2 Corinthians 9:10
Verse
Context
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
9As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.
Sermons
Alan Redpath
William MacDonald
Mike Bickle
F.B. Meyer
Jane LeadSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower - The sower, as we have already seen, is he that gives alms of what he hath; and God, who requires him to give these alms, is here represented as providing him with the means. As in the creation, if God had not created the earth with every tree and plant with its seed in itself, so that a harvest came, without a previous ploughing and sowing, there could have been no seed to deposit in the earth; so, if God had not, in the course of his providence, given them the property they had, it would be impossible for them to give alms. And as even the well cultivated and sowed field would be unfruitful if God did not, by his unseen energy and blessing, cause it to bring forth, and bring to maturity; so would it have been with their property: it could not have increased; for without his blessing riches take wings and flee away, as an eagle towards heaven. Therefore, in every sense, it is God who ministers seed to the sower, and multiplies the seed sown. And as all this properly comes from God, and cannot exist without him, he has a right to require that it be dispensed in that way which he judges best. The word ὁ - επιχορηγων, he that ministereth, is very emphatic; it signifies he who leads up the chorus, from επι, to, and χορηγω, to lead the chorus; it means also to join to, associate, to supply or furnish one thing after another so that there be no want or chasm. Thus God is represented, in the course of his providence, associating and connecting causes and effects; keeping every thing in its proper place and state of dependence on another, and all upon himself; so that summer and winter, heat and cold, seed time and harvest, regularly succeed each other. Thus God leads up this grand chorus of causes and effects: provides the seed to the hand of the sower; gives him skill to discern the times when the earth should be prepared for the grain, and when the grain should be sowed; blesses the earth, and causes it to bring forth and bud, so that it may again minister seed to the sower and bread to the eater; and, by a watchful providence, preserves every thing. The figure is beautiful, and shows us the grand system of causes and effects, all directed by and under the immediate guidance and government of God himself. There is a fine exemplification of this in the same figure thus produced by the prophet. Hos 2:21, Hos 2:22 : I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens; and they shall hear the earth; and the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel. See the note at Hos 2:21. The fruits of your righteousness - Your beneficence; for so δικαιοσυνηis here to be understood. See the note on Mat 6:1, already referred to.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, as in Isa 55:10, "He that ministereth (supplieth) seed to the sower and bread for food" (literally, "bread for eating"). minister--rather future, as the oldest manuscripts, "Shall minister (supply) and multiply." your seed--your means for liberality. the fruits of your righteousness--the heavenly rewards for your Christian charity (Mat 10:42). Righteousness shall be itself the reward, even as it is the thing rewarded (Hos 10:12; Mat 5:6; Mat 6:33).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, and bread for your food,.... For so the words ought to be pointed and read, as is clear from Isa 55:10 to which they refer; and are a "periphrasis" of God, who so blesses the seed that is cast into the earth, that it brings forth such an increase, as that there is a sufficiency of bread for food to the eater for the present year, and a sufficiency of seed to sow with again the next year; and that God, that does this every year, is able "to minister to", or supply your present necessities; and to multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; though some consider these as a wish or prayer of the apostle's, that God would do all this for them. Some copies, and the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read all in the future tense, "he will minister" to you, or "supply" you, "and will multiply your seed sown", and will increase the fruits of your righteousness; and so contain a promise of a divine blessing, encouraging to liberality with cheerfulness, by strengthening their faith in the providence of God; who as he multiplies, not the seed expended in the family, or sold at market, or as in the barn, or laid up for a better price, but the seed sown in the field, so he will multiply the substance of men; not what they lay out on themselves and families, or lay up in their coffers, but what they give away, or bestow on Christ's poor: and all effects which follow acts of liberality, and which are here designed by "fruits of righteousness", such as a good name among men, blessing, praise, thanksgiving, and prosperity in things temporal and spiritual, these God will abundantly increase; some of which are mentioned in the following verses. So alms with the Jews is not only called "righteousness", but "seed sown". Thus Jarchi interprets Psa 37:26 "and his seed is blessed", he that "sows" righteousness or alms, its end shall be for a blessing, or in the end he shall be blessed; and the phrase, "rain righteousness", in Hos 10:12 is by the Septuagint rendered, , "fruits of righteousness", the same as here, from whence it seems to be taken.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:10-14 The Corinthians’ generosity would be matched by God’s generosity (9:10-11). It would also meet the needs of Jewish Christians (9:12), honor God (9:13), show believers in Jerusalem that their Gentile brothers and sisters were genuine believers (9:13), and result in the Jewish believers’ intercessory prayer and affection for the Gentile believers (9:14). Paul envisioned a united, worldwide Christian church, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles who are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28; Eph 2:11-22), which would become a powerful witness to the Lord’s work of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 9:10
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
9As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5
By Alan Redpath5.0K59:34Challenge1CH 4:23MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 9:10EPH 3:20PHP 4:131PE 3:15The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love of Christ as the motive for sharing the message. The importance of discipline and seeking God's face is highlighted, along with the need to examine one's actions and sowing. The speaker also emphasizes the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit, and the importance of showing God that one means business in order to receive His abundant grace. The sermon concludes with the reminder that there are no shortcuts to holiness.
Priorities-04 Dan 9
By William MacDonald9871:01:21Priorities2CH 7:14ISA 44:3ISA 55:1MAT 6:33LUK 14:33LUK 15:222CO 9:10The sermon transcript discusses various topics including the value of money, the power of prayer, and the importance of confession and humility. The speaker emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize their spiritual growth and rely on prayer to bring about change in their lives and in society. The sermon also touches on the issue of television and the need for control and discernment in its use, especially when it comes to children. Lastly, the transcript briefly mentions the idea of storing crops for a better price, but does not provide a clear answer or guidance on the matter.
Are You Ready to Be Wiser Than the World?
By Tim Conway7371:02:54PSA 112:9LUK 6:382CO 9:62CO 9:10REV 14:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving generously and sacrificially, drawing insights from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging believers to trust in God's multiplication of their giving for the benefit of others and the eternal harvest of righteousness. The focus is on viewing God as the ultimate Giver, inspiring cheerful and abundant giving to meet needs, glorify God, and store up treasures in heaven.
Supernatural Provision in Finances
By Mike Bickle1951:24Supernatural ProvisionFinancial StewardshipPSA 37:25PRO 3:9JER 17:9HAG 2:7MAL 3:10MAT 6:21LUK 6:382CO 9:10PHP 4:191TI 6:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the concept of supernatural provision in finances, urging believers to understand that God's financial blessings are tied to their obedience and faithfulness. He discusses the importance of tithing as a foundational step, but encourages moving beyond it to experience greater financial blessings and spiritual depth. Bickle warns of the emotional, social, and spiritual challenges that come with financial increase, stressing the need for a strong relationship with God to navigate these challenges. He highlights that true prosperity is not just about wealth but also about the transformation of the heart and the ability to help others. Ultimately, he calls for a collective commitment to obedience in financial matters to unlock God's supernatural provision for the end-time harvest.
Our Daily Homily - 2 Corinthians
By F.B. Meyer0Strength in WeaknessComfort in Affliction2CO 1:42CO 2:152CO 3:182CO 4:182CO 5:182CO 6:82CO 7:12CO 8:72CO 9:102CO 12:10F.B. Meyer emphasizes the theme of comfort in affliction as he reflects on 2 Corinthians, highlighting how God comforts us in our tribulations so that we can extend that comfort to others. He encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and to keep a record of God's mercies during difficult times. Meyer illustrates the transformative power of suffering, suggesting that through our weaknesses, God's strength is made perfect. He also discusses the importance of living a life that reflects Christ, becoming a sweet aroma to God and others. Ultimately, he calls for a deep communion with the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.
June 1. 1678. the Fire-Seed.
By Jane Lead0MRK 4:26JHN 4:371CO 3:62CO 9:10GAL 6:9Jane Lead shares a vision of a gate opening to reveal the perfect growth and flourishing state of all plants in various appearances and colors. She and another person are eager to enter but are told by the Spirit that there is more to spring up in this hidden region. The message is given that the Sower and the Reaper will rejoice together in God's harvest day. Jane Lead sees scattered fire-sparks buried in the ground, symbolizing the Spirit's ongoing sowing time that will produce infinite and various powers.
Pastoral Counsels —Excerpts From Philpot's Annual Addresses.
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 85:8ACT 20:281CO 14:262CO 9:10EPH 4:15PHP 2:1COL 3:162TH 3:1HEB 10:241PE 4:10J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of feeding the church of God, echoing Paul's words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28. He expresses his desire to be a blessing to the church and to promote spiritual growth and unity among believers. Philpot highlights the responsibility of preachers and writers to speak the truth in love, to edify, comfort, instruct, and lead God's family. He stresses the significance of avoiding contention, striving for peace, and seeking the spiritual profit of the Lord's people above all else.
Only Through Death
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 126:6ISA 6:8MAT 9:37MRK 8:34JHN 12:242CO 9:10GAL 6:9Charles E. Cowman reflects on the sacrifices and legacies of early missionaries like David Brainerd and Henry Martyn, who gave their lives for Christ's cause, leaving behind memories and converts. Despite the apparent waste and loss in their deaths, their impact birthed a noble army of modern missionaries spreading the Gospel worldwide, echoing the biblical principle of a grain of wheat dying to produce many more. Cowman encourages a willingness to be sent by God, even to deserts or boundless seas, trusting in His provision and the multiplication of blessings for His children.
The Danger of Eloquence
By A.W. Tozer01CO 6:202CO 9:10EPH 3:20PHP 2:111PE 2:5In this sermon, the preacher delves into the rich meaning of 'Supplies' (choregeo), emphasizing that God is the ultimate Supplier who continuously provides abundantly for His work. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:10, the preacher highlights how God supplies seed for sowing and bread for food, multiplying the harvest of righteousness. The spiritual dynamic discussed revolves around relying on God's strength to ensure that He alone receives the praise through Jesus Christ, prompting believers to consider if their service draws attention to themselves or to God.
Pastoral Counsels
By J.C. Philpot0JHN 21:17ACT 20:282CO 9:102TH 3:11PE 5:2J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of feeding the church of God, echoing Paul's words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28. He expresses his sole desire to be instrumental in feeding living souls, free from worldly ambitions or seeking popularity. Philpot aims to speak the truth in love, to edify, comfort, instruct, and lead the family of God, promoting unity and contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower - The sower, as we have already seen, is he that gives alms of what he hath; and God, who requires him to give these alms, is here represented as providing him with the means. As in the creation, if God had not created the earth with every tree and plant with its seed in itself, so that a harvest came, without a previous ploughing and sowing, there could have been no seed to deposit in the earth; so, if God had not, in the course of his providence, given them the property they had, it would be impossible for them to give alms. And as even the well cultivated and sowed field would be unfruitful if God did not, by his unseen energy and blessing, cause it to bring forth, and bring to maturity; so would it have been with their property: it could not have increased; for without his blessing riches take wings and flee away, as an eagle towards heaven. Therefore, in every sense, it is God who ministers seed to the sower, and multiplies the seed sown. And as all this properly comes from God, and cannot exist without him, he has a right to require that it be dispensed in that way which he judges best. The word ὁ - επιχορηγων, he that ministereth, is very emphatic; it signifies he who leads up the chorus, from επι, to, and χορηγω, to lead the chorus; it means also to join to, associate, to supply or furnish one thing after another so that there be no want or chasm. Thus God is represented, in the course of his providence, associating and connecting causes and effects; keeping every thing in its proper place and state of dependence on another, and all upon himself; so that summer and winter, heat and cold, seed time and harvest, regularly succeed each other. Thus God leads up this grand chorus of causes and effects: provides the seed to the hand of the sower; gives him skill to discern the times when the earth should be prepared for the grain, and when the grain should be sowed; blesses the earth, and causes it to bring forth and bud, so that it may again minister seed to the sower and bread to the eater; and, by a watchful providence, preserves every thing. The figure is beautiful, and shows us the grand system of causes and effects, all directed by and under the immediate guidance and government of God himself. There is a fine exemplification of this in the same figure thus produced by the prophet. Hos 2:21, Hos 2:22 : I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens; and they shall hear the earth; and the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel. See the note at Hos 2:21. The fruits of your righteousness - Your beneficence; for so δικαιοσυνηis here to be understood. See the note on Mat 6:1, already referred to.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, as in Isa 55:10, "He that ministereth (supplieth) seed to the sower and bread for food" (literally, "bread for eating"). minister--rather future, as the oldest manuscripts, "Shall minister (supply) and multiply." your seed--your means for liberality. the fruits of your righteousness--the heavenly rewards for your Christian charity (Mat 10:42). Righteousness shall be itself the reward, even as it is the thing rewarded (Hos 10:12; Mat 5:6; Mat 6:33).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, and bread for your food,.... For so the words ought to be pointed and read, as is clear from Isa 55:10 to which they refer; and are a "periphrasis" of God, who so blesses the seed that is cast into the earth, that it brings forth such an increase, as that there is a sufficiency of bread for food to the eater for the present year, and a sufficiency of seed to sow with again the next year; and that God, that does this every year, is able "to minister to", or supply your present necessities; and to multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; though some consider these as a wish or prayer of the apostle's, that God would do all this for them. Some copies, and the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read all in the future tense, "he will minister" to you, or "supply" you, "and will multiply your seed sown", and will increase the fruits of your righteousness; and so contain a promise of a divine blessing, encouraging to liberality with cheerfulness, by strengthening their faith in the providence of God; who as he multiplies, not the seed expended in the family, or sold at market, or as in the barn, or laid up for a better price, but the seed sown in the field, so he will multiply the substance of men; not what they lay out on themselves and families, or lay up in their coffers, but what they give away, or bestow on Christ's poor: and all effects which follow acts of liberality, and which are here designed by "fruits of righteousness", such as a good name among men, blessing, praise, thanksgiving, and prosperity in things temporal and spiritual, these God will abundantly increase; some of which are mentioned in the following verses. So alms with the Jews is not only called "righteousness", but "seed sown". Thus Jarchi interprets Psa 37:26 "and his seed is blessed", he that "sows" righteousness or alms, its end shall be for a blessing, or in the end he shall be blessed; and the phrase, "rain righteousness", in Hos 10:12 is by the Septuagint rendered, , "fruits of righteousness", the same as here, from whence it seems to be taken.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:10-14 The Corinthians’ generosity would be matched by God’s generosity (9:10-11). It would also meet the needs of Jewish Christians (9:12), honor God (9:13), show believers in Jerusalem that their Gentile brothers and sisters were genuine believers (9:13), and result in the Jewish believers’ intercessory prayer and affection for the Gentile believers (9:14). Paul envisioned a united, worldwide Christian church, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles who are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28; Eph 2:11-22), which would become a powerful witness to the Lord’s work of reconciliation.