2 Corinthians 9:6–8

Context

Chapters 8–9 of 2 Corinthians, written by Paul, deal with the collection (a church's gathering of offerings) for the relief of the poor saints in Jerusalem. The Corinthian church had pledged a year earlier to take part in this collection (2 Corinthians 8:10; 9:2). Paul holds up the devotion of the churches of Macedonia as an example and sends Titus and the brothers ahead to complete the preparations, so that the gift "might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness" (9:5). Verses 6–8 address the spirit in which this collection is to be given. Verse 9 then quotes Psalm 112:9 to speak of the righteousness of giving to the poor.

Interpretation

• Evangelical and Reformed commentary: Verse 6 is read not as a formula guaranteeing a mechanical return in proportion to what one gives, but as a principle that generous giving bears generous fruit. Emphasis falls on the purpose stated in verse 8: God makes grace abound "that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." The abundance one receives is understood to be used, in turn, to help others.
• The meaning of "all sufficiency": The Greek word autarkeia originally meant "self-sufficiency" in Stoic philosophy. Many commentators explain that Paul used the term not for self-satisfaction but for a condition of lacking nothing, so that one has enough to share with others.
• The prosperity gospel reading: Offerings are understood as "seed" and material blessing as the "harvest," so that the passage is read as a promise that those who give much will receive much in material return. The "seed faith" teaching promoted by the American Pentecostal evangelist Oral Roberts is said to have drawn on this passage.

Debates and Issues

• Critique of the prosperity gospel: Theologians from a range of denominations point out that what God increases in verse 10 is "the fruits of your righteousness," and that the purpose stated in verse 8 is good works. They criticize readings that treat giving as a kind of investment as departing from the context.
• The tithing debate: The phrase in verse 7, "according as he purposeth in his heart," is cited in support of the view that New Testament giving is voluntary rather than a fixed percentage. Those who uphold the tithe argue that the verse speaks only of the attitude appropriate to a special collection and does not abolish a standard for regular giving.
• Translation: The Greek word hilaros, rendered "cheerful" in verse 7, means "glad" or "joyful." The word rendered "bountifully" in verse 6 is closer in the original to "with blessings" or "generously."

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in sermons on offerings and giving, and in exhortations to give during seasons such as Thanksgiving. The phrase "cheerful giver" from verse 7 is also commonly used when introducing relief and charity ministries.

Related Passages

• 2 Corinthians 8:9
• Proverbs 11:24–25
• Galatians 6:8–10
• Exodus 25:2
• Acts 20:34–35