2 Corinthians 8:15
As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 13
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τὸ
He that had gathered
G3588
τὸ
He that had gathered
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
He that had gathered
G3588
τὸ
He that had gathered
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολὺ
much
G4183
πολὺ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 13
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπλεόνασεν
had
G4121
ἐπλεόνασεν
had
Strong's:
G4121
Word #:
7 of 13
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
He that had gathered
G3588
τὸ
He that had gathered
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
He that had gathered
G3588
τὸ
He that had gathered
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀλίγον
little
G3641
ὀλίγον
little
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
11 of 13
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
Cross References
Exodus 16:18And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.Luke 22:35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Historical Context
The manna narrative (Exodus 16) served as Israel's foundational lesson in trusting God's daily provision rather than human accumulation. Paul invokes this tradition to teach Corinthian Christians—mostly urban, commerce-oriented Gentiles—that kingdom economics operate on trust and sharing, not market competition. The collection becomes a concrete way to experience the 'equality' God intended through manna.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the manna principle challenge a consumer culture built on accumulation?
- What 'excess' in your life might be someone else's provision if you shared it?
- How can Christian community create 'equality' where none have excess and none lack?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack—Paul quotes Exodus 16:18, which describes manna distribution in the wilderness. The phrase ho to poly ouk epleonasen (ὁ τὸ πολὺ οὐκ ἐπλεόνασεν, 'the one with much had no excess') and ho to oligon ouk ēlattonēsen (ὁ τὸ ὀλίγον οὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν, 'the one with little had no lack') demonstrates divine provision principles. In the Exodus narrative, regardless of how much individuals gathered, everyone had exactly enough manna—no hoarding, no shortage.
Paul applies this typologically: Christian community should mirror wilderness Israel's experience of divine provision through sharing. Those with surplus shouldn't hoard (it would rot, like hoarded manna); those with little shouldn't lack (the community provides). This isn't advocating laziness—Exodus 16 required daily gathering—but rather condemning hoarding while celebrating sufficiency. The isotēs (equality) of v. 14 finds Old Testament precedent: God designs economic ecosystems where generosity prevents both excess and insufficiency. This vision challenges both consumerist accumulation and prosperity gospel materialism, proposing instead contentment with enough and concern that all have enough.