Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:1

What does 2 Corinthians 9:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 9:1 means

Paul says he hardly needs to urge them about serving the saints because they already know the importance of this ministry and have shown interest before. He is not scolding but affirming. “Ministering to the saints” means practical help for God’s people—here, the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. By calling it “superfluous,” he both honors their maturity and encourages them to finish well. He treats their giving as a sacred service, not a mere fundraiser. This gentle confidence invites them to act from love and conviction, not compulsion, recognizing that generosity is part of Christian fellowship and worship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But there is no need for me to say anything in my letter about the giving to the saints:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For, indeed, concerning the ministration that <FI>is<Fi> for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For concerning the ministration which [is] for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you.

Context

After urging generosity in chapter 8, Paul continues the same topic in chapter 9. He opens by affirming the Corinthians’ previous willingness to help, signaling that he is building on a positive foundation rather than starting from scratch. This sets a warm tone and keeps the focus on service to the saints. The following verses will show how Paul has spoken about them to others and why he is sending trusted coworkers ahead to help finalize the gift, so their good intentions become a ready, well-prepared offering.

v.1This passage

v.2for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

  • Galatians 2:10

    only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

  • 1 Samuel 20:23

    And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, Jehovah is between thee and me for ever.

  • Psalms 45:1

    My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter; I speak the things which I have made touching the king: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

  • 1 John 2:27

    And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

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