And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:5KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:5 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:5 describes how the Macedonian believers surprised Paul and his companions by not only giving financially, but first offering themselves fully to God and then to Paul’s ministry, all according to God’s will. Their generosity went beyond what Paul had expected, showing a deep commitment to God and to helping others.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, telling them about the generosity of the Macedonian churches during a time of hardship. He points out that the Macedonians’ giving was not just about money—they first dedicated themselves to God, which shaped everything else they did. This verse highlights the heart attitude behind their actions, showing that their support for Paul and his team was rooted in their devotion to God.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:5

  • "Gave" (ἔδωκαν, edōkan): This Greek word means to give or offer. Here, it emphasizes that the Macedonians didn’t just give things, but gave their very selves, showing total willingness and involvement.
  • "Selves" (ἑαυτούς, heautous): This word means their own persons or lives. The focus is on personal commitment, not just a donation.
  • "By the will of God" (διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ, dia thelēmatos theou): This phrase means that their actions were guided or enabled by what God wanted, not just human plans. It stresses that their generosity was a response to God’s leading, not pressure from others.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true generosity starts with a heart given to God, not just with outward giving or meeting expectations.
  • It shows that the Macedonians’ support for Paul was not just financial, but personal and spiritual, rooted in their relationship with God.
  • In the wider passage, Paul uses their example to encourage the Corinthians to think about the deeper reasons behind giving, not just the act itself.

Where else these words appear

“hoped” Greek G1679 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
  • Romans 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
  • 1 Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.