2 Corinthians 9 5

2 Corinthians 9:5 kjv

Therefore 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.

2 Corinthians 9:5 nkjv

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

2 Corinthians 9:5 niv

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

2 Corinthians 9:5 esv

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

2 Corinthians 9:5 nlt

So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 5 Meaning

The Apostle Paul articulates the prudent necessity of dispatching brothers, particularly Titus, to Corinth ahead of his own arrival. Their mission was to facilitate the early organization of the Corinthians' generous contribution, which they had pledged the previous year for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul’s intention was to ensure that this collection was finalized and ready as a spontaneous, heartfelt offering, freely given from a spirit of blessing, rather than appearing as a grudging obligation, extortion, or reluctantly extracted sum upon his arrival. This safeguard protected the Corinthians' reputation, honored their earlier promise, and preserved the spiritual integrity of the giving.

2 Corinthians 9 5 Context

This verse is situated within a crucial section (2 Cor 8-9) where Paul addresses the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, often referred to as "the saints." A famine had gripped Judea, leading to severe hardship for the Christians there. Paul had been actively organizing this offering from the Gentile churches (Gal 2:10; Rom 15:25-27), seeing it as both an act of love and a tangible demonstration of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. The Corinthians had committed to participate in this collection a year prior (2 Cor 8:10), but it seems their zeal had waned, or circumstances had delayed its completion.

Paul uses a combination of gentle encouragement, commendation of the Macedonian churches (2 Cor 8:1-5) who gave beyond their means, and clear instructions to spur the Corinthians to fulfill their promise. The historical context includes Paul's concern for integrity in handling funds, especially as his opponents often sought to discredit him by accusing him of greed (2 Cor 11:7-11; 12:17-18). Culturally, forced levies or "gifts" to powerful figures were common in the Roman world. Paul distinguishes Christian giving from such practices, emphasizing it must stem from a willing heart. His sending of Titus and another brother before his own arrival safeguards the Corinthians' reputation, ensures the gift is truly ready, and protects Paul from any accusation that he pressured them or profited from the collection.

2 Corinthians 9 5 Word analysis

• So I thought it necessary (ἀναγκαῖον οὖν ἡγησάμην - anagkaion oun hēgēsamēn):

  • ἀναγκαῖον (anagkaion): "Necessary," "fitting," "expedient," "urgent." Not absolute divine command, but a practical and prudent necessity arising from the circumstances to ensure integrity and effectiveness. Paul acts with foresight and wisdom.

• to urge (παρακαλέσαι - parakalesai):

  • "To exhort," "encourage," "call alongside." It implies persuasion and comforting counsel, not command or coercion. It is a gentle but firm plea based on relationship and shared understanding.

• the brothers (τοὺς ἀδελφούς - tous adelphous):

  • Refers to Titus and the other unnamed brother (2 Cor 8:16-24), sent by Paul. They are co-workers and fellow believers.

• to go on ahead to you (προελθεῖν ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς - proelthein eph' hymas):

  • Emphasizes proactive action and their prior arrival before Paul. It signifies the importance of preparing everything beforehand.

• and arrange in advance for (προκαταρτίσωσιν - prokatartisōsin):

  • "To make ready beforehand," "to prepare in advance," "to set in order thoroughly." It conveys diligent, proactive organization, not last-minute scrambling. This anticipates potential disarray if left to Paul's arrival.

• your generous gift (τὴν εὐλογίαν ὑμῶν - tēn eulogian hymōn):

  • εὐλογίαν (eulogian): "Blessing," "good word," "praise," but here it means a "generous gift" or "benefaction" that flows from a blessed heart or a gift given as a blessing. It suggests abundance, good will, and God's favor involved in the act of giving. It elevates the donation beyond mere money to a spiritual act of grace.

• which you had promised (τὴν προεπηγγελμένην - tēn proepēnggelmenēn):

  • "Which had been promised beforehand." This refers to their pledge made a year earlier (2 Cor 8:10). Paul gently reminds them of their commitment, highlighting accountability and promise-keeping as part of Christian living.

• so that it may be ready (οὕτως ἑτοίμην εἶναι - houtōs hetoimēn einai):

  • ἑτοίμην (hetoimēn): "Ready," "prepared." The goal is for the collection to be complete and organized for transport. It means physically assembled and morally agreed upon.

• as a willing gift (ὡς εὐλογίαν - hōs eulogian):

  • ὡς (hōs): "As," "like." This reiterates the nature of the gift, emphasizing the manner of giving – with good will and a spirit of blessing, truly from the heart, like a gift that invokes blessing upon both giver and receiver. It links back to the intrinsic meaning of eulogia.

• not as an exaction (καὶ μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν - kai mē hōs pleonexian):

  • πλεονεξίαν (pleonexian): "Greed," "covetousness," "exaction," "getting more." In this context, it signifies a forced levy, a grudging payment extracted due to pressure, or a perceived grasping demand on Paul's part. It would imply the collection was squeezed out of them reluctantly or obtained by some advantage-taking. Paul is acutely aware of how giving might be misinterpreted by others or experienced internally by the Corinthians themselves.

• "I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you": This group of words emphasizes Paul's strategic thinking and proactive leadership. He recognizes a potential issue (the delay in collection) and takes specific action to rectify it before it becomes problematic, both for the Corinthians and for the integrity of the offering.

• "arrange in advance for your generous gift, which you had promised": This highlights two critical aspects: the organization of the gift and the fulfillment of a commitment. It combines practical foresight with a call to uphold a prior pledge, emphasizing responsibility in Christian stewardship.

• "so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction": This concluding phrase establishes the spiritual core of the matter. The collection's value lies not just in its financial amount, but in the heart attitude with which it is given. It sharply contrasts a cheerful, intentional offering (eulogian) with one that is compelled or grudgingly extracted (pleonexian), thereby underscoring Paul’s consistent teaching on the true nature of Christian generosity.

2 Corinthians 9 5 Bonus section

Paul's meticulous approach to financial matters, as seen in this verse, was a key aspect of his apostolic ministry. He was acutely aware of the accusations leveled against him by false apostles who sought to undermine his authority and purity of motives (2 Cor 11:7-15). By arranging for the collection to be gathered and organized before his arrival and with trusted, multiple witnesses (2 Cor 8:18-24), Paul demonstrated transparency and probity, leaving no room for his detractors to claim he enriched himself or coerced believers. This principle of accountability and open financial handling is a timeless lesson for all who serve in ministry, emphasizing that integrity must be seen and maintained, not merely claimed. The term "generous gift" as eulogia can also be connected to the concept of reciprocity in God's economy—what is given as a blessing is often blessed in return, as further expounded in verses 6-11 of this same chapter.

2 Corinthians 9 5 Commentary

Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 9:5 offers profound insight into the principles of Christian giving and ministerial integrity. He recognized the practical and spiritual implications of the Corinthians' year-old promise. By sending Titus and his companions ahead, Paul wasn't trying to exert pressure but to provide crucial support, ensuring the collection would be a genuine act of worship rather than an embarrassing scramble or, worse, a grudging handout.

The phrase "generous gift" (εὐλογίαν) implies a blessing, highlighting that Christian giving should flow from a blessed heart, giving back a portion of what God has first blessed us with. It contrasts sharply with "exaction" (πλεονεξίαν), which denotes greed or something extorted. This emphasizes that true Christian giving is characterized by a willing, prepared, and joyful spirit, completely free from coercion, resentment, or any sense of being exploited. Paul meticulously safeguarded the reputation of the Corinthians, the integrity of his ministry, and, most importantly, the spiritual authenticity of their offering. This verse stands as a testament to the fact that God cares not just about what is given, but how and why it is given, reinforcing the call for intentionality, preparation, and wholehearted generosity in all acts of service and giving.