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:

2 CORINTHIANS 8:14KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:14 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:14 says that the believers in Corinth, who currently have more than enough, should help supply what other believers are lacking, so that if the situation is ever reversed, those others can help them in return. The goal is for there to be a fair balance—an equality—among all believers.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to share their resources with Christians in Jerusalem who are experiencing hardship. The word "equality" here points to a practical sharing, where no one has too much and no one has too little. Paul is not demanding strict sameness, but a caring balance where needs are met within the Christian community.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:14

  • ἰσότης (isotēs, "equality"): This word means fairness or balance, not forced sameness. Paul is urging the Corinthians to create a situation where everyone's needs are met, rather than some having excess while others lack.
  • περίσσευμα (perisseuma, "abundance") and ὑστέρημα (husterēma, "want" or "lack"): These words highlight the contrast between having more than enough and not having enough. Paul uses them to show that resources can flow back and forth as needs change, fostering mutual support.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not commanding the Corinthians to give out of obligation, but inviting them into a relationship of mutual care and support.
  • The emphasis on "equality" shows that Christian generosity is about meeting real needs, not about strict rules or forced redistribution.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that giving is not just a one-way act, but part of an ongoing partnership among believers, where everyone can both give and receive as circumstances change.

Where else these words appear

“equality” Greek G2471 · used in 2 verses

  • Colossians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

“abundance” Greek G4051 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
  • Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
  • Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

“want” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.