King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:11 in the King James Version says “Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of ... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 8:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The verb epiteleō (ἐπιτελέω, 'complete/finish/accomplish') appears in imperative form: epistelēsate kai to poiēsai ('complete also the doing'). Paul wants action matching intention. The phrase hē prothumia tou thelein (ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν, 'the readiness of willing') refers to their year-old commitment; now must come to epitalesai ('the completing') ek tou echein (ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 'out of what you have').

This last phrase is crucial: Paul expects giving proportionate to resources, not beyond them (contrast Macedonians in v. 3 who gave para dynamin). He doesn't demand Macedonian-level sacrifice from Corinth, only faithfulness to their own capacity. The emphasis on epitalesai (completion/finishing) recurs throughout chapters 8-9—Paul wants follow-through. Good intentions without action mock both recipients and God. The balance between generous willingness and practical completion reflects mature stewardship: enthusiasm grounded in reality, vision matched by execution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's insistence on completing commitments addressed a cultural issue: wealthy Corinthians might have made public pledges for honor but failed to follow through when the spotlight faded. This pattern was common in Greco-Roman civic life where promises exceeded performance. Paul holds them to their word, teaching that Christian integrity means private faithfulness, not just public posturing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What gap exists between your stated values and your actual resource allocation?
  2. How can you move from 'readiness to will' to 'performance' in concrete stewardship decisions?
  3. Why does God value completion and follow-through, not just initial enthusiasm?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
νυνὶ1 of 19

Now

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 19

also

G2532

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

τὸ4 of 19
G3588

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

ποιῆσαι5 of 19

the doing

G4160

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

ἐπιτελέσαι6 of 19

perform

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

ὅπως7 of 19

of it that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

καθάπερ8 of 19

as

G2509

exactly as

9 of 19
G3588

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

προθυμία10 of 19

there was a readiness

G4288

predisposition, i.e., alacrity

τοῦ11 of 19
G3588

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

θέλειν12 of 19

to will

G2309

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

οὕτως13 of 19

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ14 of 19

also

G2532

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

τὸ15 of 19
G3588

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

ἐπιτελέσαι16 of 19

perform

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

ἐκ17 of 19

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

ἔχειν19 of 19

that which ye have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio


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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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