2 Corinthians 8:12

Authorized King James Version

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For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Original Language Analysis

εἰ if there G1487
εἰ if there
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 1 of 14
if, whether, that, etc
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προθυμία a willing mind G4288
προθυμία a willing mind
Strong's: G4288
Word #: 4 of 14
predisposition, i.e., alacrity
πρόκειται be first G4295
πρόκειται be first
Strong's: G4295
Word #: 5 of 14
to lie before the view, i.e., (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward)
καθὸ according to G2526
καθὸ according to
Strong's: G2526
Word #: 6 of 14
according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as
ἐὰν that G1437
ἐὰν that
Strong's: G1437
Word #: 7 of 14
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔχει hath G2192
ἔχει hath
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 8 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τις a man G5100
τις a man
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 9 of 14
some or any person or object
εὐπρόσδεκτος it is accepted G2144
εὐπρόσδεκτος it is accepted
Strong's: G2144
Word #: 10 of 14
well-received, i.e., approved, favorable
οὐκ and not G3756
οὐκ and not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 11 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
καθὸ according to G2526
καθὸ according to
Strong's: G2526
Word #: 12 of 14
according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as
οὐκ and not G3756
οὐκ and not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 13 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔχει hath G2192
ἔχει hath
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 14 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis & Commentary

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not—Paul establishes a crucial principle: ei gar hē prothumia prokeitai ('if the readiness/willingness is present'), giving is euprosdektos (εὐπρόσδεκτος, 'well-received/acceptable/welcome') kath' ho ean echē (καθ' ὃ ἐὰν ἔχῃ, 'according to whatever one has'), not kath' ho ouk echei ('according to what one does not have'). This verse liberates both rich and poor: God judges generosity proportionally, not absolutely.

The phrase hē prothumia (ἡ προθυμία, 'eagerness/readiness/willingness') appears first—disposition matters more than amount. A widow's two mites (Mark 12:41-44) can exceed a millionaire's surplus because God weighs heart alongside gift. Simultaneously, Paul prevents Corinthian excuse-making: those with resources can't claim they have nothing. The principle kath' ho echei ('according to what one has') requires honest assessment of capacity. This balanced approach avoids two errors: demanding impossible sacrifice, or accepting token generosity from the wealthy. Proportionate giving reflects both grace (it's God-enabled) and responsibility (it requires honest stewardship).

Historical Context

This principle addressed economic inequality in Corinthian house churches where slaves and day-laborers worshiped alongside shop-owners and wealthy patrons. Paul teaches that both groups can give acceptably—slaves through small offerings given gladly, wealthy through substantial gifts still proportionate to their resources. This leveled traditional Roman patronage systems where only elite generosity received public honor.

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