2 Corinthians 9

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

There is no need for me to write to you about this ministry of giving to the saints in Jerusalem.

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 how eager you are to help, and I keep boasting about you to the Macedonians, saying that Achaia has been prepared to give since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

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 have sent the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter may not prove to be empty, but that you may be prepared, just as I said you would be.

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 of the Macedonians were to come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be ashamed of this confident boasting.

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 go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously announced blessing, so that this gift of yours may be ready as a blessing and not as something you feel forced to do.

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:

My point is this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

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

Each person should give as he decides in his heart, not with sadness or under 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 provide you with every blessing in abundance so that you will always have everything you need to 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 distributed freely, he has given 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 may he who provides seed to the sower, and bread for food, also multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness!

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

May you be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us may your generosity 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 giving is not only providing for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem but is also abounding through many thanksgivings 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;

By their approval of this ministry, the saints in Jerusalem will glorify God because of your submission to the gospel of Christ that you confess, and also because of your generous contribution to them and to all.

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.

They will pray for you with deep affection because of the surpassing grace of God that is upon you.

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

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!