King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:10 in the King James Version says “And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forwar...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. forward: Gr. willing”

2 Corinthians 8:10 · KJV

Context

8

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

10

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. forward: Gr. willing

11

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

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.

Read 2 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago—Paul offers gnōmēn (γνώμην, 'judgment/opinion/advice') rather than epitagēn (command), maintaining his non-coercive approach. The word sympherei (συμφέρει, 'it is profitable/expedient') indicates completing the collection benefits the Corinthians themselves, not just Jerusalem recipients. They had been proenerxasthe (προενήρξασθε, 'you began before/were first to begin') a year earlier (circa AD 55), both in to poiēsai ('the doing') and to thelein ('the willing')—both action and intention.

Paul's wisdom shines: he reminds them they initiated the project, making completion a matter of integrity, not imposition. The phrase 'a year ago' gently rebukes delay without overt condemnation. The dual emphasis on willing and doing addresses potential Corinthian excuses—they can't claim they intended but couldn't act, since they had done both. Paul frames finishing as self-interest (sympherei): incomplete commitments damage character and reputation. Following through demonstrates maturity and proves their earlier enthusiasm genuine.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A year had passed since the Corinthians first committed to the collection—an eternity in ancient communication timelines. The delay likely stemmed from the church conflict addressed in 2 Corinthians 1-7. Now that reconciliation had occurred (7:5-16), Paul tactfully revives the stalled collection. His 'advice' carries apostolic weight without invoking apostolic authority, respecting their agency while guiding their decision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual or financial commitments have you begun but not completed?
  2. How does recognizing that follow-through benefits you (not just recipients) motivate completion?
  3. Why is it important to align 'willing' and 'doing' rather than having good intentions alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γνώμην2 of 21

“my advice”

G1106

cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)

ἐν3 of 21

“herein”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ4 of 21
G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

δίδωμι·5 of 21

“I give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῦτο6 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

γὰρ7 of 21

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν8 of 21

“for you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

συμφέρει9 of 21

“is expedient”

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

οἵτινες10 of 21

“who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

οὐ11 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον12 of 21

“only”

G3440

merely

τὸ13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιῆσαι14 of 21

“to do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἀλλὰ15 of 21

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ16 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θέλειν18 of 21

“to be forward”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

προενήρξασθε19 of 21

“have begun before”

G4278

to commence already

ἀπὸ20 of 21

“ago”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

πέρυσι·21 of 21

“a year”

G4070

the by-gone, i.e., (as noun) last year

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 8:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 6:18-19Hebrews 13:162 Corinthians 9:2Proverbs 19:17James 2:15-161 Corinthians 7:25

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