2 Corinthians 9

1 Now [I want to write] more about the gift [of money] [EUP] that [you and other believers are preparing to send] to the believers [in Judea province]. I do not [really] need to [continue writing to you about it],

But, indeed, concerning the ministry which is for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.

2 because I already know that you really want to help them. In fact, I have been boasting [about you], telling the [believers here in] Macedonia [province] that [you people in] Achaia [province] have been ready to help, since last year. As a result, because you are very eager to help [the believers in Judea province], you have made most of [the believers here in Macedonia province also want] to give [a gift].

For I know your willingness: of which I boasted on your behalf, to the Macedonians, that Achaia was prepared since the last year; and your zeal has stirred up the multitude.

3 However, I am sending Titus and the other two believers in order that [they will be able to help you finish collecting the money. Then when I and others arrive later, the people with me will see for themselves that] the things that I have been boasting about you are true [LIT]. [I want] you [to have your gift] ready [for us(exc) to take to Jerusalem], just like I have been telling others that you were ready.

Yet I have sent the brethren, that our boasting concerning you, may not be rendered false in this particular; but that as I said you may be prepared.

4 When I come, if any of [the believers from] Macedonia come with me, [I do not want them to find that your gift is] [MTY, EUP] not ready. If that were [to happen], I would be very ashamed, and you yourselves would be even more ashamed.

Lest, perhaps, if the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not you) should be put to shame by this confidence.

5 So that is why I felt that it was necessary to urge these [three] believers to go [and visit] you before I [come. In that way, they would be able to help you finish] collecting the generous gift [EUP] that had been promised by you {you had said you would give}. [If you do that, not only will] the gift be ready [by the time that we arrive, but everyone will see that you have given because you really want to give, and] not because anyone has forced you to give.

Therefore, I thought it necessary to entreat the brethren, that they would go before you, and complete beforehand your formerly announced bounty; that the same might be thus ready as a gift, and not as a thing extorted.

6 Do not forget this: “[A farmer] who sows only a few [seeds] will not gather/reap a large [harvest], but the one who sows a lot [of seeds] will gather/reap a large [harvest] [MET].” [Similarly, if you give just a little to help others, God will give you only a few blessings. But if you give willingly and cheerfully to help people, you will receive in return many blessings from God].

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully, shall reap bountifully.

7 Each of you should decide how much you [(sg)] should give, [and then give that amount]. You [(sg)] should not [be thinking to yourself], “[I really] do not want to give this money.” [And you(sg) should] not give [just] because someone tells [you to give. Instead, you should give willingly and cheerfully], because God loves those who give cheerfully.

Every one according as he has purposed in his heart, ought to to give; not with regret, nor by constraint; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 Moreover, God can enable you to [give to others cheerfully. If you give that way], God will [in return] give you many good blessings. He will do that so that at all times you will always have everything that you need. Indeed, you will have even more [than you need. As a result, you will be able to do] many more good things [to help others].

And God is able to make every blessing abound to you; that in everything, always having all sufficiency, you may abound in every good work.

9 [Those who give willingly and cheerfully will be rewarded like the man about whom] it is written {[about whom] (someone/the Psalmist) wrote} in the Scriptures, He generously [helps others], [he gives to those] who are poor. [God will remember] the good things that he did, [and reward him with] good things forever. (aiōn g165)

As it is written, "He has dispersed, he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains forever." (aiōn g165)

10 [God always] gives seeds to farmers to plant, and also gives them food to eat. [So, similarly, God will] always make it possible for you to have enough money [MET], so that you will be able more and more to generously [help those who are needy].

Now, may he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the products of your righteousness.

11 [God] will [give you] many blessings in many different ways as a result of your generously [helping others]. Furthermore, [the] generous [gift that you are getting ready for] us [(exc) to take to the believers in Judea province] will cause [many people] to thank God.

That you may be enriched in everything, for all liberality, which produces, through us, thanksgiving to God.

12 [Also remember that] when you give money to [EUP] help God’s people, you not only give them what they need, but also, [because of that], [many people will] thank God very much [for you and for what you have done].

For the ministry of this public service, not only fill us up completely the wants of the saints; but also abounds in many thanksgivings to God.

13 As a result of your giving [money to help others], they will praise God, not only because you have believed the good message about Christ, but also because you have [generously given some of your possessions] so that they and other [believers will all have] ([enough/their needs supplied]).

They, through the proof of the ministry, glorifying God for you avowed subjection to the gospel of Christ; and for the liberality of your contribution for them, and for all;

14 Also, when they pray for you, [asking God to bless you, they will remember how grateful they are] [IDM] that God [caused you to give] very willingly and cheerfully.

and for their prayer for you, who ardently love you, on account of the exceeding favor of God bestowed on you.

15 [Finally, we should all] thank God [because he gave us the greatest gift of all when he sent his Son to save/rescue us(inc)] ([from the guilt of our sin/from being punished for our sin]). That is a gift too wonderful for anyone to be able to tell about completely!

Now, thanks to God for his unspeakable gift.