Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 8:13
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church during his organization of a financial collection for Jerusalem. He clarifies the motive behind the appeal while building on the preceding discussion of willing giving.
The words — The text pairs ἄνεσις (anesis, ease) with θλῖψις (thlipsis, affliction) to describe the intended economic balance. The verse explicitly states that the goal is not one-sided relief at another’s expense but mutual equality.
The thread — This pattern of shared provision appears in Acts 4:34, which records the Jerusalem church eliminating internal poverty, and Romans 15:26, which notes contributions from Macedonia and Achaia for the same need.
Why it lands — The text demands that giving aim at balanced sufficiency rather than creating dependency. Readers must structure their generosity so that current surplus addresses immediate need without permanently shifting the burden.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
Cross-references
- Acts 4:34 There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,
- Romans 15:26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.