2 Corinthians 9:5

5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the 1gift[a] you have promised, so that it may be ready 2as a willing gift, 3not as an exaction.[b]

2 Corinthians 9:5 In-Context

3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated--to say nothing of you--for being so confident.
5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Genesis 33:11; Judges 1:15; 1 Samuel 25:27
  • 2. [Philippians 4:17]
  • 3. [2 Corinthians 12:17, 18]

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Greek blessing; twice in this verse
  • [b]. Or a gift expecting something in return; Greek greed
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.