2 Corinthians 8

1 We make known now to you, brothers, the grace of God which bestowed among the churches of Macedonia

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.

2 that in much proof of tribulation the excess of the joy of them and of deep poverty of them abounded into (the riches *N+kO) of the generosity of them,

In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

3 For according to [their] ability, I testify [that], and (beside *N+kO) [their] ability [they were] willing of themselves,

For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

4 with much entreaty imploring of us for the grace and the fellowship of the service among the saints (to receive us, *K)

they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

5 And not [only] even as we had hoped, but themselves they gave first to the Lord and then to us through [the] will of God

And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

6 Accordingly exhorting we Titus, that even as he had begun so also he may complete with you as well grace this.

So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

7 But even as in every [way] you abound, in faith and in speech and in knowledge and in all earnestness and in the from (of us *N+KO) in (you *N+KO) love, that also in this grace you may abound.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 Not as a command do I speak but through the of others earnestness also the of your love genuineness proving;

I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

9 You know for the grace of the Lord of us Jesus Christ that for the sake of you He became poor rich being, so that you yourselves through that poverty may be enriched.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

10 And a judgment in this [matter] I give; this indeed for you is profitable, who not only to act but also to will you began before before a year ago.

And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

11 Now then also the doing do complete so that just as [there was] the readiness of the to will so also the to complete out of that which [you] having.

Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.

12 If for the readiness is present, as if he shall have (anyone *k) acceptable, not as not he does have.

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

13 Not for that to others [there may be] ease but for you (now *k) affliction,

It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.

14 but of equality; At the present time your excess [will be] for the of those need, so that also their excess may be for the of you need, so that there may become equality

At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

15 Even as it has been written: He the much not did abound and he the little not lacked.

As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

16 Thanks however to God the [One] (gave *N+kO) the same earnestness for you into the heart of Titus,

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.

17 For indeed [our] appeal he accepted, very earnest however being of his own accord he has gone out to you.

For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

18 We have sent now with him the brother whose praise [is] in the gospel through all [times] of the churches.

Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.

19 not only now, but also having been chosen by the churches fellow traveler of us (with *NK+o) grace this that [is] being administered by us toward the himself of the Lord glory and readiness (of us. *N+KO)

More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the offering —the gracious gift we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.

20 avoiding this, lest anyone us may blame in abundance this which is being administered by us;

We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.

21 (We plan *N+kO) (for *no) what is right not only before [the] Lord but also before men.

For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.

22 We sent now to them the brother of us, whom we have proven in many things often earnest to be, now however much earnest by [his] confidence more which [is] in you.

And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.

23 Whether as regards Titus, [he is] partner of mine and for you a fellow worker; or brothers our, [they are] apostles of [the] churches, [the] glory of Christ.

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ.

24 Therefore the proof of the love of you and of our boasting about you to them (is showing *N+kO) (and *k) in face of the churches.

In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.