2 Corinthians 8:2-5
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 8
2that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.King James Version
3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 8
2During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.New Living Translation
3For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
4They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
5They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
English Standard Version
Chapter 8
2for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints — 5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.New International Version
Chapter 8
2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.New King James Version