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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 2 Corinthians 8:13 - 8:13
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13, 14. The construction of the first ἵνα and of ἐξ ἰσότητος is uncertain. Probably ἵνα depends upon something to be understood, as ‘You must complete the ποιῆσαιʼ (2Co 8:11), or ‘I mean’ (A.V.), or ‘I say this’ (R.V.), or, as ἵνα itself suggests, ‘The object is’ (Waite). And ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἰσότητος looks both ways, but is more closely connected with what follows. For the object is not, that others may have relief, you distress (see critical note); but according to equality, at the present season your abundance to meet their want, that their abundance also may meet your want, that there may be equality. With ἐξ ἰσότητος comp. ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν (2Co 8:11). It is not necessary to supply a verb for τὸ ὑμῶν περίσσευμα εἰς τὸ ἐκείνων ὑστέρημα. These words explain ἐξ ἰσότητος: on a principle of equality—your abundance to meet their want. With γένηται εἰς = ‘may be extended to’ comp. Gal 3:14. The Apostle reminds the Corinthians that a day may come when they may need help and the Palestinian Christians may be able to supply it, ὅπως γένηται ἱσότης, that there may be brought about equality. The help from Palestine to Corinth is a contingency in the future, and can hardly refer to the spiritual benefits which the heathen had received and were receiving from the Jews. For ὑμῶν see last note on 2Co 12:19.