The Verse in Focus (2 Corinthians 8:14)
ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης
ἵνα… ὅπως: Coordinated Purpose and Result
The structure of this verse features a double purpose/result expression — first with ἵνα and then with ὅπως. While both conjunctions introduce result or purpose clauses, ἵνα is often stronger and more direct, whereas ὅπως can nuance intention or ultimate goal. The layering of these two clauses in succession builds rhetorical force and draws attention to the divine ideal of balance among believers.
τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα: Their Abundance
The noun περίσσευμα means “overflow,” “abundance,” or “surplus.” It is a neuter singular noun used with the definite article τὸ, and modified by the genitive pronoun ἐκείνων — “of them” (referring to the Jerusalem believers). Paul points to the current material or spiritual abundance of one group as a supply for the need of another.
The positioning of καὶ before τὸ ἐκείνων creates a parallelism with the previous verse, continuing the theme of reciprocal provision.
γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα: Becoming Supply for Need
The verb γένηται is the aorist middle subjunctive of γίνομαι — “to become.” Its use in the subjunctive mood, governed by ἵνα, expresses purpose: that their abundance might become or result in something.
What does it become? εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα — “for your lack.” The prepositional phrase begins with εἰς (indicating goal or result), followed by τὸ ὑστέρημα (“lack,” “deficiency”), which is a neuter singular noun. The genitive plural ὑμῶν shows possession: “your deficiency.”
The result is clear — their surplus is meant to meet your need.
ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης: So That There May Be Equality
The phrase ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης expresses Paul’s overarching goal: equity. The noun ἰσότης means “equality,” not in a modern political sense, but in the sense of balanced mutual care. The same verb γένηται is repeated here to show a second result: not just a transfer of resources, but the creation of fairness.
In Paul’s theology, generosity is not about enforced redistribution — it is a spiritual expression of unity, love, and balance within the body of Christ.
The Grace of Equity
In just one sentence, Paul reveals the heart of Christian stewardship: surplus exists to meet need, not as an accident of wealth, but as a channel of grace. Greek grammar intensifies this message through layered purpose clauses (ἵνα, ὅπως), vivid terms (περίσσευμα, ὑστέρημα), and a single powerful noun — ἰσότης. For Paul, equity is not a demand — it is a gospel-shaped goal that arises when Spirit-led abundance overflows into Spirit-filled love.
