King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:10 in the King James Version says “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase t... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;)

2 Corinthians 9:10 · KJV


Context

8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9

(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

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;)

11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. bountifulness: or, liberality: Gr. simplicity

12

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between resources God gives for consumption versus resources He provides as 'seed' for sowing into His kingdom?
  2. What evidence of God multiplying 'seed sown' and increasing 'fruits of righteousness' have you witnessed in your life or others'?
  3. How does trust in God as the One who 'supplies seed' affect your willingness to give sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπιχορηγῶν3 of 23

he that ministereth

G2023

to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute

σπέρμα4 of 23

seed

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

τῷ5 of 23
G3588

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

σπείροντι6 of 23

to the sower

G4687

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

καὶ7 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἄρτον8 of 23

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

εἰς9 of 23

for

G1519

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

βρῶσιν10 of 23

your food

G1035

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

χορηγήσαι11 of 23

minister

G5524

to be a dance-leader, i.e., (generally) to furnish

καὶ12 of 23

and

G2532

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

πληθυναῖ13 of 23

multiply

G4129

to increase (transitively or intransitively)

τὸν14 of 23
G3588

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

σπόρον15 of 23

seed sown

G4703

a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)

ὑμῶν·16 of 23

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ17 of 23

and

G2532

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

αὐξήσαι18 of 23

increase

G837

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

τὰ19 of 23
G3588

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

γεννήματα20 of 23

the fruits

G1081

offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)

τῆς21 of 23
G3588

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

δικαιοσύνης22 of 23

righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ὑμῶν·23 of 23

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) 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 9:10 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 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study