2 Corinthians 9
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedPaul has boasted that "Achaia was ready a year ago," and he sends the brethren ahead so their gift will be "a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness." "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully," so each should give "as he purposeth in his heart... not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." God "is able to make all grace abound toward you," and their gift will supply the saints and bring "many thanksgivings unto God," and Paul ends, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:22 Corinthians 9:52 Corinthians 9:62 Corinthians 9:72 Corinthians 9:82 Corinthians 9:122 Corinthians 9:15
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul, writing to the Corinthians about "the ministering to the saints," and "the brethren" he sends ahead. 2 Corinthians 9:12 Corinthians 9:32 Corinthians 9:52 Corinthians overview
Where
Paul boasts of Achaia "to them of Macedonia," and some from Macedonia may come with him. 2 Corinthians 9:22 Corinthians 9:4AchaiaMacedonia
When
"A year ago" Achaia was ready. Traditionally about AD 55-57, some months after 1 Corinthians, during Paul's third journey. Scholars agree that Paul wrote it; many think it gathers more than one of his letters to Corinth. 2 Corinthians 9:22 Corinthians overview
How it fits
Chapter 8 ended with Titus and the brethren sent to Corinth; this chapter finishes the subject of "the ministering to the saints." Chapter 10 turns sharply, as Paul begins to defend himself: "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." 2 Corinthians 8:232 Corinthians 8:242 Corinthians 9:12 Corinthians 10:12 Corinthians overview
Key verses
- Verse 6
"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Corinthians 9:6
- Verse 7
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
- Verse 9
"He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever." Paul quotes Psalm 112:9. 2 Corinthians 9:9Psalms 112:9
Takeaway
Give freely and cheerfully, as you have decided in your heart, trusting God to supply all you need. 2 Corinthians 9:72 Corinthians 9:8
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-11-01.
Be ready
1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
The cheerful giver
6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
Thanks be unto God
12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.