King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:14 in the King James Version says “But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may b...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

2 Corinthians 8:14 · KJV

Context

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:

15

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

16

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Read 2 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul introduces ex isotētos (ἐξ ἰσότητος, 'out of equality/fairness'), a revolutionary economic principle. The phrase to hymōn perisseuma (τὸ ὑμῶν περίσσευμα, 'your surplus/abundance') should address to ekeinōn hysterēma (τὸ ἐκείνων ὑστέρημα, 'their deficiency/lack'). But Paul adds reciprocity: to ekeinōn perisseuma ('their surplus') might someday supply to hymōn hysterēma ('your lack'), creating isotēs (ἰσότης, 'equality').

This isn't communism (forced redistribution) but koinōnia (voluntary sharing). Paul envisions mutual aid: today Corinth has material abundance and Jerusalem has lack; tomorrow circumstances might reverse. Jerusalem possessed spiritual riches—the apostles, earliest gospel witness, Hebrew scriptures—already shared with Gentiles (Romans 15:27). The double use of isotēs (beginning and ending the verse) emphasizes God's design: not identical outcomes, but reciprocal care where abundance and lack balance through voluntary exchange. This transforms charity into partnership and recipients into future givers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The principle of isotēs had precedent in Jewish Jubilee laws (Leviticus 25) where periodic redistribution prevented permanent poverty. Paul adapts this to Christian community: not through land redistribution but through voluntary, Spirit-led generosity. The early Jerusalem church practiced radical sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35), though that experiment had limits (evidenced by later need). Paul seeks sustainable mutual aid, not unsustainable communalism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of reciprocal aid ('equality') differ from charity that creates dependency?
  2. What spiritual riches have you received that obligate material generosity in return?
  3. How might your current 'abundance' supply others' 'lack,' anticipating future reversal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀλλ'1 of 27

“But”

G235

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

ἐξ2 of 27

“by”

G1537

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

ἰσότης3 of 27

“an equality”

G2471

likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity

ἐν4 of 27

“at”

G1722

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

τῷ5 of 27
G3588

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

νῦν6 of 27

“that now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

καιρῷ7 of 27

“this time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τό8 of 27
G3588

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

ὑμῶν9 of 27

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

περίσσευμα10 of 27

“abundance”

G4051

a surplus, or superabundance

εἰς11 of 27

“a supply for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τό12 of 27
G3588

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

ἐκείνων13 of 27

“their”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὑστέρημα14 of 27

“want”

G5303

a deficit; specially, poverty

ἵνα15 of 27

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ16 of 27

“also”

G2532

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

τὸ17 of 27
G3588

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

ἐκείνων18 of 27

“their”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

περίσσευμα19 of 27

“abundance”

G4051

a surplus, or superabundance

γένηται20 of 27

“may be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς21 of 27

“a supply for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ22 of 27
G3588

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

ὑμῶν23 of 27

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑστέρημα24 of 27

“want”

G5303

a deficit; specially, poverty

ὅπως25 of 27

“that”

G3704

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

γένηται26 of 27

“may be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἰσότης27 of 27

“an equality”

G2471

likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:12Acts 4:34

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