II Corinthians 9:6
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Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I say--ELLICOTT and others supply the ellipsis thus: "But remember this." bountifully--literally, "with," or "in blessings." The word itself implies a beneficent spirit in the giver (compare Co2 9:7, end), and the plural implies the abundance and liberality of the gifts. "The reaping shall correspond to the proportions and spirit of the sowing" [BENGEL]. Compare Eze 34:26, "Showers of blessing."
Open source ↗Here we have, I. Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully; this was intimated, Co2 9:5, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is usually proportionable to what they sow, Co2 9:6. 2. It should be deliberately Every man, according as he purposes in his heart, Co2 9:7. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly, had they duly considered all things, they would have given more. Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses. 3. It should be freely, whatever we give, be it more or less: Not grudgingly, nor of necessity, but cheerfully, Co2 9:7. Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, I…
Open source ↗9:6 Paul turns to agriculture for an illustration of the benefits of generosity. A farmer who expects a rich harvest must sow many seeds.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
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.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise.