King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:12 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:12 in the King James Version says “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 this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 8:12 · KJV

Context

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:

14

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Read 2 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul establishes a crucial principle: ei gar hē prothumia prokeitai ('if the readiness/willingness is present'), giving is euprosdektos (εὐπρόσδεκτος, 'well-received/acceptable/welcome') kath' ho ean echē (καθ' ὃ ἐὰν ἔχῃ, 'according to whatever one has'), not kath' ho ouk echei ('according to what one does not have'). This verse liberates both rich and poor: God judges generosity proportionally, not absolutely.

The phrase hē prothumia (ἡ προθυμία, 'eagerness/readiness/willingness') appears first—disposition matters more than amount. A widow's two mites (Mark 12:41-44) can exceed a millionaire's surplus because God weighs heart alongside gift. Simultaneously, Paul prevents Corinthian excuse-making: those with resources can't claim they have nothing. The principle kath' ho echei ('according to what one has') requires honest assessment of capacity. This balanced approach avoids two errors: demanding impossible sacrifice, or accepting token generosity from the wealthy. Proportionate giving reflects both grace (it's God-enabled) and responsibility (it requires honest stewardship).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle addressed economic inequality in Corinthian house churches where slaves and day-laborers worshiped alongside shop-owners and wealthy patrons. Paul teaches that both groups can give acceptably—slaves through small offerings given gladly, wealthy through substantial gifts still proportionate to their resources. This leveled traditional Roman patronage systems where only elite generosity received public honor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does proportionate giving free you from both pride (if wealthy) and shame (if poor)?
  2. What would honest assessment of 'what you have' reveal about your giving capacity?
  3. How does God evaluate your generosity: by amount given or percentage sacrificed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἰ1 of 14

“if there”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

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

ἡ3 of 14
G3588

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

προθυμία4 of 14

“a willing mind”

G4288

predisposition, i.e., alacrity

πρόκειται5 of 14

“be first”

G4295

to lie before the view, i.e., (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward)

καθὸ6 of 14

“according to”

G2526

according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as

ἐὰν7 of 14

“that”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔχει8 of 14

“hath”

G2192

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

τις9 of 14

“a man”

G5100

some or any person or object

εὐπρόσδεκτος10 of 14

“it is accepted”

G2144

well-received, i.e., approved, favorable

οὐκ11 of 14

“and not”

G3756

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

καθὸ12 of 14

“according to”

G2526

according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as

οὐκ13 of 14

“and not”

G3756

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

ἔχει14 of 14

“hath”

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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:42-442 Corinthians 9:7Luke 21:1-4Exodus 35:29Exodus 35:21-22Exodus 25:2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 8 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes