2 Corinthians 9:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

Here’s the point: he who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly.

Berean Standard Bible:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But{G1161} this{G5124} I say, He which soweth{G4687} sparingly{G5340} shall reap{G2325} also{G2532} sparingly{G5340}; and{G2532} he which soweth{G4687} bountifully{G1909}{G2129} shall reap{G2325} also{G2532} bountifully{G1909}{G2129}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Proverbs 11:24

  • ¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Proverbs 11:25

  • ¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Luke 6:38

  • Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Proverbs 22:9

  • ¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 19:17

  • ¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Galatians 6:7

  • Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:9

  • And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 9:6

2 Corinthians 9:6 is a verse that encapsulates the principle of reciprocity in giving, a theme that is woven throughout the New Testament. The historical context of this verse is set within the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christian community in Corinth, where he is addressing the collection of funds for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping, which would have been familiar to his agrarian audience, to illustrate the spiritual and practical dynamics of generosity.

The verse conveys that the manner in which one gives will directly influence what they receive in return. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly" suggests that if a person gives reluctantly or in small measures, they can expect to receive limited returns. Conversely, "he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" implies that generous giving will result in an abundant harvest or return. This principle is not merely about material wealth but encompasses spiritual blessings and the cultivation of a generous character.

Paul's message aligns with the broader teachings of Christianity, which emphasize the importance of selfless giving and the blessings that come from it. The verse encourages believers to give cheerfully and liberally, trusting that God will provide for their needs as they generously support others. This concept of sowing and reaping transcends the historical context, offering timeless wisdom on the benefits of generosity in building up individuals, communities, and fostering a culture of mutual support and gratitude.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
  2. Strong's Number: G5124
    There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τοῦτο
    Transliteration: toûto
    Pronunciation: too'-to
    Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
  3. Strong's Number: G4687
    There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σπείρω
    Transliteration: speírō
    Pronunciation: spi'-ro
    Description: probably strengthened from σπάω (through the idea of extending); to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively):--sow(- er), receive seed.
  4. Strong's Number: G5340
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: φειδομένως
    Transliteration: pheidoménōs
    Pronunciation: fi-dom-en'-oce
    Description: adverb from participle of φείδομαι; abstemiously, i.e. stingily:--sparingly.
  5. Strong's Number: G2325
    There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θερίζω
    Transliteration: therízō
    Pronunciation: ther-id'-zo
    Description: from θέρος (in the sense of the crop); to harvest:--reap.
  6. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  7. Strong's Number: G1909
    There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπί
    Transliteration: epí
    Pronunciation: ep-ee'
    Description: a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
  8. Strong's Number: G2129
    There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εὐλογία
    Transliteration: eulogía
    Pronunciation: yoo-log-ee'-ah
    Description: from the same as εὐλογέω; fine speaking, i.e. elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e. (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecration; by extension, benefit or largess:--blessing (a matter of) bounty (X -tifully), fair speech.