2 Corinthians 9:5

In 2 Corinthians 9:5, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction to the Corinthians regarding their promised financial contribution for the struggling saints in Jerusalem. He explains why he is sending brethren ahead of his own arrival: to help organize and prepare their offering so that it is given willingly and joyfully, rather than out of obligation or reluctance.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 where Paul encourages the Corinthian church in the grace of giving. He had previously initiated a collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) and the Corinthians had committed to participate. Paul praises the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) as an example, not to shame the Corinthians, but to stir them to fulfill their own pledge. Paul's concern here is not just that the gift be collected, but that it be collected in the right spirit. Sending delegates, including Titus, ensures the process is orderly, transparent, and reflects the Corinthians' true intention.

Key Themes

• Prepared & Intentional Giving: Paul emphasizes the importance of making the offering "ready beforehand." This highlights that Christian giving should be thoughtful, planned, and intentional, not a last-minute scramble or an afterthought. It encourages good stewardship of resources.
• Voluntary Generosity (Bounty): The core message is that the gift should be given "as a matter of bounty." This signifies a willing, liberal, and cheerful offering that flows from a generous heart, reflecting God's own grace.
• Avoiding Compulsion or Covetousness: The contrast "and not as of covetousness" is crucial. Paul wants to prevent any perception that the gift is extorted or given grudgingly. A gift given out of compulsion, pressure, or a sense of being taken advantage of (covetousness on the part of the recipients or the collectors) loses its spiritual value and blessing.
• Integrity in Ministry: Paul's decision to send others to facilitate the collection demonstrates his commitment to transparency and avoiding any appearance of impropriety regarding financial matters, a vital aspect of maintaining integrity in ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "as a matter of bounty" comes from the Greek word eulogia (εὐλογία), which literally means "blessing." In this context, it refers to a generous, freely given gift that is a blessing to the recipients, and also reflects a blessed state of the giver. It conveys the idea of a genuine, overflowing generosity. Conversely, "covetousness" translates the Greek pleonexia (πλεονεξία), which typically means greed or an insatiable desire for more. Here, it is used metaphorically to describe a reluctant or grudging contribution, as if it were a demand or an imposition rather than a joyful offering.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles for Christian giving today. It encourages believers to be:

• Proactive: Plan and prepare your giving, whether of finances, time, or talent. Don't wait until the last minute or give only under pressure.
• Heart-Centered: Examine your motives for giving. Is it from a place of genuine generosity and love, or out of obligation, a desire for recognition, or even guilt? God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount (compare with Luke 21:1-4).
• Joyful: The ultimate goal is for giving to be a joyful expression of faith and gratitude, reflecting the spirit of 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul states that "God loveth a cheerful giver."

Understanding this verse helps us appreciate that true Christian liberality is a spiritual act, rooted in grace and expressed through willing, abundant generosity.