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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:6-16

Here we have, I. Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully; this was intimated, 2 Cor. 9:5; that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

9:6-15 Further, there is this--He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Let each man give as he has decided in his heart. Let him not give as if it hurt him to give or as if it was being forced out of him, for it is the happy giver whom God loves. God can supply you with an overflowing measure of every grace, so that because in all things at all times you have all sufficiency, you may excel in every good work. As it stands written, "He... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say ,.... This the apostle would have the Corinthians take notice of, and well consider, it being what he could aver for truth, by observation and experience; that as in things natural, so in things of a moral and spiritual kind, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully , or with blessings, shall reap also bountifully ; or with blessings; as a man sows, so shall he reap; the one is in proportion to the other. Sowing and reaping... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:6

He which soweth sparingly - This is a plain maxim: no man can expect to reap but in proportion as he has sowed. And here almsgiving is represented as a seed sown, which shall bring forth a crop. If the sowing be liberal, and the seed good, the crop shall be so too. Sowing is used among the Jews to express almsgiving: so they understand Isaiah 32:20 ; : Blessed are ye who sow beside all waters; i.e. who are ready to help every one that is in need. And Hosea 10:12 , they interpret: Sow... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:6

Verse 6 6.Now the case is this (719) He now commends alms-giving by a beautiful similitude, comparing it to sowing. For in sowing, the seed is cast forth by the hand, is scattered upon the ground on this side and on that, is harrowed, and at length rots; and thus it seems as good as lost. The case is similar as to alms-giving. What goes from you to some other quarter seems as if it were, diminishing of what you have, but the season of harvest will come, when the fruit will be gathered. For as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Reviewing the reasoning on the duty of Christian beneficence, the apostle concluded that he had expounded the subject in a manner so clear and explicit as to make any addition "superfluous" on the score either of logic or of appeal. Recall the argument for a moment, and see if he was not justified in this opinion. The appeal was for the poor of the Church at Jerusalem. Macedonia was depressed and sorely troubled, Achaia was internally agitated by Judaizers and free thinkers; and between this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say. The Greek only has "But this." The ellipse can hardly be "I say." It is an accusative used absolutely—"as to their." Compare "But one thing" ( Philippians 3:14 ). Shall reap also sparingly. In the Greek the more emphatic order is "sparingly also shall reap." The metaphor of the harvest implies that the more generous the gift the richer will be the return; and that "withholding more than is meet" will only tend to poverty ( Proverbs 11:24 , Proverbs 11:25 ; Proverbs... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say - This I say in order to induce you to give liberally. This I say to prevent your supposing that because it is to be a voluntary offering you may give only from your superfluity, and may give sparingly.He which soweth sparingly - This expression has all the appearance of a proverb, and doubtless is such. It does not occur indeed elsewhere in the Scriptures, though substantially the same sentiment exciting to liberality often occurs; see Psalms 12:1-3; Proverbs 11:24-25; Proverbs... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 9:3-7

2 Corinthians 9:3-7. Yet have I sent the brethren Above mentioned before me; lest our boasting of you should be in vain Lest you should be found unprepared. To make up beforehand To complete before my arrival; your bounty Or gift; whereof ye had notice before Greek, την προκατηγγελμενην , spoken of before, namely, by me to the Macedonians. Or, as some understand the expression, formerly announced to the saints in Judea. That the same might be ready When I come; as a bounty ... read more

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