2 Corinthians 8:5 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁵ And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁵ And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁵ Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]–

American Standard Version (1901)

⁵ and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

Common English Bible

⁵ They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁵ And this is beyond what we had hoped, since they gave themselves, first of all to the Lord, and then also to us, through the will of God,

2 Corinthians 8:5 Cross References

Romans 12:1

So, I urge you, brothers, because God is so merciful [to us], to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [fully] dedicated and very pleasing to God. For this is a reasonable [or spiritual] way for you to worship [or serve] Him.

Romans 6:13

And do not offer the parts of your bodies [i.e., hands, eyes, etc. See Matt. 5:29-30] as tools for [accomplishing] evil purposes; but [instead] offer yourselves to God, as [people who are] alive from the dead [i.e., no longer under the power of sin] and the parts of your bodies as tools for [accomplishing] righteous purposes for God.

1 Corinthians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and [from] our brother Sosthenes;

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we do not preach ourselves, but [we preach] Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 8:1

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia.