2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
Original Language Analysis
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἣν
for which
G3739
ἣν
for which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 23
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Μακεδόσιν
to them of Macedonia
G3110
Μακεδόσιν
to them of Macedonia
Strong's:
G3110
Word #:
10 of 23
a macedon (macedonian), i.e., inhabitant of macedonia
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπὸ
ago
G575
ἀπὸ
ago
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
G1537
ἐξ
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ζῆλος
zeal
G2205
ζῆλος
zeal
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.2 Corinthians 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.2 Corinthians 8:24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Historical Context
Achaia was the Roman senatorial province encompassing southern Greece, with Corinth as its capital and commercial hub. As a wealthy port city controlling trade routes between Aegean and Adriatic seas, Corinth had significant economic resources compared to rural Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) which gave sacrificially despite "deep poverty" (8:2). The year's delay likely resulted from the church conflict addressed in 2 Corinthians 1-7.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your generosity (or lack thereof) influence others toward or away from kingdom priorities?
- What enthusiastic spiritual commitments have you made but failed to complete—and what prevents follow-through?
- How does Paul's affirmation-with-accountability model inform how you encourage others toward obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I know the forwardness of your mind (οἶδα γὰρ τὴν προθυμίαν ὑμῶν)—The noun prothymia (προθυμία) means "eagerness, readiness, willingness" with connotations of premeditated intention. Paul knew their initial enthusiasm when the collection began. For which I boast of you to them of Macedonia reveals Paul's strategy: he told impoverished Macedonians (2 Cor 8:1-5) about wealthy Corinth's commitment, and told wealthy Corinthians about poor Macedonia's generosity—holy peer pressure rooted in Christ's example (8:9).
Achaia was ready a year ago (Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται ἀπὸ πέρυσι) uses the perfect tense pareskeuastai, "has been prepared/stands ready," highlighting sustained readiness despite the year's delay. Their initial zeal (zēlos, ζῆλος—intense ardor, passionate commitment) hath provoked very many demonstrates the contagious nature of genuine generosity. One church's faithfulness inspires others—a principle Paul strategically employed.
Yet this verse contains gentle warning: Paul's public boasting creates accountability. Will Corinth's performance match their promise? Integrity requires completing what we commit.