King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:5 in the King James Version says “Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. bounty: Gr. blessing whereof: or, which hath been so much spoken of before

2 Corinthians 9:5 · KJV


Context

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:

4

Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

5

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. bounty: Gr. blessing whereof: or, which hath been so much spoken of before

6

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

7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren—The verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω, "exhort/encourage") appears throughout 2 Corinthians (1:4, 6; 2:8; 7:6) describing both divine comfort and apostolic appeal. That they would go before unto you (ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς) uses proerchomai, "go ahead/precede," giving Corinthians time to prepare before Paul's arrival with Macedonians.

And make up beforehand your bounty (προκαταρτίσωσιν τὴν προεπηγγελμένην εὐλογίαν ὑμῶν)—prokatartizō (προκαταρτίζω) means "prepare in advance, arrange beforehand." The object is bounty (eulogia, εὐλογία), literally "blessing/good word." Their gift is a "blessing" both to recipients and to God. Whereof ye had notice before (τὴν προεπηγγελμένην, "previously promised") reminds them this isn't new but completing prior commitment.

As a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness (ὡς εὐλογίαν καὶ μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν)—pleonexia (πλεονεξία, "greed, covetousness") contrasts sharply with eulogia. Advance preparation ensures giving flows from generosity, not grudging last-minute compliance extracted by pressure. The manner of giving matters as much as the amount.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient giving often occurred under social compulsion—wealthy patrons expected public recognition, and clients gave tribute to secure favor. Paul transforms this system: Christian giving is blessing-motivated (eulogia) rather than greed-motivated (pleonexia), whether greed to get (holding back) or greed for recognition (ostentatious display). The advance preparation allows prayerful, proportionate giving rather than impulsive, emotionally manipulated responses.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does advance preparation for giving (budgeting, planning) help ensure it flows from genuine generosity rather than pressure or guilt?
  2. What motivates your financial decisions—blessing others and glorifying God, or maintaining/increasing your own security and comfort?
  3. How can you structure your giving to reflect covenant generosity rather than cultural compulsion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀναγκαῖον1 of 26

it necessary

G316

necessary; by implication, close (of kin)

οὖν2 of 26

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἡγησάμην3 of 26

I thought

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

παρακαλέσαι4 of 26

to exhort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τοὺς5 of 26
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὺς6 of 26

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἵνα7 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

προέλθωσιν8 of 26

they would go before

G4281

to go onward, precede (in place or time)

εἰς9 of 26

unto

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς10 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ11 of 26

and

G2532

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

προκαταρτίσωσιν12 of 26

make up beforehand

G4294

to prepare in advance

τὴν13 of 26
G3588

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

προκατηγγελμένην14 of 26

whereof ye had notice before

G4293

to anounce beforehand, i.e., predict, promise

εὐλογίαν15 of 26

a matter of bounty

G2129

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

ὑμῶν16 of 26

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ταύτην17 of 26
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἑτοίμην18 of 26

ready

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

εἶναι19 of 26

might be

G1511

to exist

οὕτως20 of 26
G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὡς21 of 26

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εὐλογίαν22 of 26

a matter of bounty

G2129

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

καὶ23 of 26

and

G2532

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

μὴ24 of 26

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὡσπερ25 of 26

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

πλεονεξίαν26 of 26

of covetousness

G4124

avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion


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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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