Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:6

What does 2 Corinthians 9:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 9:6 means

Paul states a simple but weighty principle: giving is like sowing seed. A stingy sower cannot expect a rich harvest; a generous sower can. He does not promise personal luxury, but a proportionate spiritual return under God’s care. The harvest includes expanded capacity to bless others, deeper joy, and increased thanksgiving to God. This is not a mechanical formula; it is a moral and spiritual law in God’s economy. Believers trust that what is released in faith is not lost but planted, and that God, who sees the heart, brings a fitting and gracious increase.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But in the Writings it says, He who puts in only a small number of seeds, will get in the same; and he who puts them in from a full hand, will have produce in full measure from them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings shall also reap blessings.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this [is true], he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that sows in [the spirit of] blessing shall reap also in blessing:

Context

After arranging that the gift be ready and voluntary, Paul turns to the inner logic of generosity. Verse 6 gives the agricultural metaphor that frames the next exhortations: sowing leads to reaping. Verse 7 will clarify that the manner and motive of giving matter—cheerful, deliberate generosity. Verses 8–11 will then show how God supplies the giver with sufficiency and multiplies the results. Thus, the chapter shifts from practical coordination to theological encouragement, strengthening the Corinthians’ confidence to give freely and expect God’s wise, abundant outcomes.

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.

v.6This passage

v.7Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 11:18

    The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:1

    Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.

  • Psalms 41:1

    Blessed is he that considereth the poor: Jehovah will deliver him in the day of evil.

  • Proverbs 11:24

    There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.

  • Colossians 2:4

    This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

  • Luke 6:38

    give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.

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