The Bible — World English Bible
2 Corinthians 9
In brief
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul continues his appeal for generosity toward the Christians of Jerusalem. He sends brothers so that the promised collection will be ready and will be a generous gift, not an act of greed. He lays down principles: whoever sows bountifully reaps bountifully, and each gives as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion. God provides all that is needed, and the gift brings thanksgiving. The chapter ends by thanking God for his unspeakable gift.
The chapter in 3 parts
1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
2for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
3But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,
4lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting.
5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”
10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11you being enriched in everything to all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
13seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,
14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Key verses
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Paul uses the picture of the sower: to give little is to reap little, to give bountifully is to reap bountifully. The verse speaks of generosity as a sowing that God takes care of.
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Giving is a personal decision made in the heart, without sadness or compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver: he looks at the disposition of the heart more than at the amount.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
God is able to make all grace abound, so that the one who gives has what he needs and abounds in good works. This is not a promise of wealth, but trust in his faithfulness.
Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Paul ends with praise: thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. The believer’s generosity answers that of God, who gave himself.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about 2 Corinthians 9
What does “God loves a cheerful giver” mean?
Paul affirms that God looks at how we give as much as at what we give. A gift made under compulsion or with sadness does not have the same value as a gift chosen willingly. The verse sets no amount: it asks that each give as he has determined in his heart.
Does 2 Corinthians 9 talk about the tithe?
No. The chapter does not mention the tithe and sets no percentage. Paul speaks of a free gift for the Christians of Jerusalem. Churches do not agree on the place of the tithe today: some practice it as a reference point, others prefer to speak of free generosity.
Does sowing bountifully guarantee a material harvest?
Verse 6 sets a principle of generosity, not a promise of wealth. The context speaks of providing for the needs of the saints and of producing thanksgiving to God. The harvest announced is above all one of righteousness, gratitude and fellowship among believers.
Articles quoting 2 Corinthians 9
- 20 Bible Verses for Small Business Owners: Integrity, Diligence and Trust in God
- 20 Bible Verses for Thanksgiving: Gratitude for the Table and the Heart
- Three Principles for Hearing the Voice of God
- Genesis 2: Three Keys to Building Meaningful Relationships
- Matthew 6: Giving in Secret to a Generous God
- John 12: A Faith That Offers Nothing Is Good for Nothing
World English Bible translation — public domain.