2 Corinthians 9:3
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Original Language Analysis
ἔπεμψα
have I sent
G3992
ἔπεμψα
have I sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
1 of 22
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφούς
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφούς
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχημα
boasting
G2745
καύχημα
boasting
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
8 of 22
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
11 of 22
"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
κενωθῇ
should be in vain
G2758
κενωθῇ
should be in vain
Strong's:
G2758
Word #:
13 of 22
to make empty, i.e., (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέρει
behalf
G3313
μέρει
behalf
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
16 of 22
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
ἔλεγον
I said
G3004
ἔλεγον
I said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
First-century travel required careful planning. The brethren traveled from Macedonia to Corinth (several hundred miles) to coordinate the collection before Paul's arrival. This advance team would help organize contributions, ensure transparency (8:20-21, "avoiding blame"), and prevent the embarrassment of unpreparedness. Greco-Roman culture highly valued honor and deeply feared public shame—powerful motivators Paul employs redemptively.
Questions for Reflection
- When has accountability from others helped you complete what you genuinely wanted to do but might otherwise have postponed?
- How do you balance affirming people's good intentions while providing practical support for follow-through?
- What spiritual commitments currently remain in the "good intention" stage rather than concrete action?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yet have I sent the brethren—Paul dispatches a delegation (likely Titus and two unnamed brothers, 8:16-24) to ensure practical completion. The conjunction "yet" (de, δέ) introduces contrast: despite their readiness, action is needed. Lest our boasting of you should be in vain (ἵνα μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κενωθῇ) uses kenoō (κενόω), "be emptied, made void"—the same verb describing Christ emptying Himself (Phil 2:7). Paul's reputation and theirs are intertwined.
That, as I said, ye may be ready (ἵνα καθὼς ἔλεγον παρεσκευασμένοι ἦτε) employs the perfect passive participle pareskeuasmenoi, "having been prepared and remaining so." Paul doesn't doubt their intention but recognizes human tendency toward procrastination. Good intentions require concrete action.
This verse demonstrates pastoral realism: affirmation without accountability enables failure. True love provides structure for success. The delegation serves not as surveillance but support—helping Corinthians fulfill their own expressed desire.