2 Corinthians 9:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 9:6
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 9 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, obedience. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 9:6
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Analysis
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly (ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει)—The agricultural metaphor of speirō (σπείρω, "sow seed") and therizō (θερίζω, "reap harvest") establishes a spiritual law: generosity generates abundance. The adverb pheidomenos (φειδομένως, "sparingly, stingily") appears twice, emphasizing the direct proportion between sowing and reaping. This isn't prosperity gospel—Paul isn't promising financial return—but a principle of spiritual fruitfulness.
And he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (ὁ σπείρων ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει)—literally "the one sowing upon blessings shall also reap upon blessings." The phrase ep' eulogiais (ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις) pictures blessing as the field in which seed is sown and from which harvest comes. The repetition creates rhythmic emphasis.
This principle appears throughout Scripture: "Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38); "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD" (Prov 19:17). The harvest may come in this life or the next, in material or spiritual blessing, but God's economy never wastes seed sown in faith. Jesus Himself is the ultimate demonstration: His self-giving produced a harvest of redeemed humanity (John 12:24).
Historical Context
First-century Mediterranean agriculture was subsistence farming where the amount of seed sown directly determined survival. Farmers faced the constant temptation to eat seed grain rather than plant it, especially in lean years. Sowing "bountifully" required faith that God would provide. Paul applies this familiar agricultural reality to Christian generosity: giving requires faith that God will provide for the giver.
Reflection
- How has God proven faithful in providing when you've given generously beyond what seemed prudent?
- What 'seed' are you holding back from sowing—and what fears drive that hoarding?
- How does viewing giving as 'sowing' rather than 'losing' change your perspective on generosity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 9:10, Proverbs 11:18, 19:17, 22:9, Ecclesiastes 11:1, 11:6