2 corinthians 8:15 - As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” Exodus 16:8

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 8:15

What does "2 corinthians 8:15" mean?


The verse in 2 Corinthians 8:15 is quoting Exodus 16:18, which describes the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness. Understanding the original context in Exodus is key to understanding its meaning in 2 Corinthians.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

Exodus 16:18 (The Original Context):

The Manna: God miraculously provided manna, a bread-like substance, for the Israelites to eat each day in the desert.
Specific Instructions: God instructed them to gather only what they needed for that day. He forbade hoarding, except for a double portion on the sixth day to cover the Sabbath.
The Outcome: When they measured what they had gathered, those who gathered much did not have an excess, and those who gathered little did not have a shortage. God provided just enough for everyone's needs.

2 Corinthians 8:15 (Paul's Application):

The Context: Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, encouraging them to give generously to help fellow Christians in Jerusalem who were experiencing hardship.
The Analogy: Paul uses the manna story as an analogy to illustrate the principle of equality and shared resources within the Christian community.
The Meaning in 2 Corinthians:
"He who gathered much had nothing left over": Those who are wealthy or have an abundance shouldn't hoard it. They should use their surplus to help those in need. In the end, hoarding won't benefit them in the long run (and may even be detrimental spiritually).
"And he who gathered little had no lack": Those who have little shouldn't be left wanting. The generosity of others should ensure that their needs are met.

Overall Interpretation:

The verse in 2 Corinthians 8:15, quoting Exodus 16:18, emphasizes the importance of:

Sharing: God's provision is sufficient for everyone, but it requires a spirit of generosity and sharing to distribute resources equitably.
Equality: The goal is not for some to be excessively wealthy while others are in desperate need. Rather, the goal is to create a community where everyone has what they need.
Trust in God: The Exodus story demonstrates God's provision. Paul implies that if Christians trust in God and share with one another, God will ensure that everyone's needs are met.
Practical Application: Paul is urging the Corinthians to put their faith into action by giving generously to help their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. He is using the example of the manna to show them that their giving isn't just charity, it's participating in God's plan to provide for his people.

In short, the verse is a call to Christian generosity, highlighting that a healthy Christian community is one where everyone has what they need, achieved through the willingness of those who have more to share with those who have less, trusting that God will ultimately provide.