King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:20 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:20 in the King James Version says “Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 8:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. I have: or, he hath

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us—Paul explains precautionary wisdom: stellomenoi touto (στελλόμενοι τοῦτο, 'avoiding this/taking precaution against this'), namely mē tis hēmas mōmēsētai (μή τις ἡμᾶς μωμήσηται, 'lest anyone blame us') regarding tē hadroptēti tautē (τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ, 'this abundance/generosity'). The word hadrotēs (ἁδρότης, 'abundance/bounty') emphasizes the collection's substantial size—enough money to attract suspicion and temptation. Diakonoumenē hyph' hēmōn ('being administered by us') acknowledges Paul's organizational role and potential vulnerability to accusation.

This verse reveals Paul's integrity and prudence: he knows that even unfounded accusations can destroy ministry credibility. By involving multiple church-appointed delegates, he insulates himself from charges of embezzlement or favoritism. The care to avoid mōmēsētai ('blame/censure') shows awareness that Christian leaders must be above reproach, especially regarding money (1 Timothy 3:2-3, Titus 1:7). Paul's opponents had already accused him of financial manipulation (2 Corinthians 12:16-18); he refuses to provide ammunition for such charges by handling funds personally or without witnesses.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Financial scandal destroyed many religious movements in antiquity. Itinerant philosophers and religious teachers were often suspected of profiting from followers. Paul addressed such suspicions throughout his ministry by working for his own support (Acts 18:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:9) and meticulously accounting for charitable funds. His insistence on accountability anticipated modern best practices for nonprofit financial management.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christian leaders and organizations ensure financial accountability today?
  2. Why must those handling church funds be 'above reproach,' not merely innocent?
  3. What safeguards prevent financial misconduct in your church or Christian organizations you support?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
στελλόμενοι1 of 14

“Avoiding”

G4724

properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e., (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with)

τοῦτο2 of 14

“this”

G5124

that thing

μή3 of 14

“that no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τις4 of 14

“man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἡμᾶς5 of 14

“us”

G2248

us

μωμήσηται6 of 14

“should blame”

G3469

to carp at, i.e., censure (discredit)

ἐν7 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ8 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

ἁδρότητι9 of 14

“abundance”

G100

plumpness, i.e., (figuratively) liberality

ταύτῃ10 of 14
G3778

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

τῇ11 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

διακονουμένῃ12 of 14

“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'13 of 14

“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 (

ἡμῶν·14 of 14

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:151 Thessalonians 5:22Romans 14:162 Corinthians 11:121 Corinthians 16:3Matthew 10:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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