess it: liberality. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth,let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Jump to Previous AboundedAbundanceAfflictionAmidBoundlessDeepExtremeGenerosityGenerousGreatGreaterGreatestIncreaseJoyLiberalityNeedOrdealOverflowedOverflowingPartPassingPovertyProofRichRichesSevereTestTrialTroubleUndergoingWealthJump to Next AboundedAbundanceAfflictionAmidBoundlessDeepExtremeGenerosityGenerousGreatGreaterGreatestIncreaseJoyLiberalityNeedOrdealOverflowedOverflowingPartPassingPovertyProofRichRichesSevereTestTrialTroubleUndergoingWealth2 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.In the terrible ordeal they sufferedThis phrase refers to the severe trials faced by the Macedonian churches, likely including persecution and economic hardship. Historically, Macedonia was a region that experienced significant political and social upheaval, which often led to financial instability. The early Christian communities in this area were not immune to these challenges. The phrase highlights the resilience and faith of the Macedonian believers, who, despite their circumstances, remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ. This echoes the trials faced by the early church as described in Acts 16:22-24, where Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Their abundant joy
Despite their trials, the Macedonian believers experienced profound joy. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often seen in the New Testament as a hallmark of true Christian faith, transcending external circumstances. The joy of the Macedonians serves as a testament to their deep relationship with Christ, who is the source of true joy (John 15:11). This joy is not dependent on material wealth or comfort but is rooted in the hope and assurance of salvation. And deep poverty
The Macedonians were experiencing extreme poverty, yet their financial lack did not hinder their spiritual richness. This phrase underscores the paradox of Christian living, where material poverty can coexist with spiritual abundance. The Macedonian churches exemplified the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke of the blessedness of the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). Their situation also reflects the early church's communal lifestyle, where believers shared their resources to support one another (Acts 2:44-45). Overflowed into rich generosity
Despite their poverty, the Macedonians gave generously to support the Jerusalem church, which was experiencing its own hardships. This act of giving is a powerful demonstration of the grace of God working in their lives. Their generosity is reminiscent of the widow's offering inMark 12:41-44, where Jesus commends the widow for giving out of her poverty. The Macedonians' actions fulfill the principle found inProverbs 11:25, which states that a generous person will prosper. Their giving is a type of Christ's own sacrificial giving, as they gave not out of abundance but out of love and commitment to the body of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Macedonian ChurchesThese were the churches in the region of Macedonia, including Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. They were known for their faith and generosity despite facing severe trials and poverty. 2. Apostle PaulThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them in their giving by using the example of the Macedonian churches. 3. The Collection for the SaintsThis was a fundraising effort initiated by Paul to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Teaching Points Joy in TrialsThe Macedonian churches exemplified how joy can coexist with trials. Their joy was not dependent on circumstances but rooted in their faith in Christ. Generosity in PovertyTrue generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. The Macedonians gave beyond their means, demonstrating that even in poverty, one can be rich in generosity. The Grace of GivingGiving is a grace that God bestows upon believers. It is an act of worship and a reflection of God's own generosity towards us. Encouragement to OthersThe example of the Macedonian churches serves as an encouragement to other believers to give generously, regardless of their circumstances. Faith and ActionFaith in Christ should lead to tangible actions, such as supporting fellow believers in need. Our faith is demonstrated through our deeds. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8
Proverbs 3:9 commands honoring God with wealth—why do many faithful givers remain poor while the corrupt often thrive?
Proverbs 10:22 promises that the Lord’s blessing brings wealth—how do we explain faithful yet impoverished individuals?
In 2 Corinthians 8:1–2, how can we trust Paul’s claim that the impoverished Macedonians gave beyond their means if there’s no external historical data corroborating their extreme poverty?
In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul mentions a severe ordeal in Asia--why is there no clear historical or archaeological record to confirm this event outside the Bible?(2) In a great trial of affliction.--We do not know what is specially referred to, but a community of Christians in a heathen city was always exposed to trials of this kind, and the temper shown before by the rulers at Philippi and the Jews of Thessalonica ( Acts 16:19-20; Acts 17:5-6; 1Thessalonians 2:14) makes it almost certain that they would carry on at least a petty persecution with more or less persistency. The "poverty" at Philippi may possibly be connected with the preponderance of women in the Church there, as indicated in Acts 16:13. In the absence of the bread-winners of a household, Christian women in a Graeco-Roman city would find but scanty means of subsistence. In part, however, the churches were but sharers in a widely-spread distress. Macedonia and Achaia never recovered from the three wars between Caesar and Pompeius, between the Triumvirs and Brutus and Cassius, and between Augustus and Antonius. Under Tiberius, they petitioned for a diminution of their burdens, and were accordingly transferred for a time from the jurisdiction of the senate to that of the emperor, as involving a less heavy taxation. Unto the riches of their liberality.--The primary meaning of the word, as in2Corinthians 1:12 (where see Note), is simplicity, or singleness of purpose. That singleness, when shown in gifts, leads to "liberality," and so the word had acquired the secondary sense in which it seems here to be used. Tyndale, and Cranmer, however, give "singleness," and the Rhemish version "simplicity." "Liberality" first appears in that of Geneva. . . . Verse 2. - In a great trial of affliction; rather, in much testing of affliction; i.e. in an affliction which put to the proof their Christian character. "They were not simply afflicted," says St. Chrysostom, "but in such a way as also to become approved by their endurance." (For the word rendered "trial," see Romans 5:4, and in this Epistle, 2 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 9:13; 2 Corinthians 13:3.) "Affliction" seems to have befallen the Churches of Macedonia very heavily ( 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14), chiefly through the jealousy of the Jews, who excited the hatred of the Gentiles ( Acts 16:20; Acts 17:5, 13). The abundance of their joy. Another reference to joy in sadness (see on 2 Corinthians 7:4). There is not the least necessity to understand the verb "is" or "was" after this clause. "The abundance... abounded" is indeed a pleonasm, but is not at all unlike the style of St. Paul. He means to say that their joy overflowed their affliction, and their liberality overflowed their poverty ( Mark 12:44). Their deep poverty; literally, their pauperism to the depth; their abysmal penury. Though they were βαθύπτωχοι, they showed themselves in generosity to be βαθυπλουτοι. Stanley refers to Arnold's 'Roman Commonwealth,' where he mentions that the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia, which had suffered greatly in the three civil wars, appealed successfully to Tiberius for a diminution of their burdens. The gift of the Macedonians was like the widow's mite ( Luke 21:3, 4, where similar words occur - perisseuo, husterema). Of their liberality; rather, of their singleness of purpose or simplicity ( Ephesians 6:5). The "grace" and single-heartedness to which he alludes showed themselves in liberality.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] terribleπολλῇ(pollē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.ordealδοκιμῇ(dokimē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1382:A trial, proof; tried, approved character. From the same as dokimos; test; by implication, trustiness.they suffered,θλίψεως(thlipseōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347:Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.abundantπερισσεία(perisseia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4050:Abundance, superfluity. From perisseuo; surplusage, i.e. Superabundance.joyχαρᾶς(charas)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479:Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.deepβάθους(bathous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 899:From the same as bathus; profundity, i.e. extent; mystery.povertyπτωχεία(ptōcheia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4432:Poverty, destitution. From ptocheuo; beggary, i.e. Indigence.overflowedἐπερίσσευσεν(eperisseusen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4052:From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.richπλοῦτος(ploutos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4149:From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.generosity.ἁπλότητος(haplotētos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 572:Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in much proof of affliction (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
