The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:8 Explained

2 Corinthians 8:8

KJV: I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

YLT: not according to command do I speak, but because of the diligence of others, and of your love proving the genuineness,

Darby: I do not speak as commanding it, but through the zeal of others, and proving the genuineness of your love.

ASV: I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I speak  not  by  commandment,  but  by occasion  of the forwardness  of others,  and  to prove  the sincerity  of your  love. 

What does 2 Corinthians 8:8 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Paul wanted his readers to understand that he did not want them to take the following exhortation incorrectly. It was not an apostolic command since obedience to a command is an inferior motive for giving to others. Rather he hoped that the good example of others would motivate them. The others in view are the Macedonians, the Corinthians" themselves in their initial efforts, and Jesus Christ.
Paul claimed full apostolic authority (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10), which his critics challenged, but he chose not to use it. It is usually wiser and more effective to appeal for change by citing positive examples rather than by making authoritative demands.
"Paul uses the conventional rhetorical strategy of comparison (synkrisis), in this case competition, to spur the Corinthians to action ( 2 Corinthians 8:1-8, esp. 2 Corinthians 8:8)." [1]

Context Summary

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Stimulating To Liberality
Surely the plea for a generous gift of money toward the collection which Paul was making for the poor saints in Jerusalem, could not have been more tenderly and convincingly urged than it is urged here. He begins by mentioning the generosity of the Christians in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, who were very poor, the inference being that the wealthier Corinthians would make similar sacrifices. He quotes the example of the Lord Jesus, who made Himself poor that they might be enriched and who for nineteen centuries since has had the joy of enriching myriads of souls. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a year ago they had resolved to make this gift. Finally he sketches his fair dream of reciprocity between church and church, so that wherever there was need the supplies of Christian benevolence should flow forth to meet it.
Notice, then, that Christian liberality originates in the grace of God, ministers abundant joy to those who give, is not staunched by deep poverty, begins with the consecration of the giver's soul to God, and does not wait to be entreated, because it demands the privilege of ministering thus to the lack of Christ's body. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 8

1  He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;
7  by commendation of their former forwardness;
9  by the example of Christ;
14  and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;
16  commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:8

Proving [δοκιμαζων]
Testing and so proving. [source]
The sincerity also of your love [και το της υμετερας αγαπης γνησιον]
Old adjective, contraction of γενεσιος — genesios (γινομαι — ginomai), legitimately born, not spurious. A collection is a test of one‘s love for Christ, not the only test, but a real one. [source]
Sincerity [γνήσιον]
Used by Paul only. Contracted from γενήσιος legitimatelyborn: hence genuine. Paul calls Timothy his lawful son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2). The kindred adverb γνησίως sincerely(A.V. naturally ), occurs once, Philemon 2:20. See note. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 8:8

Romans 12:8 With diligence [ἐν σπουδῇ]
See on Judges 1:3. In Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39, it is rendered haste. In 2 Corinthians 7:11, carefulness (Rev., earnest care ). In 2 Corinthians 7:12, care (Rev., earnest care ). In 2 Corinthians 8:8, forwardness (Rev., earnestness ). In 2 Corinthians 8:16, earnest care. [source]
Romans 12:7 Or he that teacheth [ειτε ο διδασκων]
Here the construction changes and no longer do we have the accusative case like διακονιαν — diakonian (general word for Christian service of all kinds including ministers and deacons) as the object of εχοντες — echontes but the nominative articular participle. A new verb must be supplied of which ο διδασκων — ho didaskōn is the subject as with the succeeding participles through Romans 12:8. Perhaps in each instance the verb is to be repeated from the participle like διδασκετω — didasketō here (let him teach) or a general term ποιειτω — poieitō (let him do it) can be used for all of them as seems necessary before “with liberality” in Romans 12:8 He that ruleth (ο προισταμενος — ho proistamenos). “The one standing in front” for which see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:12. With diligence “In haste” as if in earnest (Mark 6:25; 2 Corinthians 7:11., 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:16), from σπευδω — speudō to hasten. Again Romans 12:11. With cheerfulness (εν ιλαροτητι — en hilarotēti). Late word, only here in N.T., from ιλαρος — hilaros (2 Corinthians 9:7) cheerful, hilarious. [source]
Romans 12:7 With diligence [εν σπουδηι]
“In haste” as if in earnest (Mark 6:25; 2 Corinthians 7:11., 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:16), from σπευδω — speudō to hasten. Again Romans 12:11. With cheerfulness (εν ιλαροτητι — en hilarotēti). Late word, only here in N.T., from ιλαρος — hilaros (2 Corinthians 9:7) cheerful, hilarious. [source]
Philippians 2:20 Naturally [ψνησίως]
Rev., truly. The adverb only here in the New Testament. The kindred adjective γνήσιος trueown, occurs 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 Corinthians 8:8(see note). [source]
1 Timothy 1:2 My own son in the faith [γνησίῳ τέκνῳ ἐν πίστει]
More correctly, “my true child in faith.” Comp. Titus 1:4. With these two exceptions, τέκνον or υἱός ἐν πίστει does not occur in N.T. Ἑν πίστει or τῇ πίστει is not come on Paul; see 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:13. In the Pastorals, nine times. In Paul joined with ζῇν tolive, εἶναι tobe, στήκειν tostand, βεβαιοῦσθαι tobe established. For γνήσιος truesee 2 Corinthians 8:8; Philemon 2:20; Philemon 4:3. It means natural by birth-relation, therefore true or genuine. [source]
1 Timothy 1:1 By the commandment of God [κατ ' ἐπιταγὴν θεοῦ]
The phrase in Romans 16:26. Κατ ' ἐπιταγὴν absolutely, by commandment, 1 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 8:8. Paul uses διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ bythe will of God. See 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1. Comp. 2 Timothy 1:1. [source]
1 Timothy 1:1 According to the commandment [κατ επιταγην]
A late Koiné{[28928]}š word (Polybius, Diodorus), but a Pauline word also in N.T. This very idiom (“by way of command”) in 1 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 8:8; Romans 16:26; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:3. Paul means to say that he is an apostle under orders. [source]
1 Timothy 1:2 True [γνησιωι]
Legitimate, not spurious. Old word from γινομαι — ginomai but Pauline only in N.T. (Philemon 4:3; 2 Corinthians 8:8; Titus 1:4). In Philemon 2:20 the adverb γνησιως — gnēsiōs occurs and of Timothy again. [source]
Titus 2:15 With all authority [μετα πασης επιταγης]
See note on 1 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 8:8. Assertion of authority is sometimes necessary. [source]
1 John 1:8 The truth []
The whole Gospel. All reality is in God. He is the only true God ( ἀληθινός John 17:3; see on John 1:9). This reality is incarnated in Christ, the Word of God, “the very image of His substance,” and in His message to men. This message is the truth, a title not found in the Synoptists, Acts, or Revelation, but in the Catholic Epistles (James 5:19; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 2:2), and in Paul (2 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 1:13, etc.). It is especially characteristic of the Gospel and Epistles of John. The truth is represented by John objectively and subjectively. 1. Objectively. In the person of Christ. He is the Truth, the perfect revelation of God (John 1:18; John 14:6). His manhood is true to the absolute law of right, which is the law of love, and is, therefore, our perfect pattern of manhood. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Truth, absolutely existing in and identified with God, was also, in some measure, diffused in the world. The Word was in the world, before as after the incarnation (John 1:10. See on John 1:4, John 1:5). Christ often treats the truth as something to which He came to bear witness, and which it was His mission to develop into clearer recognition and expression (John 18:37). This He did through the embodiment of truth in His own person (John 1:14, John 1:17; John 14:6), and by His teaching (John 8:40; John 17:17); and His work is carried out by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), sent by God and by Christ himself (John 14:26; John 16:7). Hence the Spirit, even as Christ, is the Truth (1 John 5:6). The whole sum of the knowledge of Christ and of the Spirit, is the Truth (1 John 2:21; 2 John 1:1). This truth can be recognized, apprehended, and appropriated by man, and can be also rejected by him (John 8:32; 1 John 2:21; John 8:44). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Subjectively. The truth is lodged in man by the Spirit, and communicated to his spirit (John 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13). It dwells in man (1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:4; 2 John 1:2), as revelation, comfort, guidance, enlightenment, conviction, impulse, inspiration, knowledge. It is the spirit of truth as opposed to the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). It translates itself into act. God's true children do the truth (John 3:21; 1 John 1:6). It brings sanctification and freedom (John 8:32; John 17:17). See on John 14:6, John 14:17. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 8:8 mean?

Not as a command do I speak but through the of others earnestness also the - of your love genuineness proving
Οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν λέγω ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς καὶ τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων

ἐπιταγὴν  a  command 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπιταγή  
Sense: an injunction, mandate, command.
λέγω  do  I  speak 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ἑτέρων  of  others 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἀλλοιόω 
Sense: the other, another, other.
σπουδῆς  earnestness 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: σπουδή  
Sense: haste, with haste.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ὑμετέρας  of  your 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Feminine 2nd Person Plural
Root: ὑμέτερος  
Sense: you, yours.
ἀγάπης  love 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγάπη  
Sense: brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence.
γνήσιον  genuineness 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: γνήσιος  
Sense: legitimately born, not spurious.
δοκιμάζων  proving 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: δοκιμάζω 
Sense: to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals.