2 Corinthians 9:4
What does 2 Corinthians 9:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 9:4 means
Paul fears that if Macedonian believers come with him and find the Corinthians unprepared, both he and they would be embarrassed. He had expressed confidence in them; unpreparedness would undercut his testimony and discourage others. This is not manipulation, but pastoral sensitivity to the witness of the church. The reputation of Christian promises matters. Readiness protects the unity and credibility already built between congregations. Paul aims to safeguard the good fruit their zeal has produced so far, ensuring that what began with enthusiasm ends with integrity and consistent action.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000lest 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901lest 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For fear that, if any from Macedonia come with me, and you are not ready, we (not to say, you) might be put to shame in this thing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862lest if Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we--we may be put to shame (that we say not--ye) in this same confidence of boasting.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890lest haply, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, that we say not ye, may be put to shame in this confidence.
Context
This verse deepens the practical concern raised in verse 3—avoiding shame for everyone involved. Paul’s pastoral heart is to align testimony and reality. With that concern stated, verse 5 explains his proactive plan: sending the brethren ahead so the gift is organized and truly a freewill offering. After the travel and readiness details, Paul will lift their eyes to the deeper principles of generosity in verses 6–7 and to God’s abundant provision and purposes in verses 8–11. The chapter thus balances prudence and theology.
v.3But 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:
v.4This passage
v.5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:24
Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.
- 2 Corinthians 11:17
That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.
- Romans 15:26
For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem.
- 2 Corinthians 9:2
for 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.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
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