King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:5 in the King James Version says “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”

2 Corinthians 8:5 · KJV

Context

3

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. grace: or, gift

7

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God—Paul expected financial contribution; the Macedonians gave something more foundational: heautous edōkan prōton tō kyriō ('themselves they gave first to the Lord'). The adverb prōton (πρῶτον, 'first') indicates priority: self-consecration precedes fiscal contribution. Only those who have offered themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) can give money without idolatry.

The phrase dia thelēmatos theou (διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ, 'through the will of God') attributes even their submission to Paul's apostolic ministry to divine initiative. This verse establishes crucial sequence: (1) surrender to Christ, (2) submission to godly leadership, (3) sacrificial financial giving. Attempts to give money while withholding the self produce either legalism or manipulation. The Macedonians avoided this trap by recognizing that all Christian action flows from prior divine grace and self-giving.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's surprise ('not as we hoped') suggests he initially sought only financial contributions. The Macedonian churches' total consecration—lives, loyalty, and livelihood—exceeded his expectations and modeled the holistic devotion Paul preached. This contrasts sharply with the Corinthian church's tendency toward factionalism, where members gave loyalty to human leaders (1 Corinthians 1:10-13) rather than first to Christ, then to Christ's appointed servants.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you given yourself fully to the Lord before attempting to give your resources?
  2. How does the sequence—self, then money—prevent both stinginess and manipulation?
  3. What areas of your life remain unoffered to God, limiting your generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

οὐ2 of 15

“this they did not”

G3756

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

καθὼς3 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἠλπίσαμεν4 of 15

“we hoped”

G1679

to expect or confide

ἀλλ'5 of 15

“but”

G235

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

ἑαυτοὺς6 of 15

“their own selves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔδωκαν7 of 15

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πρῶτον8 of 15

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

τῷ9 of 15
G3588

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

κυρίῳ10 of 15

“to the Lord”

G2962

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

καὶ11 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἡμῖν12 of 15

“unto us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

διὰ13 of 15

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

θελήματος14 of 15

“the will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

θεοῦ15 of 15

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:12 Chronicles 30:12Romans 14:7-9Romans 6:132 Corinthians 8:11 Chronicles 12:18

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