2 Corinthians 8:4
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Original Language Analysis
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πολλῆς
much
G4183
πολλῆς
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the gift
G5485
χάριν
the gift
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
7 of 18
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοινωνίαν
take upon us the fellowship
G2842
κοινωνίαν
take upon us the fellowship
Strong's:
G2842
Word #:
10 of 18
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίας
of the ministering
G1248
διακονίας
of the ministering
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
12 of 18
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίους
the saints
G40
ἁγίους
the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
16 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Acts 24:17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.2 Corinthians 9:1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.1 Corinthians 16:15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem collection served multiple purposes:
- practical relief during famine
- demonstration of Gentile-Jewish unity in the early church
- fulfillment of Paul's commitment to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10),
- symbolic representation of Gentile tribute to the mother church, echoing Isaiah's vision of nations bringing wealth to Zion.
Paul saw it as essential to gospel mission.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view giving as a privilege to be sought or a duty to be avoided?
- How does understanding financial generosity as 'koinōnia' (fellowship) change your perspective?
- What 'ministry to the saints' might God be inviting you to participate in through sacrificial giving?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints—Remarkably, the Macedonians begged Paul (deomenoi hēmōn, 'entreating us') to accept their contribution. The phrase tēn charin kai tēn koinōnian (τὴν χάριν καὶ τὴν κοινωνίαν, 'the grace and the fellowship') treats giving as both divine gift and communal participation. Koinōnia (κοινωνία, 'partnership, sharing, communion') appears throughout Paul's writings as a key ecclesial term—here applied to financial assistance.
The Macedonians understood something profound: participating in relief for Jerusalem saints was a privilege, not a burden. The phrase tēn diakonian tēn eis tous hagious ('the ministry to the saints') uses diakonia (service) to elevate mundane charity to sacred ministry. They wanted to share in the koinōnia of serving—the same word used for 'fellowship with Christ' (1 Corinthians 1:9). This theological vision transforms giving from duty to worship, from obligation to opportunity.