2 Corinthians 9

1 For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.

It is indeed unnecessary for me to write you in regard to the ministration to the saints at Jerusalem,

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 how ready you are, and am always boasting about you to the Macedonians, telling them that Greece has been ready for a year past; and your zeal has been a spur to the majority of them.

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:

Nevertheless I am sending the brothers in order that my boast about you may not prove vain in this instance; so that, as I kept saying, you may be prepared.

4 Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.

For if any Macedonians come with me and find you not ready, shame would come upon me (not to speak of you) in respect to this confidence.

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 have thought that I must ask these brothers to visit you beforehand, and get your promised contribution ready in advance. I want it to be given of your bounty, not extorted from your covetousness.

6 Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap blessings.

Mark this; he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

But let each give according to the purpose of his heart; not grudgingly of under compulsion. It is a cheerful giver that God loves.

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 give you an overflowing measure of every grace, so that all your wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and you may give of your abundance to 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 scattered broadcast, he gave to the poor; His almsgiving continues 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:

He who ever supplies seed to the sower, and bread for the food of man, will supply and make plentous your seed, and increase the harvest springing up from your almsgiving.

11 That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all simplicity, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

You yourselves will be enriched with all good things, that you may give ungrudgingly; and your gifts, of which I am the agent, will make men give thanks 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,

Because the ministry of this contribution not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also overflows in many a 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.

For this ministration proves you. On account of it men glorify God for your faithfulness to your professions of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your gifts to them and to all.

14 And in their praying for you, being desirous of you, because of the excellent grace of God in you.

Moreover, in their prayers for you they will be longing after you, because of the exceeding grace of God that is resting upon you.

15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT!