2 Corinthians 9:6

Authorized King James Version

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

δέ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπείρων

G4687

I say He which soweth

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

φειδομένως

G5340

sparingly

abstemiously, i.e., stingily

φειδομένως

G5340

sparingly

abstemiously, i.e., stingily

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θερίσει

G2325

shall reap

to harvest

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

σπείρων

G4687

I say He which soweth

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

#12

ἐπ'

G1909

bountifully

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#13

εὐλογίαις

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

#14

ἐπ'

G1909

bountifully

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#15

εὐλογίαις

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

θερίσει

G2325

shall reap

to harvest

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?