2 Corinthians 9:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul articulates a profound spiritual and economic principle: the measure of one's generosity directly correlates with the measure of one's return. Using the agricultural metaphor of sowing and reaping, Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to give liberally towards the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, assuring them that God's provision will be proportionate to their cheerful and abundant giving. This verse underscores a divine economy where generosity is not a loss, but an investment yielding bountiful returns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extended discourse on Christian giving, spanning [2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - Paul's Exhortation on Generosity") and [2 Corinthians chapter 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - The Blessings of Cheerful Giving"). Paul is urging the Corinthian church to fulfill their promised contribution to the struggling believers in Jerusalem, a collection he had initiated earlier. He strategically uses the example of the Macedonian churches' extraordinary generosity, despite their own poverty, as a powerful motivator ([2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches")). The immediate preceding verses in [2 Corinthians 9:1-5](/2_corinthians/9-1-5 "2 Corinthians 9:1-5 - Paul's Confidence in the Corinthians' Readiness") express Paul's confidence in the Corinthians' readiness to give, highlighting his boasting about their eagerness to other churches. Verse 6 then introduces the foundational principle that undergirds this act of giving, setting the stage for the subsequent emphasis on cheerful giving and God's abundant provision in [2 Corinthians 9:7-11](/2_corinthians/9-7-11 "2 Corinthians 9:7-11 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the Jerusalem saints was a significant undertaking in the early church, serving multiple purposes: practical relief for a community suffering from famine and poverty, and a tangible expression of unity between Gentile and Jewish believers ([Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem")). Agricultural imagery, particularly that of sowing and reaping, was universally understood in the ancient world, where agrarian societies depended on these cycles for survival. Paul's audience, whether urban or rural, would immediately grasp the concept of proportionate return based on initial investment in the soil. This metaphor transcends mere farming; it speaks to a worldview where effort and outcome are intrinsically linked, a concept easily transferable to financial and spiritual realms. Furthermore, the cultural expectation of reciprocity, where acts of generosity were often met with reciprocal favors, provides a human parallel to the divine principle Paul articulates.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 2 Corinthians and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes **The Divine Principle of Sowing and Reaping**, a universal spiritual law extending beyond agriculture to encompass all aspects of life, particularly generosity. It posits that the return one receives is directly proportional to the measure of one's investment, whether in resources, effort, or love. Secondly, it highlights **Generosity and God's Provision**, teaching that giving is not a depletion of resources but an act of faith that God will honor and multiply. Paul consistently emphasizes that God provides abundantly for those who give liberally, enabling them to continue their acts of benevolence ([2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Abundant Grace for Giving")). Thirdly, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context, especially [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - The Importance of Cheerful Giving"), underscores the crucial theme of **Attitude in Giving**. Sowing "bountifully" implies an inner disposition of willingness, cheerfulness, and faith, rather than compulsion or reluctance, which is essential for the spiritual fruitfulness of one's giving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **soweth (Greek, _speírō'_):** From G4687, meaning "to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the act of distributing resources, particularly financial contributions, as if scattering seeds in a field. It implies an intentional, active disbursement.
* **sparingly (Greek, _pheidoménōs'_):** From G5340, an adverb derived from the verb "to spare" or "to refrain." It means "abstemiously, i.e. stingily." This word conveys the idea of holding back, being parsimonious, or giving with reluctance and a limited measure, reflecting a cautious or even fearful disposition regarding one's resources.
* **bountifully (Greek, _epí eulogíais'_):** This phrase combines G1909 (_epí_), a preposition meaning "upon" or "with," and G2129 (_eulogía_), meaning "fine speaking, commendation, adoration, benediction, consecration; by implication, benefit or largess; blessing (a matter of) bounty." Together, `ep' eulogíais` literally means "upon or with blessings." This is a powerful expression, suggesting that the act of sowing itself is done "with blessings" – either with a blessed, generous disposition, or in a manner that invites blessings. It implies giving liberally, abundantly, and with a sense of purpose and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this I say":** Paul introduces a foundational principle or a crucial clarification. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a transition, emphasizing the importance of what follows in light of the preceding discussion on the collection. It signals a direct, authoritative statement.
* **"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly":** This clause establishes the first half of the proportional principle. "Sowing sparingly" refers to giving with a limited hand, holding back, or being stingy with one's resources. The consequence, "reaping sparingly," indicates that the return or blessing received will be equally limited, directly mirroring the initial act of giving. It highlights a direct, cause-and-effect relationship in God's economy.
* **"and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully":** This clause presents the contrasting, positive counterpart to the first. "Sowing bountifully" refers to giving generously, liberally, and abundantly, often with a cheerful and blessed disposition (as illuminated by the Greek for "bountifully"). The promise is that such giving will be met with an equally abundant return, a "bountiful" harvest of blessings and provision from God. This reinforces the principle of proportionate return and encourages lavish generosity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a powerful **Metaphor** of agricultural sowing and reaping to illustrate a spiritual and financial principle. This metaphor makes an abstract concept tangible and relatable, drawing on a universal experience of cause and effect in nature. The act of giving is likened to planting seeds, and the subsequent receiving is like harvesting a crop. Furthermore, the verse is structured with clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting ideas are presented side-by-side to highlight their differences and consequences ("soweth sparingly...reap sparingly" versus "soweth bountifully...reap bountifully"). This rhetorical device emphasizes the direct correlation between the action and its outcome, making the principle clear and impactful. The repetition of the structure reinforces the inevitability of the stated consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a core theological truth about God's economy and the nature of generosity. It reveals that God operates on principles of abundance and reciprocity, not as a transactional exchange, but as a divine response to faith-filled giving. Our giving is not a loss, but an investment in God's Kingdom, trusting that He is the ultimate provider and multiplier. This principle challenges a scarcity mindset, inviting believers into a partnership with God where their generosity becomes a channel for His blessings, not only for the recipients but also for the givers themselves. It speaks to God's character as a generous Giver who delights in His children reflecting His nature.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - Generosity Leads to Increase")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - A Call to Generous Giving") serves as a profound call to re-evaluate our posture towards our resources, time, talents, and love. It challenges us to move beyond a mindset of mere obligation or scarcity and embrace a spirit of radical generosity, understanding that our giving is an act of worship and trust in a God who is infinitely abundant. This principle applies not only to financial contributions but to every area where we can invest ourselves for the Kingdom of God and the good of others. When we "sow bountifully" in compassion, service, forgiveness, and evangelism, we can anticipate a "bountiful harvest" of spiritual fruit, joy, and divine favor. It encourages us to give not out of what is left over, but out of a conviction that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, enabling us to be channels of His blessing to a needy world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "sow sparingly," and what might be the underlying reasons for this hesitation?**
* **How does my current giving (of time, talent, or treasure) reflect a trust in God's abundant provision, or a fear of scarcity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "bountiful" spirit in my giving, both financially and relationally?**
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate "reaper" influence my motivation and joy in sowing?**

### FAQ
**Does "reaping bountifully" in this verse promise material wealth for generous givers?**

Answer: While [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Understanding the Promise of Abundant Reaping") certainly implies a return for generous giving, interpreting "reaping bountifully" solely as a promise of material wealth (often associated with the "prosperity gospel") misses the broader biblical context and Paul's primary intent. The "bountiful harvest" includes not only financial provision, which God does promise to supply for those who give ([2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Ability to Make All Grace Abound")), but also spiritual blessings, increased capacity for generosity, and the abundant fruit of righteousness ([2 Corinthians 9:10-11](/2_corinthians/9-10-11 "2 Corinthians 9:10-11 - The Seed for the Sower and the Bread for Food")). The ultimate purpose of God's provision is to enable further generosity, leading to thanksgiving to God and the glory of His name, rather than merely personal enrichment.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of cheerful giving in the following verse?**

Answer: [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - The Foundation for Cheerful Giving") lays the foundational principle of proportionate return, which then provides a strong motivation for the "cheerful giving" emphasized in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). If one understands that giving sparingly leads to reaping sparingly, and giving bountifully leads to reaping bountifully, it naturally encourages a generous and willing heart. The cheerfulness in giving stems from a faith-filled understanding of God's character as a generous provider who multiplies what is given for His glory and for the good of others. It's not about giving to get, but giving because God is a giver, and trusting that He will provide for our needs and enable us to continue giving.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of sowing and reaping finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the divine Sower who "sowed bountifully" by giving His very life, laying down His glory and enduring the cross, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross was the most bountiful sowing imaginable, a seed planted in death that yielded an immeasurable harvest: the redemption of humanity, the defeat of sin and death, and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")). We, who were dead in our trespasses, now "reap bountifully" through His sacrifice, receiving eternal life, forgiveness, righteousness, and adoption into God's family ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). Our own acts of generosity, therefore, are not merely moral obligations but Spirit-empowered responses to the overwhelming generosity of God in Christ. As we participate in God's economy of grace, our giving becomes an overflow of the bountiful blessings we have received through the ultimate Sower, Jesus, who continues to sow His love and grace in the world through His body, the Church ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.