12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

Other Translations of 2 Corinthians 8:12

King James Version

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.

English Standard Version

12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

The Message

12 Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

New King James Version

12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

New Living Translation

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:12

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

(Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-15)

Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.