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;)
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιχορηγῶν
he that ministereth
G2023
ἐπιχορηγῶν
he that ministereth
Strong's:
G2023
Word #:
3 of 23
to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute
σπέρμα
seed
G4690
σπέρμα
seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
4 of 23
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπείροντι
to the sower
G4687
σπείροντι
to the sower
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
6 of 23
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
βρῶσιν
your food
G1035
βρῶσιν
your food
Strong's:
G1035
Word #:
10 of 23
(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)
χορηγήσαι
minister
G5524
χορηγήσαι
minister
Strong's:
G5524
Word #:
11 of 23
to be a dance-leader, i.e., (generally) to furnish
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπόρον
seed sown
G4703
σπόρον
seed sown
Strong's:
G4703
Word #:
15 of 23
a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐξήσαι
increase
G837
αὐξήσαι
increase
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
18 of 23
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεννήματα
the fruits
G1081
γεννήματα
the fruits
Strong's:
G1081
Word #:
20 of 23
offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 55:10For 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 9:6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.Hosea 10:12Sow 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 11:6In 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.1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:Proverbs 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.Matthew 6:1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Genesis 47:19Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.
Historical Context
This verse alludes to Isaiah 55:10—God's word accomplishing His purpose like rain making earth fruitful. Ancient farmers understood the principle: keep all seed and you'll eventually starve (having nothing to plant); sow seed and you'll harvest abundance. Paul applies this agricultural wisdom spiritually: give generously and God multiplies both your resources and your righteousness. The early church's dramatic generosity (Acts 4:34, "neither was there any among them that lacked") demonstrated this principle's supernatural reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between resources God gives for consumption versus resources He provides as 'seed' for sowing into His kingdom?
- What evidence of God multiplying 'seed sown' and increasing 'fruits of righteousness' have you witnessed in your life or others'?
- How does trust in God as the One who 'supplies seed' affect your willingness to give sacrificially?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food (ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπόρον τῷ σπείροντι καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσει)—The verb epichorēgeō (ἐπιχορηγέω, "supply, provide abundantly") appears twice in different forms. God supplies both seed (sporos, σπόρος) for planting and bread (artos, ἄρτος) for eating. The distinction is crucial: God doesn't give only for consumption but also for reproduction. Some provision is meant to be planted, not hoarded.
And multiply your seed sown (καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν)—plēthynō (πληθύνω, "increase, multiply") echoes God's creation blessing (Gen 1:28) and covenant promise to Abraham (Gen 17:2). God supernaturally increases seed committed to Him. This isn't mere arithmetic but miraculous multiplication (like the feeding of 5,000).
And increase the fruits of your righteousness (καὶ αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν)—auxanō (αὐξάνω, "cause to grow, increase") promises both quantitative growth (more fruit) and qualitative growth (greater righteousness). The fruits of righteousness include both the tangible results of generosity (people helped, kingdom advanced) and the spiritual fruit in the giver (Christlikeness, faith, joy). God grows both.