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2 Corinthians 9 :: English Standard Version (ESV)

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

2Co 9:1Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,
2Co 9:2for 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.
2Co 9:3But I am sending[fn] 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.
2Co 9:4Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident.
2Co 9:5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift[fn] you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.[fn]

The Cheerful Giver

2Co 9:6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[fn] will also reap bountifully.
2Co 9:7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2Co 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[fn] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2Co 9:9As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
2Co 9:10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
2Co 9:11You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
2Co 9:12For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
2Co 9:13By their approval of this service, they[fn] will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
2Co 9:14while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
2Co 9:15Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
ESV Footnotes
Or I have sent
Greek blessing; twice in this verse
Or a gift expecting something in return; Greek greed
Greek with blessings; twice in this verse
Or all contentment
Or you
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2 Corinthians Chapter 9 — Additional Translations: