2 Corinthians 8:11
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιῆσαι
the doing
G4160
ποιῆσαι
the doing
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐπιτελέσαι
perform
G2005
ἐπιτελέσαι
perform
Strong's:
G2005
Word #:
6 of 19
to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
ὅπως
of it that
G3704
ὅπως
of it that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
7 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλειν
to will
G2309
θέλειν
to will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
12 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιτελέσαι
perform
G2005
ἐπιτελέσαι
perform
Strong's:
G2005
Word #:
16 of 19
to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Paul's insistence on completing commitments addressed a cultural issue: wealthy Corinthians might have made public pledges for honor but failed to follow through when the spotlight faded. This pattern was common in Greco-Roman civic life where promises exceeded performance. Paul holds them to their word, teaching that Christian integrity means private faithfulness, not just public posturing.
Questions for Reflection
- What gap exists between your stated values and your actual resource allocation?
- How can you move from 'readiness to will' to 'performance' in concrete stewardship decisions?
- Why does God value completion and follow-through, not just initial enthusiasm?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have—The verb epiteleō (ἐπιτελέω, 'complete/finish/accomplish') appears in imperative form: epistelēsate kai to poiēsai ('complete also the doing'). Paul wants action matching intention. The phrase hē prothumia tou thelein (ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν, 'the readiness of willing') refers to their year-old commitment; now must come to epitalesai ('the completing') ek tou echein (ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 'out of what you have').
This last phrase is crucial: Paul expects giving proportionate to resources, not beyond them (contrast Macedonians in v. 3 who gave para dynamin). He doesn't demand Macedonian-level sacrifice from Corinth, only faithfulness to their own capacity. The emphasis on epitalesai (completion/finishing) recurs throughout chapters 8-9—Paul wants follow-through. Good intentions without action mock both recipients and God. The balance between generous willingness and practical completion reflects mature stewardship: enthusiasm grounded in reality, vision matched by execution.