2 Corinthians 9 6

2 Corinthians 9:6 kjv

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6 nkjv

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6 niv

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

2 Corinthians 9:6 esv

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6 nlt

Remember this ? a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 6 Meaning

2 Corinthians 9:6 sets forth a profound principle rooted in God's spiritual and natural economy: the outcome of one's generosity directly correlates with the extent of that generosity. It means that the measure with which one gives—whether time, resources, effort, or love—determines the measure with which they will receive a return, whether material blessings, spiritual fruit, or divine favor. This verse particularly emphasizes giving with liberality, suggesting that a bountiful heart in giving will result in an abundant harvest from God.

2 Corinthians 9 6 Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended instruction to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Chapters 8 and 9 serve as a treatise on Christian giving. In Chapter 8, Paul highlights the sacrificial generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example and emphasizes that giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and proportionate to one's means. He also discusses God's abundance and equality in sharing. Chapter 9 builds upon this, explaining the spiritual principles and benefits of willing generosity. Verse 6 specifically encapsulates the fundamental law of reciprocal return that governs such acts. The historical context involves Jewish Christians in Jerusalem facing economic hardship, while gentile churches, like Corinth, were more prosperous. Paul used this opportunity to foster unity, practical love, and mutual support between the diverse branches of the early Christian church. This entire discussion served implicitly as a corrective to any inclination toward meager, reluctant, or begrudging giving, promoting instead a heart-driven, joyful, and bountiful approach as befits God's nature.

2 Corinthians 9 6 Word Analysis

• But this I say: Paul's strong opening, signaling an important, direct statement of principle he wants to impress upon his readers, adding weight and authority to the forthcoming truth.
• He who sows: Greek: ho speirōn (ὁ σπείρων), the one who plants seeds. This verb is active and denotes intentional effort, investment, and future expectation, directly drawing on an agricultural metaphor.
• sparingly: Greek: phemidomenōs (φειδομένως). This adverb implies frugally, grudgingly, sparingly, stingily, or withholding from. It describes the manner of sowing, indicating a lack of generosity or liberality.
• will also reap: Greek: therisei (θερίσει), will harvest. This signifies the inevitable outcome or consequence of the sowing. The metaphor of sowing and reaping is universal, indicating that actions have consequences.
• sparingly: Again, phemidomenōs. The repetition underscores the direct and proportional consequence. A minimal effort or investment yields a minimal return.
• and he who sows: Continues the comparison, emphasizing the two distinct approaches and their parallel results.
• bountifully: Greek: ep' eulogiais (ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις). This is a crucial phrase. Literally, it means "upon blessings," "with blessings," or "so as to receive blessings." It implies not just a large quantity but a manner of sowing characterized by blessing—generously, with a good will, expecting God's favor and fruitfulness. It speaks to both the spirit of the giver and the ultimate source of the increase.
• will also reap: Again, therisei, affirming the direct consequence.
• bountifully: ep' eulogiais. The return mirrors the manner of giving. If one gives with an eye towards blessings and liberality, their harvest will also be full of blessing and abundance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly": This establishes the negative correlation. It highlights that stingy or reluctant giving inevitably leads to a meager or limited return, emphasizing that God's economy reflects human input.
• "and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully": This presents the positive correlation, contrasting with the previous phrase. It strongly suggests that a liberal, generous spirit in giving, undertaken with faith in God's blessing, will result in an abundant, blessed return. The emphasis is on God matching the quality and quantity of the giver's heart and action.

2 Corinthians 9 6 Bonus Section

The principle of sowing and reaping extends beyond financial giving. It applies to time, talents, effort, kindness, forgiveness, and prayer. Whatever we "sow" into the lives of others, into the Kingdom of God, or even into our own character, we can expect to "reap" a corresponding return. The "reaping" in this context is primarily from God, who is the ultimate provider and source of all blessings. It encompasses not only material needs but also spiritual growth, inner peace, joy, divine favor, opportunities for service, and an eternal reward. It clarifies that this "reaping" is often far grander than simply receiving the same amount back; it is characterized by "blessings," aligning with God's nature of abundance and exceeding generosity. The harvest is guaranteed because God's principles are immutable.

2 Corinthians 9 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:6 is a foundational principle for understanding divine economy within the Christian life. It uses the familiar agricultural imagery of sowing and reaping to convey a spiritual truth about giving. The verse is not merely a promise of material prosperity, but a declaration that the character of one's giving dictates the nature of their receiving. Sowing "sparingly" refers to giving reluctantly, out of duty alone, or with a stingy hand, resulting in a diminished return. Conversely, sowing "bountifully" (ep' eulogiais) speaks to giving generously, with good will, expecting divine blessing, which in turn leads to an overflowing harvest, whether spiritual graces, material provision, or fruitfulness in service. This is not a transactional formula to manipulate God for personal gain, but rather a reflection of His abundant nature. When believers align their hearts with God's generosity, He ensures that their needs are met, and they are further empowered to continue acts of giving. The underlying message is that our giving is not a loss, but an investment into God's purposes, with returns that exceed mere calculation. It invites cheerful, trusting generosity, confident in God's faithfulness to provide and bless.

Examples:

• A person who grudgingly donates a small amount will find less joy and perhaps limited opportunity for further giving.
• A person who joyfully gives liberally of their time to serve the church often finds their own spiritual life enriched and receives unexpected strength or insight.
• A congregation that sacrificially gives to support missions might see a surge in local evangelism or new converts, an "abundant harvest" not strictly financial but deeply spiritual.