2 Corinthians 9:13

What does 2 Corinthians 9:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 9:13 means

As the Corinthians’ generosity is tested and shown genuine, others glorify God for their obedience to their confession of the gospel of Christ and for their liberal sharing with them and with all. Their giving demonstrates that their faith is not in word only; it issues in concrete love. It also bridges communities—Gentile believers sharing with Jewish believers—bringing glory to God for the gospel’s uniting power. Obedience here means acting in line with the gospel they profess. Their openhandedness becomes a visible testimony that the gospel of Christ produces real transformation and fellowship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For when, through this work of giving, they see what you are, they give glory to God for the way in which you have given yourselves to the good news of Christ, and for the wealth of your giving to them and to all;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

through the proof of this ministration glorifying God for the subjection of your confession to the good news of the Christ, and <FI>for<Fi> the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

By the proof of this ministry, glorifying God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ and for the simplicity of your communicating unto them and unto all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

they glorifyingGod through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession, to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in communicating towards them and towards all;

Context

Having shown that the collection meets needs and triggers thanksgiving (v. 12), Paul now adds that it proves the authenticity of the Corinthians’ gospel confession (v. 13). Their generosity brings glory to God and commendation among the saints. Next, verse 14 will show the reciprocal effect: the recipients respond with prayer and affection for the givers. Finally, verse 15 will lift the whole subject to its highest point: gratitude to God for His indescribable gift, the ultimate source and pattern of all Christian giving and unity.

v.12For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

v.13This passage

v.14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Cross references

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

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

  • Hebrews 5:9

    and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

  • Matthew 9:8

    But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men.

  • Galatians 1:24

    and they glorified God in me.

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