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Verse

2 Corinthians 8:14

ESV your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
NIV At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,
NASB at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for their need, so that their abundance also may serve as assistance for your need, so that there may be equality;
CSB At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality.
NLT Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.
KJV But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
NKJV but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lackā€”that there may be equality.

What does 2 Corinthians 8:14 mean?

Paul is describing the biblical principle of fairness among those living in the Christian community. In urging the Corinthians to follow through on their previous commitment to contribute to a collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem, he has asked them to give a proportion of what they have. He doesn't want them to give all they have or more than they have. He does, though, teach that Christians should see themselves as responsible to each other.

Believers with more than they need should be ready and willing to give to believers with less than they need. If their fortunes reverse later, then the contributions should flow in the other direction. Paul does not think some Christians should live in painful poverty while others live in pleasurable excess. When the church first came into being, it was known for following this principle (Acts 2:44–46).
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