2 Corinthians 9:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 9:10
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 9 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, love, grace. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 9:10
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Analysis
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food (ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπόρον τῷ σπείροντι καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσει)—The verb epichorēgeō (ἐπιχορηγέω, "supply, provide abundantly") appears twice in different forms. God supplies both seed (sporos, σπόρος) for planting and bread (artos, ἄρτος) for eating. The distinction is crucial: God doesn't give only for consumption but also for reproduction. Some provision is meant to be planted, not hoarded.
And multiply your seed sown (καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν)—plēthynō (πληθύνω, "increase, multiply") echoes God's creation blessing (Gen 1:28) and covenant promise to Abraham (Gen 17:2). God supernaturally increases seed committed to Him. This isn't mere arithmetic but miraculous multiplication (like the feeding of 5,000).
And increase the fruits of your righteousness (καὶ αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν)—auxanō (αὐξάνω, "cause to grow, increase") promises both quantitative growth (more fruit) and qualitative growth (greater righteousness). The fruits of righteousness include both the tangible results of generosity (people helped, kingdom advanced) and the spiritual fruit in the giver (Christlikeness, faith, joy). God grows both.
Historical Context
This verse alludes to Isaiah 55:10—God's word accomplishing His purpose like rain making earth fruitful. Ancient farmers understood the principle: keep all seed and you'll eventually starve (having nothing to plant); sow seed and you'll harvest abundance. Paul applies this agricultural wisdom spiritually: give generously and God multiplies both your resources and your righteousness. The early church's dramatic generosity (Acts 4:34, "neither was there any among them that lacked") demonstrated this principle's supernatural reality.
Reflection
- How do you distinguish between resources God gives for consumption versus resources He provides as 'seed' for sowing into His kingdom?
- What evidence of God multiplying 'seed sown' and increasing 'fruits of righteousness' have you witnessed in your life or others'?
- How does trust in God as the One who 'supplies seed' affect your willingness to give sacrificially?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1343 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Proverbs 11:18, Hosea 10:12, Philippians 1:11
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 9:6, Genesis 47:19, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Isaiah 55:10, Matthew 6:1, Philippians 4:17