Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

2 Corinthians 8:4

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 4 while they on their own initiative kept earnestly begging us for the privilege of kindly giving, to have a share in the relief ministry for the holy ones.+

2 Corinthians 8:4

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 4 while they of their own accord kept begging us with much entreaty for the [privilege of] kindly giving and for a share in the ministry destined for the holy ones.+

2 Corinthians 8:4

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 4 μετὰ with πολλῆς much παρακλήσεως entreaty δεόμενοι supplicating ἡμῶν, of us, τὴν the χάριν undeserved kindness καὶ and τὴν the κοινωνίαν sharing τῆς of the διακονίας service τῆς the (one) εἰς into τοὺς the ἁγίους,— holy (ones),—

2 Corinthians 8:4

King James Version
- 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2 Corinthians 8:4

American Standard Version
- 4 beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

2 Corinthians 8:4

The Bible in Living English
- 4 they gave voluntarily, imploring us with strong appeals for the favor and the participation in the service to God’s people—

2 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 8

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 8:4
  
  have a share in the relief ministry: Paul uses the Greek noun di·a·ko·niʹa, here rendered “relief ministry.” The word is often used in the Bible to describe humble services performed out of love for others. It is significant that this Greek noun is used for the twofold ministry in which Christians share, the preaching work and the relief work. (See study note on Ac 11:29.) In this verse, Paul refers specifically to bringing relief to fellow Christians who are struck by hardship. (2Co 9:13; see study note on Ro 15:31.) The Macedonian congregations considered it a privilege to share in this relief work. Both aspects of the Christian ministry constitute “sacred service.”—Ro 12:1, 6-8.