2 Corinthians 9
1 For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
2 For I know your forward mind: for which I boast of you to the Macedonians. That Achaia also is ready from the year past, and your emulation hath provoked very many.
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 Now I have sent the brethren, that the thing which we boast of concerning you, be not made void in this behalf, that (as I have said) you may be ready:
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, when the Macedonians shall come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.
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 Therefore I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they would go to you before, and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness.
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 Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap blessings.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
7 Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth 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 And God is able to make all grace abound in you; that ye always, having all sufficiency in all things, 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 As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever. (aiōn g165)
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (aiōn g165)
10 And he that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice:
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 That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all simplicity, which worketh 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 administration of this office doth not only supply the want of the saints, but aboundeth also by many thanksgivings in the Lord,
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 By the proof of this ministry, glorifying God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the simplicity of your communicating unto them, and unto 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 praying for you, being desirous of you, because of the excellent grace of God in 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 gift.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
