2 Corinthians 8:12

8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself ¹  is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 9:7

9:7 Each one of you should give ²  just as he has decided in his heart, ³  not reluctantly ⁴  or under compulsion, ⁵  because God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:1

Preparing the Gift

9:1 For it is not necessary ⁶  for me to write you about this service ⁷  to the saints,

2 Corinthians 5:2

5:2 For in this earthly house ⁸  we groan, because we desire to put on ⁹  our heavenly dwelling,

[8:12]  ¹ tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.

[9:7]  ² tn Or “must do.” The words “of you” and “should give” are not in the Greek text, which literally reads, “Each one just as he has decided in his heart.” The missing words are an ellipsis; these or similar phrases must be supplied for the English reader.

[9:7]  ³ tn Or “in his mind.”

[9:7]  ⁴ tn Or “not from regret”; Grk “not out of grief.”

[9:7]  ⁵ tn Or “not out of a sense of duty”; Grk “from necessity.”

[9:1]  ⁶ tn Or “it is superfluous.”

[9:1]  ⁷ tn Or “this ministry,” “this contribution.”

[5:2]  ⁸ tn Or “dwelling place.”

[5:2]  ⁹ tn Or “to be clothed with.”