King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:1 in the King James Version says “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:”

2 Corinthians 9:1 · KJV

Context

1

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as touching the ministering to the saints (περὶ τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους)—Paul's phrase diakonia (διακονία, "service/ministry") elevates financial giving to sacred ministry. This isn't mere charity but covenant solidarity with Jerusalem believers suffering poverty (Acts 11:28-30). The phrase it is superfluous for me to write employs rhetorical praeteritio—saying he won't mention what he immediately proceeds to elaborate across 15 verses, gently motivating completion without harsh command.

Paul's collection for Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:1-4, Rom 15:25-27) served multiple purposes: relieving material need, demonstrating Gentile-Jewish unity in Christ, and fulfilling prophetic images of nations bringing tribute to Zion (Isa 60:5-7). The term saints (hagioi, ἅγιοι) reminds Corinthians that Jerusalem believers, despite poverty, share their holy status in Christ.

The delicate tension—"superfluous to write" yet writing extensively—reflects pastoral wisdom. Paul praises their readiness (v. 2) while ensuring follow-through, combining affirmation with accountability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 55-56 during Paul's third missionary journey, probably from Macedonia. The Jerusalem church faced severe poverty due to famine (Acts 11:28), economic marginalization from Jewish communities for confessing Jesus as Messiah, and the early practice of selling possessions (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37) which created ongoing need. Paul's year-long collection effort (begun "a year ago," v. 2) unified his Gentile churches in tangible love for Jewish believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing financial giving as 'ministry to the saints' rather than optional charity change your perspective on generosity?
  2. What commitments have you made enthusiastically but left incomplete, like the Corinthians' year-old pledge?
  3. How does tangible generosity demonstrate the reality of spiritual unity across cultural and economic divides?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Περὶ1 of 15

“touching”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

μὲν2 of 15

“as”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ3 of 15

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τῆς4 of 15
G3588

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

διακονίας5 of 15

“the ministering”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

τῆς6 of 15
G3588

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

εἰς7 of 15

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς8 of 15
G3588

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

ἁγίους9 of 15

“the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

περισσόν10 of 15

“superfluous”

G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

μοί11 of 15

“for me”

G3427

to me

ἐστιν12 of 15

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ13 of 15
G3588

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

γράφειν14 of 15

“to write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν·15 of 15

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 9:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:102 Corinthians 8:4-151 Thessalonians 4:9-101 Thessalonians 5:1Galatians 2:102 Corinthians 9:12-14

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Corinthians 9 →

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