2 Corinthians 9

1 For concerning the ministration which [is] for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you.

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.

2 For I know your readiness, which I boast of as respects you to Macedonians, that Achaia is prepared since a year ago, and the zeal [reported] of you has stimulated the mass [of the brethren].

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect, in order that, as I have said, ye may be prepared;

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

4 lest haply, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, that we say not ye, may be put to shame in this confidence.

Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.

5 I thought it necessary therefore to beg the brethren that they would come to you, and complete beforehand your fore-announced blessing, that this may be ready thus as blessing, and not as got out of you.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

6 But this [is true], he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that sows in [the spirit of] blessing shall reap also in blessing:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

7 each according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

8 But God is able to make every gracious gift abound towards you, that, having in every way always all-sufficiency, ye may abound to every good work:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

9 according as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever. (aiōn g165)

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (aiōn g165)

10 Now he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

11 enriched in every way unto all free-hearted liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.

12 Because the ministration of this service is not only filling up the measure of what is lacking to the saints, but also abounding by many thanksgivings to God;

For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

13 they glorifying God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession, to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in communicating towards them and towards all;

Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

14 and in their supplication for you, full of ardent desire for you, on account of the exceeding grace of God [which is] upon you.

And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

15 Thanks [be] to God for his unspeakable free gift.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!