2 Corinthians 9 2

2 Corinthians 9:2 kjv

For 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.

2 Corinthians 9:2 nkjv

for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

2 Corinthians 9:2 niv

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

2 Corinthians 9:2 esv

for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.

2 Corinthians 9:2 nlt

For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 2 Meaning

This verse speaks about the apostle Paul's keenness and anticipation to see the Corinthians' progress in their generosity. He desires to witness firsthand their obedience and maturity in giving, which reflects a healthy spiritual condition. The readiness and abundance of their offering are significant to him as a testament to their faith and love in action.

2 Corinthians 9 2 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 9 follows Paul's extensive discussion on the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, initiated in chapter 8. He had previously praised the churches in Macedonia for their generous and eager participation in this collection (2 Cor. 8:1-5). In this chapter, Paul reinforces the importance and nature of cheerful, bountiful giving, encouraging the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution. He aims to stir them to readiness and to ensure their offering is a true reflection of their faith and love, rather than a reluctant obligation. The immediate context highlights the seriousness and anticipation with which Paul viewed their spiritual maturity expressed through tangible acts of generosity.

2 Corinthians 9 2 Word Analysis

• "Indeed" (Ep’estin de alētheias anakephalaiōsasthai logous): This phrase establishes a strong affirmation. Paul is not merely reiterating a suggestion but stating a factual readiness of his intent to summarize.

• "for me" (moi): Refers directly to the Apostle Paul.

• "to write" (graphein): Indicates the act of communication, specifically through writing.

• "to you" (hymas): Addressing the church at Corinth.

• "it is superfluous" (perittos): Meaning abundant, exceeding what is necessary, or even excessive in a positive sense. Paul is saying that writing more shouldn't be necessary given their prior knowledge and commitment.

• "for" (gar): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation.

• "the ministry" (diakonia): A key term referring to service, particularly the practical assistance provided to others, specifically the saints in Jerusalem.

• "to the saints" (tois hagiois): Referring to believers, set apart by God, who are in need in Jerusalem.

• "is superfluous" (perittos estin): Repetition from the initial phrase, emphasizing the abundance of existing knowledge or commitment regarding this matter.

• "for" (gar): Again, indicating the reason for the previous statement.

• "it is superfluous" (perissoteros): Here it implies that there is no need for him to write more extensively.

• "for me" (moi): Referring back to Paul.

• "to write to you" (hymas graphein): The act of penning more words about this ministry.

• Analysis of Phrase "It is superfluous for me to write to you": This is a rhetorical device. Paul means the opposite; while writing shouldn't be necessary, he feels compelled to do so because he knows their sincerity. It underscores his desire for their giving to be well-received and a true expression of their faith. He is also subtly contrasting their spiritual abundance with the potential for administrative shortcomings if not properly urged.

2 Corinthians 9 2 Bonus Section

The structure of this verse, particularly the initial declaration that it is "superfluous to write," can be interpreted as a rhetorical setup. Paul often used such phrasing to convey a greater earnestness by starting with what seems like a minimization, only to powerfully reinforce the main point. It’s akin to saying, "I could say nothing more, but let me tell you why I must emphasize this." The "superfluity" isn't about the Corinthians' lack of action but about Paul's potential lack of necessity in having to exhort them if their commitment was already fully demonstrated and executed. His genuine concern was to confirm their "readiness," implying a tangible state of preparation that writing alone might not fully convey without the confirmation of their actions. This aligns with the Old Testament principle that true devotion is demonstrated by deeds, not just words, as seen in sacrifices being commanded but also the attitude of the heart.

2 Corinthians 9 2 Commentary

Paul expresses his hesitation to write further about the collection, suggesting that the Corinthians have already demonstrated sufficient understanding and eagerness. However, this is a prelude to encouraging them further, indicating that while it shouldn't be necessary for him to write, he is doing so to stir them up. His desire is to see their generosity and readiness, confirming their genuine spirit of giving as witnessed by others. This reflects Paul's pastoral concern to encourage sincere and willing participation in acts of love and service, ensuring it reflects the abundance of God's grace in their lives.