2 COR 8:7 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT But even as you abound in everything, in faith and in speech and in knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love from us in you,[fn] so also you should abound in this act of grace.

The best manuscripts read, and in the love from us in you. Some other versions read and in your love for us.

UST As for you, you are already doing well in so many ways. This includes how you trust God, what you say, how much you know, how you are always eager to do what is right, and how much we love you. So, you should also do well in giving money for fellow believers.

BSB But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we [inspired] in you[fn]—[see] that you also excel in this grace of giving.

MSB But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us[fn]—[see] that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8:7 NA, SBL, and WH in the love we inspired in you

BLB But even as you abound in every way--in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and all earnestness, and in the love from us to you--that also you should abound in this grace.

AICNT But just as in everything you excel, in faith and word and knowledge and all eagerness and the love from {us in you},[fn] so that you may also excel in this grace.

8:7, us in you: Later manuscripts read “you in us.” BYZ TR

OEB And, remembering how you excel in everything – in faith, in teaching, in knowledge, in unfailing earnestness, and in the affection that we have awakened in you – I ask you to excel also in this expression of your love.

WEBBE But as you abound in everything—in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us—see that you also abound in this grace.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

LSV but even as in everything you abound, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, that also in this grace you may abound;

FBV Since you have an abundance of everything—your trust in God, your eloquence, your spiritual knowledge, your complete dedication, and in your love for us—make sure that your abundance also extends to this gracious ministry of giving.

TCNT But just as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in [fn]your love for us—make sure you abound in this gracious gift as well.

8:7 your love for us ¦ our love for you NA SBL WH

T4T You are doing very well in so many other ways. God’s Spirit enables you to believe that God will do miracles. His Spirit has given you the ability to tell God’s message to others. His Spirit makes you able to know things that he reveals to you. You eagerly want to help people, and you love us (exc) very much. So now, try to also do well in getting your generous gift of money [EUP] ready to send to the believers in Judea province.

LEB But just as you excel in everything—in faith and in speaking and in knowledge and with all diligence and in the love from us that is in you—so may you excel in this grace also.

BBE And that as you are full of every good thing, of faith, of the word, of knowledge, of a ready mind, and of love to us, so you may be full of this grace in the same way.

Moff Now then, you are to the front in everything, in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in love for us — do come to the front in this gracious enterprise as well.

Wymth Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you.

ASV But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

DRA That as in all things you abound in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all carefulness; moreover also in your charity towards us, so in this grace also you may abound.

YLT but even as in every thing ye do abound, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, that also in this grace ye may abound;

Drby but even as ye abound in every way, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in love from you to us, that ye may abound in this grace also.

RV But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
(But as ye/you_all abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye/you_all abound in this grace also. )

SLT But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and in word, and in knowledge, and in all care, and in love from you to us, that also ye abound in this grace.

Wbstr 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.

KJB-1769 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.
(Therefore, as ye/you_all abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye/you_all abound in this grace also. )

KJB-1611 Therefore (as ye abound in euery thing, in faith, and vtterance, & knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your loue to vs) see that yee abound in this grace also.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from punctuation)

Bshps Nowe therefore as ye are riche in all thinges, in fayth, in worde, in knowledge, in all feruentnesse, and in loue, which ye haue to vs: euen so, see that ye be plenteous in this grace also.
(Now therefore as ye/you_all are rich in all things, in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye/you_all have to us: even so, see that ye/you_all be plenteous/plentiful in this grace also.)

Gnva Therefore, as yee abound in euery thing, in faith and woorde, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your loue towardes vs, euen so see that yee abound in this grace also.
(Therefore, as ye/you_all abound in every thing, in faith and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love towards us, even so see that ye/you_all abound in this grace also. )

Cvdl Now as ye are riche in all poyntes, in faith and in worde, and in knowlege, and in all diligence, and in youre loue towarde vs, euen so se that ye be plenteous also in this benyuolece.
(Now as ye/you_all are rich in all pointes, in faith and in word, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your(pl) love toward us, even so see that ye/you_all be plenteous/plentiful also in this benyuolece.)

TNT Now therfore as ye are ryche in all parties in fayth in worde in knowledge in all fervetnes and in love which ye have to vs: even so se that ye be plenteons in this benivolence.
(Now therefore as ye/you_all are rich in all parts in faith in word in knowledge in all fervetnes and in love which ye/you_all have to us: even so see that ye/you_all be plenteons in this benivolence. )

Wycl But as ye abounden in alle thingis, in feith, and word, and kunnyng, and al bisynesse, more ouer and in youre charite in to vs, that and in this grace ye abounden.
(But as ye/you_all abounden in all things, in faith, and word, and cunning, and all bisyness, more over and in your(pl) charity in to us, that and in this grace ye/you_all abounden.)

Luth Aber gleichwie ihr in allen Stücken reich seid, im Glauben und im Wort und in der Erkenntnis und in allerlei Fleiß und in eurer Liebe zu uns, also schaffet, daß ihr auch in dieser Wohltat reich seid.
(But same_as you(pl)/their/her in all/everyone pieces rich/wealthy are, in_the faith and in_the word and in the/of_the knowledge and in all_sorts_of_things diligence and in yours(pl) love(n) to/for us/to_us/ourselves, also creates/makes, that you(pl)/their/her also in this beneficence rich/wealthy are.)

ClVg Sed sicut in omnibus abundatis fide, et sermone, et scientia, et omni sollicitudine, insuper et caritate vestra in nos, ut et in hac gratia abundetis.
(But like in/into/on to_all abundatis with_faith, and speech, and knowledge/skill, and all anxiety, moreover and caritate your in/into/on us, as and in/into/on this_way grace abundetis. )

UGNT ἀλλ’ ὥσπερ ἐν παντὶ περισσεύετε, πίστει, καὶ λόγῳ, καὶ γνώσει, καὶ πάσῃ σπουδῇ, καὶ τῇ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ, ἵνα καὶ ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε.
(all’ hōsper en panti perisseuete, pistei, kai logōi, kai gnōsei, kai pasaʸ spoudaʸ, kai taʸ ex haʸmōn en humin agapaʸ, hina kai en tautaʸ taʸ ⱪariti perisseuaʸte.)

SBL-GNT ἀλλʼ ὥσπερ ἐν παντὶ περισσεύετε, πίστει καὶ λόγῳ καὶ γνώσει καὶ πάσῃ σπουδῇ καὶ τῇ ἐξ ⸂ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν⸃ ἀγάπῃ, ἵνα καὶ ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε.
(allʼ hōsper en panti perisseuete, pistei kai logōi kai gnōsei kai pasaʸ spoudaʸ kai taʸ ex ⸂haʸmōn en humin⸃ agapaʸ, hina kai en tautaʸ taʸ ⱪariti perisseuaʸte.)

RP-GNT Ἀλλ' ὥσπερ ἐν παντὶ περισσεύετε, πίστει, καὶ λόγῳ, καὶ γνώσει, καὶ πάσῃ σπουδῇ, καὶ τῇ ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμῖν ἀγάπῃ, ἵνα καὶ ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε.
(All' hōsper en panti perisseuete, pistei, kai logōi, kai gnōsei, kai pasaʸ spoudaʸ, kai taʸ ex humōn en haʸmin agapaʸ, hina kai en tautaʸ taʸ ⱪariti perisseuaʸte.)

TC-GNT Ἀλλ᾽ ὥσπερ ἐν παντὶ περισσεύετε, πίστει, καὶ λόγῳ, καὶ γνώσει, καὶ πάσῃ σπουδῇ, καὶ τῇ ἐξ [fn]ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμῖν ἀγάπῃ, ἵνα καὶ ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε.
(All hōsper en panti perisseuete, pistei, kai logōi, kai gnōsei, kai pasaʸ spoudaʸ, kai taʸ ex humōn en haʸmin agapaʸ, hina kai en tautaʸ taʸ ⱪariti perisseuaʸte. )

8:7 υμων εν ημιν ¦ ημων εν υμιν NA SBL WH

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 8:1–15: Be generous as you are able

The believers in Corinth had previously decided to collect money to send to the poor believers in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1–4). In this section, Paul spoke of the generous gift of money from the believers in Macedonia and their attitude in giving (2 Corinthians 8:1–5). Paul hoped that the believers in Corinth would follow that example of giving.

Then Paul told them that Titus was coming to them to help collect the money (8:6). Paul encouraged them to give generously just as they did other things well (8:7). He indicated that he wanted to see that they were sincere in their promise to help the poor with this gift (8:8). He further encouraged them by using the example of Jesus giving (8:9).

Then Paul advised them how best to collect the money for the gift (8:10–11). Then he explained that what matters is giving according to what each person has (8:12). The goal in giving is equality, not making oneself poor for the sake of others (8:13–15).

Other examples for this section heading are:

Encouragement to Be Generous (NRSV)

A Call to Generous Giving (NLT)

Complete^(plur) the collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem

8:7a

But just as you excel in everything—

¶ Now, as you^(plur) did very well in all ways/things,
¶ You already exceed/surpass in doing so many things well,

But: The Greek conjunction that the BSB translates as But probably introduces a new theme here. The theme changes from the recent history about collecting the money to Paul urging the believers in Corinth to finish collecting the money. The Greek conjunction probably does not indicate contrast here. Other ways to translate this word are:

Now (RSV)

Furthermore/Next

Indeed, (GW)

just as you excel: The Greek word that the BSB translates as excel refers to having or making an abundance or surplus of something. The believers in Corinth had great faith, knowledge, earnestness, and love, and their speech honored God. Other ways to translate this are:

just as you abound (NASB)

as you do well

The BSB translates the Greek word as “overflowed” in 8:2c. If possible, use a similar word or phrase here.

in everything: The believers in Corinth were not perfect in their faith, but they did well in many areas. Paul exaggerated, using the word everything to encourage them to do well in giving as well (8:7d). Many English versions keep the exaggerating use of everything. For example:

in every good quality (JBP)

But in some languages it is not natural to exaggerate here. If that is true in your language, translate in a way that shows that Paul was encouraging the believers. For example:

in so many ways (NLT)

8:7b–c

in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you: This list contains examples of how the believers “excel in everything” (8:7a). The BSB indicates the list with long dashes before and after the list. Other ways to indicate that the list contains examples are:

You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And… (GNT)

for example: in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us

including in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us

in…in…in…in…in: The phrase “you excel” is implied before each occurrence of in but is not explicitly repeated. In some languages it is more natural to repeat some or all the words. For example:

you excel in faith, you excel in speech, you excel in knowledge, you excel in complete earnestness and you excel in your love for us

8:7b

in faith, in speech, in knowledge,

for example: in believing well/strongly, in speaking well, in having full knowledge,
including that you exceed/surpass in faith in Jesus, you exceed/surpass in speaking for Jesus, you exceed/surpass in being able to understand God’s ways,

faith: Here the word faith means “a strong and sincere belief in something or someone.” To have faith in a person means to trust someone, to rely on someone, to be committed to someone. Faith in Jesus refers to:

accepting His message as true;
acting on the basis of His message;
being confident in His message;
trusting in Him.

Here the word may refer to having the faith to do great things such as miracles. Your language may have a noun, phrase, or idiom with that meaning. Some other examples for translating are:

believing in Jesus

trusting and committed to Jesus

See how you translated this word in 1:24 or 5:7.

speech: Here the word speech probably refers to speaking well and in a way that is easily understood. Paul probably referred to speaking the truth about the gospel here. Proper use of the gifts of prophecy and tongues might also be included here. Many English versions use a general word regarding speaking and do not refer to a particular kind of speaking. For example:

speaking (NCV)

eloquence (NJB)

you can express that faith in words (JBP)

knowledge: Here the word knowledge probably refers to a good understanding of the gospel and the truths in it. Other ways to translate this word are:

understanding (NJB)

you have excellent knowledge of spiritual matters

8:7c

in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—

in all eagerness to do what is right, and in the love that you learned from us^(excl),
you exceed/surpass in dealing with the issues/matters seriously in every way, and you exceed/surpass in loving Jesus which we taught you.

complete earnestness: The word earnestness refers to having a strong desire to do the right thing and making every effort to do it. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

completely devoted to doing the right thing

always eagerly doing what was right

always deal with the issues/matters seriously

See how you translated the word earnestness in 7:11.

the love we inspired in you: There is a textual issue here:

The correct reading is love from us in you. For example:
the love we have kindled in you (NIV11) (BSB, NIV11, NRSV, NASB, NLT, NET, ESV, NCV)
The correct reading is love from you in us. For example:
your love for us (RSV) (RSV, NIV, GNT, NJB, GW, CEV, REB, KJV)None of these versions follow the literal Greek words. They all interpret the Greek word “in” as “for.”

It is recommended that you follow option (1), since the scholars who edited the UBS Greek New Testament believe that this is the best reading.But they indicate that they had difficulty in deciding which text is correct.

According to option (1), this love is from Paul and the other evangelists and in the believers in Corinth. The believers excel in this love (8:7a). Here the love is probably for Jesus. Paul taught them about Jesus and now the believers love Jesus well. The Greek probably does not mean “our love for you.” Other ways to translate this are:

the love from us that is in you (NET)

the love you learned from us (NCV)

8:7d

see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

you should abound/do-well in this grace/favor of the gift to the poor as well.
So, in the same way, we want you to exceed/surpass regarding this deed of helping the poor.

see that you also excel: The Greek words are literally “that you may also abound/excel.” It is like a command, because Paul expects the believers to follow these words. Other ways to translate this are:

And so we want you to be generous also (GNT)

then make sure that you excel (NJB)

you should also show yourselves to excel

Note that 8:8a says that Paul did not command them regarding this, so you should not translate this clause as a command.

in this grace of giving: The Greek words are literally in this grace. The phrase refers to the gift of money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The BSB makes this clear by adding the words of giving. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

in this gracious work (RSV)

in this generous undertaking (NRSV)

regarding this blessing to the poor

in this act of kindness (NET)

in this deed of helping the poor

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

ἀλλ’

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀλλʼ ὥσπερ ἐν παντί περισσεύετε πίστει καί λόγῳ καί γνώσει καί πάσῃ σπουδῇ καί τῇ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ ἵνα καί ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε)

Here, the word But introduces a new section. It is does not primarily contrast with what Paul has already said, although it does introduce a change in focus from the Macedonians and Titus to the Corinthians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section or a change in focus. Alternate translation: [Now] or [In your case,]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / hyperbole

ἐν παντὶ

in to in (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀλλʼ ὥσπερ ἐν παντί περισσεύετε πίστει καί λόγῳ καί γνώσει καί πάσῃ σπουδῇ καί τῇ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ ἵνα καί ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε)

Paul says everything here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [in so many things] or [in very many ways]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

πίστει, καὶ λόγῳ, καὶ γνώσει, καὶ πάσῃ σπουδῇ, καὶ τῇ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ

˱in˲_faith (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀλλʼ ὥσπερ ἐν παντί περισσεύετε πίστει καί λόγῳ καί γνώσει καί πάσῃ σπουδῇ καί τῇ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ ἵνα καί ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε)

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [that is, you are faithful, proper in what you speak, knowledgeable about many things, very earnest, and full of how we have loved you]

Note 4 topic: translate-textvariants

ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν

from us to you_all

Many ancient manuscripts read from us in you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “from you in us.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν

from us to you_all

Here, the phrase from us in you could indicate that: (1) the love is how Paul and his fellow workers feel about the Corinthians. Alternate translation: [that we have for you] (2) Paul and those with him enabled or caused the Corinthians to have love. Alternate translation: [that came from us and is now in you]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι

in to in this ¬the grace

Here, the word grace refers to what it did in [8:4](../08/04.md), 6: being able to contribute money to what Paul was collecting for believers in Jerusalem. If possible, translate it as you did in those verses. Alternate translation: [in this gift] or [in this gracious act of giving]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns