Discovery Box2 Corinthians 8:5-11
Context8:5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 8:6 Thus 1 we urged 2 Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, 3 so also he should complete this act of kindness 4 for you. 8:7 But as you excel 5 in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you 6 – make sure that you excel 7 in this act of kindness 8 too. 8:8 I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. 9 8:9 For you know the grace 10 of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich. 8:10 So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you 11 made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, 8:11 to finish what you started, 12 so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, 13 you can also complete it 14 according to your means. 15
[8:6] 1 tn A new sentence was started here in the translation and the word “thus” was supplied to indicate that it expresses the result of the previous clause.
[8:6] 3 tn The words “this work” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted and must be supplied from the context.
[8:7] 5 tn Grk “as you abound.”
[8:7] 6 tc The reading “the love from us that is in you” is very difficult in this context, for Paul is here enumerating the Corinthians’ attributes: How is it possible for them to excel “in the love from us that is in you”? Most likely, because of this difficulty, several early scribes, as well as most later ones (א C D F G Ψ [33] Ï lat), altered the text to read “your love for us” (so NIV; Grk ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμῖν ἀγάπῃ [ex Jumwn en Jhmin agaph]). The reading ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ (ex Jhmwn en Jumin agaph) is found, however, in excellent and early witnesses (Ì46 B 0243 6 104 630 1175 1739 1881 co). As the harder reading it explains the rise of the other reading. What, then, is the force of “in the love from us that is in you”? Most likely, Paul is commending the Corinthians for excelling in deriving some inspiration from the apostles’ love for them.
[8:8] 9 tn Grk “by means of the eagerness of others.”
[8:11] 12 tn Grk “and now also complete the doing.”
[8:11] 13 tn Grk “just as the eagerness to want [it].”
[8:11] 14 tn Grk “so also it might be completed.” The passive construction was converted to an active one in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.
