As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:15KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:15 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:15 says that, just as it was written long ago, those who gathered a lot did not have extra left over, and those who gathered only a little did not go without. This verse uses an old example to show that everyone’s needs were met fairly, no matter how much they collected.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to give generously to help other believers in need. He quotes from the story of gathering manna in Exodus, where God made sure each person had enough. Paul’s point is that, in Christian giving, the goal is not for some to have too much while others have too little, but for everyone to have what they need.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:15

  • "πολλὺ" (polys, "much") and "ὀλίγον" (oligos, "little") highlight the contrast between those who gathered a lot and those who gathered a small amount, showing that the amount itself was not the focus—what mattered was that needs were met.
  • "πλεονάζω" (pleonazō, "had over") and "ἡσσόω" (hēssō, "lack") show the results: no one had surplus and no one was left in need. The Greek words emphasize the idea of balance and sufficiency, not abundance or deficiency.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:15 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian giving is about equality, not forced sameness—Paul is not saying everyone must have exactly the same, but that no one should be left in need.
  • It connects the Corinthians’ situation to the Old Testament story of manna, reminding them that God’s way is to provide for all, using the generosity of some to supply the needs of others.
  • The verse helps explain the larger passage, where Paul encourages voluntary, cheerful giving as a way to reflect God’s care and provision within the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“had” Greek G4121 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
  • 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

“little” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.