2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's reassurance — 'for if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have' — qualifies the collection appeal of 2 Corinthians 8-9 with a theological principle about the relationship between inner disposition and external capacity. The criterion of 'what a person has' (ek tou echein) places the measurement of faithfulness within the specific circumstances of the giver rather than against an abstract standard of sacrifice. The principle draws on the widow's offering tradition (Mark 12:41-44) and Israel's wilderness provision pattern, where each gathered according to need. The verse grounds the theology of proportionate giving: God's acceptance measures cheerful readiness rather than absolute quantity, a principle that democratizes generosity across economic circumstances.
Other Translations
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.
for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not;
For if there is a ready mind, a man will have God's approval in the measure of what he has, and not of what he has not.
Cross References
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with …
Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, …
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they …
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, …
The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing …
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, …
O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the …
But the Lord said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for …
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.