2 Corinthians 8:14
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἰσότης
an equality
G2471
ἰσότης
an equality
Strong's:
G2471
Word #:
3 of 27
likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
that now
G3568
νῦν
that now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
6 of 27
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τό
G3588
τό
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
a supply for
G1519
εἰς
a supply for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τό
G3588
τό
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνων
their
G1565
ἐκείνων
their
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
13 of 27
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
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 #:
17 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνων
their
G1565
ἐκείνων
their
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
18 of 27
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
γένηται
may be
G1096
γένηται
may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
20 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
a supply for
G1519
εἰς
a supply for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
25 of 27
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
Cross References
Acts 4:34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,2 Corinthians 9:12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Historical Context
The principle of isotēs had precedent in Jewish Jubilee laws (Leviticus 25) where periodic redistribution prevented permanent poverty. Paul adapts this to Christian community: not through land redistribution but through voluntary, Spirit-led generosity. The early Jerusalem church practiced radical sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35), though that experiment had limits (evidenced by later need). Paul seeks sustainable mutual aid, not unsustainable communalism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of reciprocal aid ('equality') differ from charity that creates dependency?
- What spiritual riches have you received that obligate material generosity in return?
- How might your current 'abundance' supply others' 'lack,' anticipating future reversal?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality—Paul introduces ex isotētos (ἐξ ἰσότητος, 'out of equality/fairness'), a revolutionary economic principle. The phrase to hymōn perisseuma (τὸ ὑμῶν περίσσευμα, 'your surplus/abundance') should address to ekeinōn hysterēma (τὸ ἐκείνων ὑστέρημα, 'their deficiency/lack'). But Paul adds reciprocity: to ekeinōn perisseuma ('their surplus') might someday supply to hymōn hysterēma ('your lack'), creating isotēs (ἰσότης, 'equality').
This isn't communism (forced redistribution) but koinōnia (voluntary sharing). Paul envisions mutual aid: today Corinth has material abundance and Jerusalem has lack; tomorrow circumstances might reverse. Jerusalem possessed spiritual riches—the apostles, earliest gospel witness, Hebrew scriptures—already shared with Gentiles (Romans 15:27). The double use of isotēs (beginning and ending the verse) emphasizes God's design: not identical outcomes, but reciprocal care where abundance and lack balance through voluntary exchange. This transforms charity into partnership and recipients into future givers.