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
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the …
O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the …
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, …
She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye …
For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she …
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath …
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in …