2 Corinthians 9 3

2 Corinthians 9:3 kjv

Yet 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:

2 Corinthians 9:3 nkjv

Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready;

2 Corinthians 9:3 niv

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.

2 Corinthians 9:3 esv

But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.

2 Corinthians 9:3 nlt

But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you.

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 3 Meaning

The Apostle Paul states that he has dispatched the brothers, specifically Titus and his companions, to Corinth. The primary purpose of their visit is to ensure that the Corinthians’ promised contribution for the saints in Jerusalem is ready and collected. This preemptive action is taken so that Paul’s earlier confident boast to the Macedonian churches about Achaia’s (Corinth’s) enthusiastic readiness to give would not prove to be unfounded or empty. In essence, he wants their actions to align with his commendation, confirming their preparedness in this significant act of ministry.

2 Corinthians 9 3 Context

2 Corinthians Chapter 9 builds upon the theme of Christian giving established in Chapter 8. Paul is urging the Corinthian believers to complete the collection they had pledged for the impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. He uses the Macedonian churches' overwhelming generosity, despite their own poverty, as a compelling example in Chapter 8. In Chapter 9, Paul explains the principles and blessings of joyful, generous, and voluntary giving. Verse 3 is a practical, pastoral interjection within this exhortation. Historically, collections for Jerusalem Christians served not only as practical aid but also as a powerful symbol of unity between Gentile and Jewish believers in the nascent Church (Rom 15:25-27). Paul’s careful arrangements, including sending multiple trustworthy brethren, underscore his commitment to transparency and integrity in handling financial contributions, crucial in an era where administrators of funds could easily face accusations of misappropriation.

2 Corinthians 9 3 Word analysis

• But (Δε - De): A common Greek conjunction signaling a slight break or transition in thought, introducing a clarification or a new action directly related to the previous statement. It emphasizes the proactive step Paul is taking.
• I have sent (Επεμψα - Epempsa): Aorist active indicative. Paul has initiated and completed this action of sending. It signifies his personal involvement and the definite nature of the delegation.
• the brethren (τους αδελφους - tous adelphous): Refers collectively to Titus and the two other esteemed brothers, mentioned in 2 Cor 8:16-24, who were chosen by the churches to accompany Titus and help oversee the collection. Using "brethren" emphasizes their shared fellowship, trusted relationship, and communal representation.
• lest (ινα μη - hina mē): A conjunction introducing a negative purpose clause. It indicates Paul’s aim to prevent something undesirable from happening. He's taking preventative measures.
• our boasting (η καυχισις ημων - hē kauchēsis hēmōn): From kauchema (object of boasting) or kauchesis (act of boasting). This refers to Paul’s confident statement or commendation made about the Corinthians’ readiness to the Macedonian churches (2 Cor 9:2). This "boasting" is a positive commendation or assurance, not arrogant self-exaltation.
• of you (υπερ υμων - hyper hymōn): Literally "on behalf of you" or "concerning you." The boasting was specifically about the Corinthians' intended actions.
• should be in vain (κενωθη - kenōthē): From kenoō (to empty, to make void, render ineffective). Paul fears his commendation might be exposed as hollow, unfounded, or without substance if the collection isn't ready. This would discredit him and potentially embarrass the Corinthians.
• in this respect (εν τω μερει τουτω - en tō merei toutō): Lit. "in this part/matter." This precisely delimits the scope of the potential embarrassment: specifically, concerning their financial readiness for the collection.
• that (ινα - hina): A conjunction introducing a positive purpose clause, explaining the intended outcome of sending the brothers.
• as I said (καθως ελεγον - kathōs elegon): "Just as I was saying" or "just as I had said." This confirms that Paul had indeed confidently reported their readiness previously, emphasizing his truthfulness and consistency.
• you may be ready (ετε ετοιμοι - ete hetoimoi): From hetoimos (ready, prepared, fitted). This indicates the desired state of their preparedness, not merely an action, but a settled state of having their gift prepared and assembled for collection. It means being in a complete state of readiness, not just a willingness to start.

Word-group Analysis

• "But I have sent the brethren": This phrase highlights Paul’s strategic leadership and prudent action. He doesn't rely solely on their good intentions but implements practical measures to ensure successful completion. The choice to send multiple "brethren" (not just Titus) signals transparency and accountability, typical of financial handling in the early church to avoid suspicion (2 Cor 8:20-21).
• "lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect": Paul’s motivation is twofold: protecting his apostolic integrity and preserving the Corinthians' reputation. His commendation to other churches created an expectation. If the Corinthians failed to meet it, it would reflect poorly on him (his trustworthiness) and on them (their sincerity). This underscores the weight of Christian testimony and the importance of words being matched by deeds.
• "that, as I said, you may be ready": This reiterates the ultimate goal. The brothers are sent to facilitate, not to force. Paul desires their ready generosity, confirming what he confidently spoke about them. This "readiness" points not just to the logistical aspect of the gift but also to the state of their heart—eager and willing.

2 Corinthians 9 3 Bonus section

• The practical arrangement of sending trusted individuals for financial collections exemplifies Paul's consistent emphasis on integrity and avoiding the "appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22). This was particularly vital in the ancient world, where itinerant preachers often faced accusations of personal gain.
• The urgency reflected in "lest our boasting... be in vain" shows Paul's profound pastoral investment in the Corinthian church. He had championed them, and their follow-through (or lack thereof) impacted not only their reputation but also the wider inter-church dynamics and confidence in Paul's apostolic leadership.
• This verse subtly reinforces the concept of proactive faithfulness. "You may be ready" implies an active preparation of the gift, ensuring it's not a hasty, last-minute offering but one carefully gathered and organized. This readiness is a demonstration of sincere commitment, honoring both God and the recipients of the generosity.

2 Corinthians 9 3 Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 9:3, Paul articulates a key motivation behind sending Titus and other trusted brothers ahead to Corinth: to ensure the practical readiness of their pledged offering for the Jerusalem saints. This wasn't a matter of mistrust in the Corinthians' sincerity, but rather an act of wise stewardship and pastoral care. Paul had openly commended the Corinthian church to the Macedonians for their eager willingness and proactive commitment to the collection a year prior (2 Cor 9:2, 8:10). His deep concern was that this commendation, this "boasting" (which here signifies a positive public affirmation), should not be proven baseless or empty (rendered "in vain").

Paul’s action ensures that the Corinthian church fulfills its commitment, thereby affirming their integrity and proving their love, not just in words but in deed. It protects his own reputation as an apostle and ambassador of Christ, demonstrating that his word could be trusted. Moreover, it upholds the collective testimony of the church as faithful and reliable in supporting their brethren. This approach to financial matters in ministry sets a precedent for transparency and accountability, ensuring that offerings are handled with the utmost integrity, thereby preventing any cause for reproach or misunderstanding. The presence of the trusted brethren would also aid the Corinthians in the practical organization of their significant gift, helping them move from intention to prepared completion.