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 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 9 | Your readiness is not just a duty but a willing offering prepared beforehand | General context of the passage |
| Exodus 35:21 | everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whom his spirit made willing | Old Testament example of willingness |
| Proverbs 11:24 | One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what is due and comes to poverty. | Stewardship and generosity |
| Proverbs 21:26 | He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not withhold. | Generosity vs. stinginess |
| Malachi 3:10 | "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... and thereby put me to the test," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." | Blessing for giving |
| Matthew 6:3-4 | But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. | Giving with a pure motive |
| Matthew 6:21 | For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. | Motivation for giving |
| Matthew 25:34-36 | Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." | Motivated by love for Christ |
| Luke 6:38 | "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." | The principle of return |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that the property he possessed was his own, but rather all things were common among them. | Unity and communal sharing |
| Romans 12:8 | the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does his charitable deeds, with cheerfulness. | Giving with cheerfulness |
| Romans 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. | Purpose of contribution |
| 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 | Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, whenever you are able, so that collections may not be made when I come. | Systematic giving |
| Philippians 4:10-11 | I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived toward me your concern... Not that I speak in respect of need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. | Generosity even when not in need |
| Hebrews 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. | Sacrifices pleasing to God |
| 1 John 3:17-18 | But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. | Love demonstrated through action |
| Genesis 4:3-4 | Cain also brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought of the first of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. His countenance fell. | Acceptable offerings |
| Exodus 25:2 | "Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution; from every man whose heart shall move him you shall take my contribution. | A freewill offering for worship |
| Joshua 7:11-12 | Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them. They have even taken some of the things that are devoted to destruction; they have stolen and deceived and have not also put them with their own stuff. | Consequences of withholding |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also, must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” | Love as the mark of discipleship |
2 Corinthians 9 verses
2 Corinthians 9 5 Meaning
This verse speaks about the readiness and purpose behind a prepared gift. It emphasizes that the offering is not merely a compulsory act but a generous and willing contribution made beforehand, motivated by love and obedience to God.
2 Corinthians 9 5 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 9 addresses the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, a mission Paul had organized among the Gentile churches. This specific chapter highlights the spirit and manner in which the Corinthians were to give. It's framed within a broader discussion of stewardship, divine blessing, and the encouragement of generosity. Historically, the early church faced needs due to persecution and scarcity, making these collections vital for the support of believers and the unity of the body of Christ across different regions and ethnicities.
2 Corinthians 9 5 Word Analysis
- hē (ἡ): The feminine definite article "the." Here, it refers specifically to a "prepared offering."
- proetoimazō (προετοιμάζω): Verb meaning "to prepare beforehand," "to make ready in advance." This word underscores that the giving is not impulsive but intentional and planned. It speaks of foresight and arranging resources for a specific purpose. This links to preparing provisions or readying oneself for a journey or task, emphasizing preparedness for service or worship.
- autē (αὕτη): Demonstrative pronoun, feminine nominative singular, meaning "this." It points to the offering being discussed, reinforcing its concrete nature.
- en (ἐν): Preposition meaning "in," "on," "with," "by." Here it indicates the state or manner of the gift – in a state of readiness.
- kardia (καρδίᾳ): Noun meaning "heart." The "heart" in biblical context represents the inner person – their mind, will, affections, and motivations. The preparation is not just external but originates from the inner disposition. This relates to Deut. 15:7-10 where generosity is tied to the "heart."
- meos (μέος): Noun meaning "strength," "might," "zeal," "vigour." Often translated as "ready" or "willing." However, in this context, it carries the nuance of the abundance or entirety of one's ability or contribution. It is linked to the willingness of the heart in Old Testament texts concerning freewill offerings.
- mou (μου): First person singular possessive pronoun, genitive case, meaning "my" or "mine." The phrase "my strength" or "my vigour" suggests the gift is coming from the believer's own resources. It's not something borrowed or forced. This could also imply personal energy or fervor accompanying the gift. The rendering "my strength" in some translations aligns with the Old Testament concept of offering what one possesses to God with their full ability, as seen in Exodus 35:21.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "hē proetoimazō autē" (ἡ προετοίμαστος αὕτη): This phrase emphasizes the "prepared offering" itself, singular and specific. It's not a general contribution but a particular gift made ready beforehand. This implies careful thought and arrangement for the gift's dispatch or presentation.
- "en kardia mou" (ἐν καρδίᾳ μου): This points to the source of this preparedness. The inner will and disposition of the giver are what drive the preparation. It's an expression of inner commitment rather than external compulsion. It means "in my heart."
- "meos mou" (μέος μου): "My strength" or "my readiness." Combined with the preceding phrase, it means "my heart's willingness," or "my preparedness is from my heart's fullness of vigor/ability." The giving is from their inner capacity and willing spirit, not grudgingly or sparingly. It denotes not just willingness but the fullness of their willing ability.
2 Corinthians 9 5 Bonus Section
The term "proetoimazō" (prepare beforehand) carries a rich theological significance, connecting to God's own preparation. God Himself prepared a dwelling place for His glory (Exodus 25:8-9), and Christ Himself prepared a kingdom for believers (Matthew 25:34). Thus, the believer's prepared offering reflects a participation in God’s own prepared nature and purpose for His people. The phrase "my strength" (μέος μου) can be understood not just as a physical or financial ability, but also as the believer's spiritual strength and zeal being directed towards this act of generosity for God's kingdom and people. This echoes the commitment found in Joshua 1:18, "All that is expressed in these words... we will do."
2 Corinthians 9 5 Commentary
This verse underscores that a truly acceptable offering is one that is intentionally prepared beforehand with a willing heart and from one's genuine capacity. It's a testament to responsible stewardship and a love for God and fellow believers. The emphasis on preparation counters hasty or thoughtless giving. The "heart" as the source signifies that the act of giving is rooted in a genuine relationship with God, not just a response to a request. The "strength" or "readiness" points to the giving of what one has been able to accumulate or is capable of giving, reflecting personal resource and commitment. It encourages a mindset where giving is an anticipated joyful responsibility.
Practical Usage Examples:
- Setting aside a specific portion of income regularly for a planned donation rather than waiting until the end of the year.
- Volunteering time and skills for a church ministry with advance notice and preparation, rather than on an impulse.
- Acquiring goods needed for a specific charity drive with intention and planning, making sure they are appropriate and useful.