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2 Corinthians 8:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack.
2 Corinthians 8:15 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
17For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.
18And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread] through all the churches;
← 2 Corinthians 8:142 Corinthians 8:16 →
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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
“As it is written, etc..] In (<021618>Exodus 16:18) he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; respect is had to the history of the manna, a sort of food God prepared for the Israelites in the wilderness; and which were gathered by them every morning, by some more, by others less; and yet when it came to be measured, every man had his “omer” and no more, one had nothing over, and the other not at all deficient; each man had his proper and equal quantity; and which, by the Jews f69, is looked upon as a miracle that was wrought: many useful instructions may be learned from this history, as that as there was a general provision made by God for the…”
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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
“(Exo 16:18; Septuagint). As God gave an equal portion of manna to all the Israelites, whether they could gather much or little; so Christians should promote by liberality an equality, so that none should need the necessaries of life while others have superfluities. "Our luxuries should yield to our neighbor's comforts; and our comforts to his necessities" [J. HOWARD].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As it is written - see Exodus 16:18. He that had gathered much ... - This passage was originally applied to the gathering of manna by the children of Israel. The manna which fell around the camp of Israel was gathered every morning. All that were able were employed in gathering it; and when it was collected it was distributed in the proportion of an omer, or about five pints to each man. Some would be more active and more successful than others. Some by age or infirmity would collect little; probably many by being confined to the camp would collect none. They who had gathered more than an omer, therefore, would in this way contribute to the needs of others, and would be constantly…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As it is written, He that had gathered the most had nothing over; and he that had gathered the least did not lack - That is, in which that scripture is in another sense fulfilled. Exo 16:18 2 Corinthians 8:17”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:15 Paul quotes from Exod 16:18 to say that there is a mutual responsibility among Christians: Affluent believers (the Corinthians) should help poor believers (in Jerusalem) so that all may have enough.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Exo 16:18; Luk 22:35 2 Corinthians 8:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification