2 Corinthians 8:10
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνώμην
my advice
G1106
γνώμην
my advice
Strong's:
G1106
Word #:
2 of 21
cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)
δίδωμι·
I give
G1325
δίδωμι·
I give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συμφέρει
is expedient
G4851
συμφέρει
is expedient
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
9 of 21
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιῆσαι
to do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
to do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
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 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλειν
to be forward
G2309
θέλειν
to be forward
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
18 of 21
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Cross References
Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.1 Corinthians 7:40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.2 Corinthians 9:2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.1 Corinthians 16:2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.2 Corinthians 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Historical Context
A year had passed since the Corinthians first committed to the collection—an eternity in ancient communication timelines. The delay likely stemmed from the church conflict addressed in 2 Corinthians 1-7. Now that reconciliation had occurred (7:5-16), Paul tactfully revives the stalled collection. His 'advice' carries apostolic weight without invoking apostolic authority, respecting their agency while guiding their decision.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual or financial commitments have you begun but not completed?
- How does recognizing that follow-through benefits you (not just recipients) motivate completion?
- Why is it important to align 'willing' and 'doing' rather than having good intentions alone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago—Paul offers gnōmēn (γνώμην, 'judgment/opinion/advice') rather than epitagēn (command), maintaining his non-coercive approach. The word sympherei (συμφέρει, 'it is profitable/expedient') indicates completing the collection benefits the Corinthians themselves, not just Jerusalem recipients. They had been proenerxasthe (προενήρξασθε, 'you began before/were first to begin') a year earlier (circa AD 55), both in to poiēsai ('the doing') and to thelein ('the willing')—both action and intention.
Paul's wisdom shines: he reminds them they initiated the project, making completion a matter of integrity, not imposition. The phrase 'a year ago' gently rebukes delay without overt condemnation. The dual emphasis on willing and doing addresses potential Corinthian excuses—they can't claim they intended but couldn't act, since they had done both. Paul frames finishing as self-interest (sympherei): incomplete commitments damage character and reputation. Following through demonstrates maturity and proves their earlier enthusiasm genuine.