King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:19 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:19 in the King James Version says “And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by u... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: grace: or, gift

2 Corinthians 8:19 · KJV


Context

17

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

18

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: grace: or, gift

20

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind—This brother was not only reputable but formally appointed: cheirotonetheeis hypo tōn ekklēsiōn (χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 'chosen by the churches'). The verb cheirotoneō (χειροτονέω) literally means 'to stretch out the hand,' possibly indicating voting by raised hands—early democratic church governance. He would synekdēmos hēmōn (συνέκδημος ἡμῶν, 'travel companion with us') administering tēn charin tautēn ('this grace-gift').

Paul's purpose statement is crucial: pros doxan tou kyriou (πρὸς δόξαν τοῦ κυρίου, 'toward the glory of the Lord') and prokymian hēmōn (προθυμίαν ἡμῶν, 'our readiness'). The collection glorifies Christ by demonstrating unity and love; it also reveals the churches' willingness to serve. The phrase tēn charin tautēn tēn diakonoumenēn hyph' hēmōn ('this grace being ministered by us') again uses charis for the collection—it's grace received (enabling giving) and grace given (the gift itself). Multi-church appointment, Paul's accompaniment, and focus on Christ's glory created maximum transparency and accountability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'chosen of the churches' indicates early Christian congregational authority in selecting leaders and representatives. Unlike later hierarchical episcopacy, first-century church governance often involved congregational participation in leadership selection (Acts 6:1-6, 14:23). This democratic element checked apostolic power and ensured accountability, as seen here where churches appointed the collection delegate, not Paul alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christian financial ministries ensure transparency and multi-party accountability?
  2. What does it mean practically that giving is 'to the glory of the Lord,' not just helping people?
  3. How can democratic church governance coexist with pastoral authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
οὐ1 of 28

not

G3756

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

μόνον2 of 28

that only

G3440

merely

δὲ3 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλὰ4 of 28

but

G235

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

καὶ5 of 28

also

G2532

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

χειροτονηθεὶς6 of 28

chosen

G5500

to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand), i.e., (generally) to select or appoint

ὑφ'7 of 28

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ8 of 28

which

G3588

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

ἐκκλησιῶν9 of 28

the churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

συνέκδημος10 of 28

to travel

G4898

a co-absentee from home, i.e., fellow-traveller

ἡμῶν11 of 28

us

G2257

of (or from) us

σὺν12 of 28

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῦ13 of 28

which

G3588

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

χάριτι14 of 28

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ταύτῃ15 of 28
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τοῦ16 of 28

which

G3588

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

διακονουμένῃ17 of 28

is administered

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

ὑφ'18 of 28

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἡμῶν19 of 28

us

G2257

of (or from) us

πρὸς20 of 28

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοῦ21 of 28

which

G3588

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

αὐτοῦ22 of 28
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ23 of 28

which

G3588

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

κυρίου24 of 28

of the same Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δόξαν25 of 28

the glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ26 of 28

also

G2532

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

προθυμίαν27 of 28

ready mind

G4288

predisposition, i.e., alacrity

ὑμῶν28 of 28

declaration of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 8:19 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 8:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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