Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 8:3
For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church, testifying about the Macedonian believers during a period of severe trial and deep poverty. He speaks to explain the origin and nature of their recent financial contribution to the Jerusalem collection.
The words — αὐθαιρέτοι (authairetoi) = willing of themselves, and παρὰ (para) = beside or beyond. These terms anchor the verse's claim that the donors acted from personal volition and exceeded their measured capacity.
The thread — This pattern of voluntary giving appears in Exodus 35:5, 35:21, and 35:29, where offerings for the tabernacle are explicitly tied to a willing heart rather than a mandated quota.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to examine whether their own contributions stem from personal willingness and exceed mere compliance, rather than from external pressure or calculated self-interest.
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 to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
Cross-references
- Exodus 35:5 Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
- Exodus 35:29 So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.
- Exodus 35:21 And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
- Philemon 1:14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.
- Acts 11:29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
- 1 Chronicles 29:5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD today?”