Log inSign up

Favor · the best way to learn the Bible

2 Corinthians 8 Bible study: For your sakes he became poor

In the Greek, the "deep poverty" of the assemblies of Macedonia (8:2) and the "poverty" of the Lord Jesus Christ (8:9) are one noun, and the New Testament has it only once more.

Favor is a Bible study app that explains every chapter as you read: the words behind the words, what most readers miss, and how it all leads to Jesus.

Read 2 Corinthians 8 with FavorWhat is Favor?

First week free, then $10 a month per person

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 · World English Bible

Try it · Did you catch it?

“2 Corinthians 8 uses the word *poverty* of the assemblies of Macedonia and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Is that in 2 Corinthians 8, or not? Make your call.

What's really going on

The grace of God, given in Macedonia

In the text

The chapter opens, "Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia" (8:1) (tap grace). It goes on: "how in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity." (8:2) (tap poverty). "For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord" (8:3) (tap own accord), "begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints." (8:4). "This was not as we had expected, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God." (8:5). The chapter names the assemblies only as "of Macedonia" (8:1), and doesn't say who the saints of 8:4 are or where they are. It says "the Lord" in 8:5 and doesn't say there whom it means. These notes say no more about any of this than the verses do.

Honest questions

Questions people ask about 2 Corinthians 8

That was a taste

The rest of 2 Corinthians 8 is waiting in Favor

  • For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
  • That there may be equality
  • Titus and the brothers
  • Jesus Christ, in 8:9
  • Questions asked elsewhere in Favor
  • Set beside this chapter elsewhere in Favor
  • 12 questions as you read
  • 10 more Greek words
  • A short check at the end
  • Your notes, saved as you go
Read the whole chapter

First week free, then $10 a month per person

The Greek word behind it

χάριςcharissay KHAR-ees

Strong's: "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act". "we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia" (8:1). The same noun is behind grace in 8:4, 8:6, 8:7, 8:9 and 8:19, and behind thanks in "But thanks be to God" (8:16): seven verses of this chapter, in all eight editions TAGNT compares. Favor's Luke 1 studies it where the WEB has favor.

For your group

2 Corinthians 8 Bible study questions

  1. 1"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich." (8:9). What stays with you most as you read this verse?
  2. 2"in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy" (8:2). Have you seen someone keep their joy in a hard time? What did you notice?
  3. 3"As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you." (8:23). Who has been a partner to you in your faith, and how could you thank them this week?

Leading a group? In Favor, everyone reads 2 Corinthians 8 during the week and answers these questions privately. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together, and you can print the week's sheet.

Start a Bible study
Free quizTake the 2 Corinthians 8 quizQuestions with the answers explained, for your group or your familyFree printablePrint this Bible studyOne page: the chapter, the verse, and the questions with room to write

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions

What is Favor?

Favor is a Bible study app that explains every chapter as you read: the Hebrew and Greek behind the words, the details most readers miss, and how each part of the Bible leads to Jesus. Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church.

How much does it cost?

Your first week is free. After that it's $10 a month per person, the same for everyone, including groups and churches. There are no tiers and nothing extra to unlock.

Can I read 2 Corinthians 8 straight away?

Yes. 2 Corinthians 8 is open from your first day.

Do I need a group?

No. Many people read on their own. If you'd like to read with others, start a Bible study and share one link. Everyone's answers stay private until you meet.

I've never really read the Bible. Is this for me?

Yes. Favor starts where you are and explains as it goes. The questions along the way aren't marked right or wrong: you answer, then see what the text shows.

Which Bible does Favor use?

The World English Bible, a modern, readable translation in the public domain. God's name appears as "the LORD", as in most English Bibles.

Is Favor tied to a church?

No. Favor is non-denominational. Where Christians read a passage differently, it shows the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.

Start with 2 Corinthians 8

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

All Bible study guides

Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Hebrew and Greek words are checked against the original-language texts and public-domain lexicons. What we believe · Favor home