King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:6 in the King James Version says “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bou...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 9:6 · KJV

Context

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.

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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).

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How has God proven faithful in providing when you've given generously beyond what seemed prudent?
  2. What 'seed' are you holding back from sowing—and what fears drive that hoarding?
  3. How does viewing giving as 'sowing' rather than 'losing' change your perspective on generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Τοῦτο1 of 17

“this”

G5124

that thing

δέ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

σπείρων4 of 17

“I say He which soweth”

G4687

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

φειδομένως5 of 17

“sparingly”

G5340

abstemiously, i.e., stingily

φειδομένως6 of 17

“sparingly”

G5340

abstemiously, i.e., stingily

καὶ7 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

θερίσει8 of 17

“shall reap”

G2325

to harvest

καὶ9 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

ὁ10 of 17
G3588

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

σπείρων11 of 17

“I say He which soweth”

G4687

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

ἐπ'12 of 17

“bountifully”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

εὐλογίαις13 of 17
G2129

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

ἐπ'14 of 17

“bountifully”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

εὐλογίαις15 of 17
G2129

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

καὶ16 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

θερίσει17 of 17

“shall reap”

G2325

to harvest

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 11:24-25Luke 6:38Proverbs 22:9Proverbs 19:172 Corinthians 9:10Galatians 6:7-9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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