2 Corinthians 9:10

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Now {G1161} he that ministereth {G2023} seed {G4690} to the sower {G4687} both {G2532} minister {G5524} bread {G740} for {G1519} your food {G1035}, and {G2532} multiply {G4129} your {G5216} seed sown {G4703}, and {G2532} increase {G837} the fruits {G1081} of your {G5216} righteousness {G1343};)

He who provides both seed for the planter and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your tzedakah.

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:10 stands as a powerful promise and encouragement for believers engaged in generous giving. Following Paul's exhortation to sow bountifully, this verse assures the Corinthians—and us—that God Himself is the ultimate source of all provision, both for our daily needs and for the resources we dedicate to His work.

Context of Generous Giving

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 concerning the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul encourages the Corinthians to participate willingly and generously, not out of compulsion but with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Verse 10 provides the divine rationale and assurance: God will not only replenish what is given but will also multiply it, enabling further acts of charity and spiritual growth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God as the Ultimate Provider: The verse begins by identifying God as "he that ministereth seed to the sower." This highlights His sovereignty as the source of all resources. Just as a farmer depends on God for the seed and the harvest, so too do believers depend on Him for their material and spiritual sustenance. This echoes the truth that God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
  • The Principle of Sowing and Reaping: Paul uses an agricultural metaphor, comparing generous giving to sowing seed. God promises to "multiply your seed sown," meaning that acts of generosity are not losses but investments that God will abundantly increase. This principle is foundational throughout Scripture, as seen in Galatians 6:7: "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
  • Increase in Righteousness: Beyond material provision, God promises to "increase the fruits of your righteousness." This points to a deeper, spiritual return. Generosity, when motivated by love for God and others, cultivates a more righteous character and produces spiritual fruit that glorifies God. This "fruit of righteousness" is a testament to a life transformed by faith and good works, as also mentioned in Philippians 1:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "ministereth" (chorēgeō - χορηγέω) originally referred to someone who defrayed the expenses of a chorus or public spectacle, implying a lavish and abundant supply. In this context, it emphasizes God's generous and overflowing provision, not just a minimal supply but an ample one. The "fruits of your righteousness" (karpos dikaiōsynēs - καρπὸς δικαιοσύνης) refers to the good deeds and moral excellence that spring from a right relationship with God, which are enhanced and multiplied through acts of faith and benevolence.

Practical Application

This verse provides profound encouragement for believers to embrace generous giving. It teaches us to trust God's faithfulness, knowing that our contributions are not merely given away but are sown into a divine economy where God promises to multiply both our resources and our spiritual capacity. It shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, empowering us to be channels of God's blessing to others, confident that He will meet our needs and enable us to bear even more fruit for His glory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:10

    For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

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

  • Hosea 10:12

    Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:6

    In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both [shall be] alike good.

  • Proverbs 11:18

    ¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

  • Philippians 4:17

    Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12

    And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:
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