Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:4KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:4 describes how the believers begged Paul and his companions, with strong pleading, to accept their financial gift and allow them to join in helping other Christians in need. The verse highlights the eagerness of these believers to participate in supporting fellow followers of Jesus.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own hardships, urgently asked to be included in the effort to help poor believers (the "saints") in Jerusalem. This verse shows not only their willingness, but their insistence, to share in the responsibility and privilege of caring for others.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:4

  • "Praying" (δεόμενοι, deomenoi) means to beg or plead earnestly. The Macedonians were not just willing, but were strongly urging Paul to let them help.
  • "Intreaty" (παρακλήσεως, paraklēseōs) often means encouragement or comfort, but here it carries the sense of urgent appeal or request, showing the depth of their desire.
  • "Gift" (χάρις, charis) is the same word often translated as "grace," suggesting their giving was seen as a gracious act, not just a duty.
  • "Fellowship" (κοινωνία, koinōnia) means partnership or sharing. The Macedonians wanted to be true partners in the ministry of helping the saints.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:4 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that giving was forced or reluctant; the Macedonians were so eager to help that they pleaded for the chance.
  • The emphasis on "fellowship" shows that giving is not just about money, but about sharing in the work and community of believers.
  • In the wider passage, Paul uses the Macedonians' example to encourage the Corinthians to give willingly and generously, making this verse a key part of his appeal.

Where else these words appear

“fellowship” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

“Praying” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

“intreaty” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

“ministering” Greek G1248 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: