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2 Corinthians 8:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed;
2 Corinthians 8:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.
11But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability.
12For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not.
13For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed;
14but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality:
15as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack.
16But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
← 2 Corinthians 8:122 Corinthians 8:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened.] Referring either to the givers; and that either to the richer and meaner sort in this church; the apostle's sense being, not to put the whole burden of the collection upon some only, whilst others were excused doing little or nothing; but that everyone should give according to his ability; or to other churches in poorer circumstances; and the apostle's meaning was, not that these churches by reason of their meanness should be entirely free from this service, as it was plain they were not, by the instance of the Macedonians; and that the whole be devolved upon the Corinthian church, and others that were rich; but that all should…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--Supply from Co2 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) may be relieved at the cost of your being "distressed" (so the Greek for "burdened"). The golden rule is, "Love thy neighbour as thyself," not more than thyself.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For I mean not that other men be eased ... - I do not intend that others should be eased in order to relieve you. Literally, “Not that there should be rest (ἄνεσις anesis, a letting loose; remission, relaxation) to others, but affliction (θλίψις thlipsis) to you.” Probably the Corinthians were able to contribute more than many other churches, certainly more than the churches of Macedonia 2 Corinthians 8:2, and Paul therefore presses upon them the duty of giving according to their means, yet he by no means intended that the entire burden should come on them. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“not: Act 4:34; Rom 15:26, Rom 15:27 2 Corinthians 8:15”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 8 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification