2 Corinthians 9:5
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 26
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἡγησάμην
I thought
G2233
ἡγησάμην
I thought
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
3 of 26
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
παρακαλέσαι
to exhort
G3870
παρακαλέσαι
to exhort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
4 of 26
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
προέλθωσιν
they would go before
G4281
προέλθωσιν
they would go before
Strong's:
G4281
Word #:
8 of 26
to go onward, precede (in place or time)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προκατηγγελμένην
whereof ye had notice before
G4293
προκατηγγελμένην
whereof ye had notice before
Strong's:
G4293
Word #:
14 of 26
to anounce beforehand, i.e., predict, promise
εὐλογίαν
a matter of bounty
G2129
εὐλογίαν
a matter of bounty
Strong's:
G2129
Word #:
15 of 26
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
17 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οὕτως
G3779
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
21 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
εὐλογίαν
a matter of bounty
G2129
εὐλογίαν
a matter of bounty
Strong's:
G2129
Word #:
22 of 26
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Genesis 33:11Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.1 Samuel 25:27And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Historical Context
Ancient giving often occurred under social compulsion—wealthy patrons expected public recognition, and clients gave tribute to secure favor. Paul transforms this system: Christian giving is blessing-motivated (eulogia) rather than greed-motivated (pleonexia), whether greed to get (holding back) or greed for recognition (ostentatious display). The advance preparation allows prayerful, proportionate giving rather than impulsive, emotionally manipulated responses.
Questions for Reflection
- How does advance preparation for giving (budgeting, planning) help ensure it flows from genuine generosity rather than pressure or guilt?
- What motivates your financial decisions—blessing others and glorifying God, or maintaining/increasing your own security and comfort?
- How can you structure your giving to reflect covenant generosity rather than cultural compulsion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren—The verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω, "exhort/encourage") appears throughout 2 Corinthians (1:4, 6; 2:8; 7:6) describing both divine comfort and apostolic appeal. That they would go before unto you (ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς) uses proerchomai, "go ahead/precede," giving Corinthians time to prepare before Paul's arrival with Macedonians.
And make up beforehand your bounty (προκαταρτίσωσιν τὴν προεπηγγελμένην εὐλογίαν ὑμῶν)—prokatartizō (προκαταρτίζω) means "prepare in advance, arrange beforehand." The object is bounty (eulogia, εὐλογία), literally "blessing/good word." Their gift is a "blessing" both to recipients and to God. Whereof ye had notice before (τὴν προεπηγγελμένην, "previously promised") reminds them this isn't new but completing prior commitment.
As a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness (ὡς εὐλογίαν καὶ μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν)—pleonexia (πλεονεξία, "greed, covetousness") contrasts sharply with eulogia. Advance preparation ensures giving flows from generosity, not grudging last-minute compliance extracted by pressure. The manner of giving matters as much as the amount.