2-corinthians 8:3

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

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

American King James Version (AKJV)

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

American Standard Version (ASV)

For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

Basic English Translation (BBE)

For I give them witness, that as they were able, and even more than they were able, they gave from the impulse of their hearts,

Webster's Revision

For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves;

World English Bible

For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

English Revised Version (ERV)

For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

Definitions for 2-corinthians 8:3

Yea - Yes; certainly.

Clarke's 2-corinthians 8:3 Bible Commentary

For to their power, etc. - In their liberality they had no rule but their ability; they believed they were bound to contribute all they could; and even this rule they transgressed, for they went beyond their power - they deprived themselves for a time of the necessaries of life, in order to give to others who were destitute even of necessaries.

Barnes's 2-corinthians 8:3 Bible Commentary

For to their power - To the utmost of their ability.

I bear record - Paul had founded those churches and had spent much time with them. He was therefore well qualified to bear testimony in regard to their condition.

Yea, and beyond their power - Beyond what could have been expected; or beyond what it would have been thought possible in their condition. Doddridge remarks that this is a noble hyperbole, similar to that used by Demosthenes when he says, "I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power." The sense is, they were willing to give more than they were well able. It shows the strong interest which they had in the subject, and the anxious desire which they had to relieve the needs of others.

Of themselves - (αὐθαίρεται authairetai). Acting from choice, self-moved, voluntarily, of their own accord. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. "God loveth a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7; and from all the accounts which we have of these churches in Macedonia it is evident that they were greatly distinguished for their cheerful liberality.