King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love t... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 8:7 · KJV


Context

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.

8

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul catalogues Corinthian spiritual strengths: pistis (πίστις, 'faith'), logos (λόγος, 'word/utterance'), gnōsis (γνῶσις, 'knowledge'), spoudē (σπουδή, 'earnestness/diligence'), and agapē (ἀγάπη, 'love'). These echo 1 Corinthians 1:5-7 where Paul acknowledged their giftedness. The verb perisseuō (περισσεύω, 'abound/overflow/excel') appears twice—they excel in spiritual gifts but must also excel in tautē tē chariti ('this grace') of giving.

Paul's pastoral wisdom shines here: he affirms genuine strengths before addressing weakness. The Corinthians were doctrinally informed and charismatically gifted but practically inconsistent. Paul doesn't minimize their gifts; rather, he shows that spiritual excellence without generous stewardship is incomplete. The phrase tē ex hymōn en hēmin agapē ('your love to us') reminds them of relational bonds that should motivate material support. Maturity means all graces working in harmony—doctrine, devotion, and dollars aligned.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth was a wealthy commercial city at the crossroads of Mediterranean trade. The church included both slaves and wealthy householders (1 Corinthians 11:17-22). Their theological sophistication and spiritual gifedness (evidenced by extensive charismatic activity in 1 Corinthians 12-14) didn't automatically translate to financial generosity. Paul had to teach them that gospel transformation affects economic behavior, not just religious experience.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which spiritual 'graces' come easily to you, and which require more cultivation?
  2. How can theological knowledge and spiritual experience coexist with financial stinginess?
  3. What would it mean for you to 'abound' in generosity as you do in other areas of faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀλλ'1 of 27

Therefore

G235

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

ὥσπερ2 of 27

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

ἐν3 of 27

in

G1722

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

πάσῃ4 of 27

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

περισσεύητε5 of 27

ye abound

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

πίστει6 of 27

thing in faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

καὶ7 of 27

also

G2532

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

λόγῳ8 of 27

utterance

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ9 of 27

also

G2532

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

γνώσει10 of 27

knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

καὶ11 of 27

also

G2532

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

πάσῃ12 of 27

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σπουδῇ13 of 27

diligence

G4710

"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness

καὶ14 of 27

also

G2532

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

τῇ15 of 27
G3588

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

ἐξ16 of 27
G1537

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

ὑμῶν17 of 27

in your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν18 of 27

in

G1722

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

ἡμῖν19 of 27

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἀγάπῃ20 of 27

love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἵνα21 of 27

see that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ22 of 27

also

G2532

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

ἐν23 of 27

in

G1722

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

ταύτῃ24 of 27
G3778

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

τῇ25 of 27
G3588

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

χάριτι26 of 27

grace

G5485

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

περισσεύητε27 of 27

ye abound

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel


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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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