2 Corinthians 8:5

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐ this they did not G3756
οὐ this they did not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 2 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
καθὼς as G2531
καθὼς as
Strong's: G2531
Word #: 3 of 15
just (or inasmuch) as, that
ἠλπίσαμεν we hoped G1679
ἠλπίσαμεν we hoped
Strong's: G1679
Word #: 4 of 15
to expect or confide
ἀλλ' but G235
ἀλλ' but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἑαυτοὺς their own selves G1438
ἑαυτοὺς their own selves
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 6 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἔδωκαν gave G1325
ἔδωκαν gave
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 7 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πρῶτον first G4412
πρῶτον first
Strong's: G4412
Word #: 8 of 15
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ to the Lord G2962
κυρίῳ to the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 10 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμῖν unto us G2254
ἡμῖν unto us
Strong's: G2254
Word #: 12 of 15
to (or for, with, by) us
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 13 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
θελήματος the will G2307
θελήματος the will
Strong's: G2307
Word #: 14 of 15
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 15 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis & Commentary

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God—Paul expected financial contribution; the Macedonians gave something more foundational: heautous edōkan prōton tō kyriō ('themselves they gave first to the Lord'). The adverb prōton (πρῶτον, 'first') indicates priority: self-consecration precedes fiscal contribution. Only those who have offered themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) can give money without idolatry.

The phrase dia thelēmatos theou (διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ, 'through the will of God') attributes even their submission to Paul's apostolic ministry to divine initiative. This verse establishes crucial sequence:

  1. surrender to Christ
  2. submission to godly leadership
  3. sacrificial financial giving.

Attempts to give money while withholding the self produce either legalism or manipulation. The Macedonians avoided this trap by recognizing that all Christian action flows from prior divine grace and self-giving.

Historical Context

Paul's surprise ('not as we hoped') suggests he initially sought only financial contributions. The Macedonian churches' total consecration—lives, loyalty, and livelihood—exceeded his expectations and modeled the holistic devotion Paul preached. This contrasts sharply with the Corinthian church's tendency toward factionalism, where members gave loyalty to human leaders (1 Corinthians 1:10-13) rather than first to Christ, then to Christ's appointed servants.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics