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 8:14KJVWhat 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.