2 Corinthians 8:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

For - following up "out of that which ye have" (2 Corinthians 8:11), and no more.

A willing mind - Greek, 'the readiness,' namely, to will (2 Corinthians 8:11).

Accepted - Greek, 'favourably accepted.'

According to that a man hath. 'Aleph (') B Delta G omit х tis (G5100)] "a man." Translate, 'according to whatsoever IT have:' the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, personified (Alford, after Vulgate). Better, as Bengel, 'He is accepted according to whatsoever he have' (so 2 Corinthians 9:7: cf. as to David, 1 Kings 8:18). God judges not according to what a man has not the opportunity to do, but according to what he does when he has it, and what he would do if he had it (cf. Mark 14:8, and the widow's mite, Luke 21:3-4).

2 Corinthians 8:12

12 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.