Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:7 encourages the Corinthian believers to excel not only in spiritual qualities like faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love, but also to be generous in giving. Paul is urging them to show the same eagerness in giving as they do in other areas of their Christian life.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, reminding them of their strengths and urging them to participate fully in a collection for believers in need. He highlights that just as they stand out in faith (trust in God), utterance (ability to speak or teach), knowledge (understanding), diligence (earnestness), and love for Paul and his companions, they should also "abound" in the grace of giving. This verse is part of a larger appeal for generosity to support Christians in Jerusalem.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:7

  • "Abound" (περισσεύω, perisseuō) means to overflow or excel. Paul uses this word to show he wants the Corinthians not just to participate, but to stand out in generosity as they do in other virtues.
  • "Grace" (χάρις, charis) here refers to the act of giving as a gracious, generous act, not just a duty. Paul frames giving as a privilege and a sign of God's favor, not just an obligation.
  • "Diligence" (σπουδή, spoudē) carries the sense of earnestness or eagerness. Paul is pointing out that their zeal in other areas should also be seen in their giving.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that generosity is not separate from other Christian virtues, but is meant to be just as important and visible.
  • Paul’s language connects giving to "grace," highlighting that generosity is a response to God’s kindness, not just a financial transaction.
  • The verse ties into the wider context of chapters 8–9, where Paul is encouraging a spirit of unity and mutual support among early Christian communities.

Where else these words appear

“diligence” Greek G4710 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
  • Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

“knowledge” Greek G1108 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
  • 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

“abound” Greek G4052 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • 1 Corinthians 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth,(as there be gods many, and lords many,)