Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:3

What does 2 Corinthians 9:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 9:3 means

Paul is sending trusted brothers ahead so that his boasting about the Corinthians will be confirmed by their preparedness. He does not want his confidence to be shown empty at the last moment. This is sound pastoral wisdom: encourage publicly, but also set up structures that help people do what they intend. Preparation honors both God and the donors’ original zeal. Far from mistrust, this is careful stewardship. It guards against assumptions, honors the gift’s importance, and removes needless pressure when Paul eventually arrives, ensuring the offering reflects willing hearts rather than hurried scrambling.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I have sent the brothers, so that the good things we said about you may be seen to be true, and that, as I said, you may be ready:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I sent the brethren, that our boasting on your behalf may not be made vain in this respect; that, according as I said, ye may be ready,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now I have sent the brethren, that the thing which we boast of concerning you be not made void in this behalf, that (as I have said) you may be ready:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect, in order that, as I have said, ye may be prepared;

Context

After celebrating their zeal, Paul turns to logistics. He links his public commendation with prudent planning, sending coworkers to make sure everything is in place. The next verse explains the motive further—avoiding shame if Macedonians arrive and find the Corinthians unready. Verse 5 then clarifies the aim of this early visit: to organize the promised gift so that it is truly a voluntary offering, not something forced at the last minute. The flow moves from praise, to prudence, to principles guiding how the gift should be given.

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.

v.3This passage

v.4lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.

Cross references

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

  • Titus 3:1

    Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

  • 1 Corinthians 16:1

    Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:14

    For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spake all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:17

    For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:4

    lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:6

    Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

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