2 Corinthians 8:14

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

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation regarding their financial contribution to Jerusalem believers. He frames the exchange as a temporary adjustment of resources between two communities.

The words — ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ (en tō nūn kairō) = at the present time; περισσεύμα (perisseuma) = surplus.

The thread — The pattern of reciprocal provision runs through 2 Corinthians 9:12, which describes the ministry supplying the needs of saints, and Acts 4:34, which records the early church's practice of eliminating want through shared property.

Why it lands — The text states that current abundance must cover another group's lack so that roles may later reverse, establishing a practical standard of equality that demands immediate material sharing.

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

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 9:12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
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,