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2Co_8:11. The καί before τὸ ποιῆσαι can only belong to it, and not to ἐπιτελ . also (de Wette, Hofmann). It is the simple accessory also; as in 2Co_8:10 the thought proceeded backwards from doing to willing, now it proceeds forwards from willing to doing, so that at the bottom of καὶ τὸ ποιῆσαι there lies the conception: Now, however, bring not merely the willing, but also the doing to completion. This is an analysis of the elements, which in reality coincide (for the ἐπιτελέσαι of the willing is the actual execution), occasioned, however, very naturally by the juxtaposition in 2Co_8:10, and giving rise to no misconception her.
ὅπως καθάπερ κ . τ . λ .] in order that as the inclination of the willing, so also the completion (of that, which ye will) may be according to means, i.e. in order that the actual execution of that, which you will, may not remain out of proportion to the inclination of your will, but, like the latter, may be accordant with your means. As it is the inclination of your will to contribute according to the standard of your possessing, the execution of this willingness should take place according to the same standar.
οὕτω καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι ] sc. ᾖ . The supplying the subjunctive of εἰμι is not linguistically inadmissible (Rückert), and is found already in Homer (Il. i. 547, and Nägelsb. in loc.), but it is certainly rare in Greek writers. Comp. 2Co_8:13. See Bernhardy, p. 330 f.; Buttmann, neut. Gramm. p. 120 [E. T. 137].
ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν ] belongs to both subjects of the clause of purpose: in pursuance of the having, according to your means. See Fritzsche, Quaest. Luc. p. 179 f. Comp. expressions like ἐκ τῶν παρόντων , ἐκ τῶν ὑπαρχόντων , and the like. Ἐκ is not to be taken in the sense of the origin, as Hofmann wishes; for it would, in fact, be an indelicate and bad compliment to the inclination of the readers, that it had “originated” from their possession. Paul himself indicates afterwards by καθό in what meaning he uses ἐκ .