2 Corinthians 9:5
What does 2 Corinthians 9:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 9:5 means
Paul asked the brethren to go ahead and complete arrangements for the Corinthians’ previously promised gift. He wants it ready as “bounty,” that is, a free and generous offering, not something squeezed out by pressure. He respects their prior purpose and now provides help so their gift reflects genuine willingness. Timing matters: hurried appeals can make giving feel like extortion. By preparing beforehand, the Corinthians can give thoughtfully, gladly, and in order. Paul models accountable leadership that clears away barriers to cheerful generosity and protects the spiritual beauty of the gift as true grace rather than reluctant duty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So it seemed to me wise for the brothers to go before, and see that the amount which you had undertaken to give was ready, so that it might be a cause for praise, and not as if we were making profit out of you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Necessary, therefore, I thought <FI>it<Fi> to exhort the brethren, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing, and not as covetousness.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they would go to you before and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I thought it necessary therefore to beg the brethren that they would come to you, and complete beforehand your fore-announced blessing, that this may be ready thus as blessing, and not as got out of you.
Context
With the risk of embarrassment noted in verse 4, Paul now states his solution: early preparation that safeguards the voluntary nature of the gift. This closes the logistical section and opens naturally into the theology of giving. Verses 6–7 lay down the core principles—sowing and reaping, and cheerful, intentional generosity. Verses 8–11 then assure them of God’s sufficiency and the spiritual fruit that follows. The flow moves from promise to preparation to principle: the gift must be ready and genuine, because true Christian giving springs from the heart and rests on God’s provision.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Genesis 33:11
Take, I pray thee, my gift that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.
- 1 Samuel 25:27
And now this present which thy servant hath brought unto my lord, let it be given unto the young men that follow my lord.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2
Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
- 1 Samuel 30:26
And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold, a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of Jehovah:
- 2 Corinthians 12:17
Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?
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