2 Corinthians 9:6

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Study Bible

Consider this
The phrase "Consider this" serves as an invitation to deep reflection and understanding. In the Greek, the word used here is "τοῦτο" (touto), which means "this" or "this thing." It is a call to pay attention to the principle that follows, emphasizing its importance. Paul is urging the Corinthians to think carefully about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, which is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments. This principle is not just a suggestion but a divine truth that governs the spiritual and material realms.

Whoever sows sparingly
The act of sowing is a metaphor for giving or investing in the work of God. The Greek word for "sows" is "σπείρων" (speirōn), which implies scattering seed. The term "sparingly" comes from the Greek "φειδομένως" (pheidomenōs), meaning with restraint or stinginess. In an agricultural society, sowing sparingly would result in a meager harvest. Spiritually, this suggests that a lack of generosity in giving will lead to limited blessings. The historical context of this passage is Paul's collection for the impoverished church in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of generosity in the Christian community.

will also reap sparingly
Reaping is the natural consequence of sowing, and the Greek word "θερίσει" (therisei) means to harvest or gather. The principle of reaping sparingly is a direct result of sowing sparingly. This reflects the biblical principle found in Proverbs 11:24-25, which teaches that generosity leads to abundance. The historical context of the early church, which often faced persecution and poverty, underscores the importance of mutual support and the blessings that come from it.

and whoever sows generously
The phrase "sows generously" uses the Greek word "εὐλογίαις" (eulogiais), which can be translated as "with blessings" or "bountifully." This implies an attitude of liberality and abundance in giving. The concept of sowing generously is rooted in the character of God, who is described as generous and abundant in His blessings. The early church was known for its radical generosity, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared everything they had.

will also reap generously
The promise of reaping generously is a divine assurance that God rewards those who give with a willing and open heart. The Greek word "θερίσει" (therisei) is used again, emphasizing the certainty of the harvest. This principle is not just about material wealth but encompasses spiritual blessings, joy, and the favor of God. The historical context of Paul's ministry, which relied on the generosity of believers, illustrates the truth of this principle. The early church experienced growth and blessing as a result of their sacrificial giving.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them in their faith and generosity.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and commerce, but also for its moral challenges. The church in Corinth was diverse and faced various issues, including those related to giving and generosity.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, they were a group of believers who needed guidance on living out their faith, particularly in the area of giving.

4. Macedonian Churches
Mentioned earlier in 2 Corinthians 8, these churches are noted for their generosity despite their poverty, serving as an example for the Corinthians.

5. The Jerusalem Church
The intended recipients of the collection Paul is organizing, they were experiencing poverty and needed support from other believers.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
The metaphor of sowing and reaping is a timeless principle that applies to various aspects of life, including our spiritual and material generosity. Just as a farmer expects a harvest proportional to the amount of seed sown, so too should believers understand that their generosity will yield corresponding spiritual and material blessings.

Generosity as an Act of Faith
Giving generously requires faith in God's provision. It is an acknowledgment that all we have comes from God and that He is able to supply our needs as we trust Him with our resources.

The Heart of the Giver
The attitude with which we give is crucial. God loves a cheerful giver, and our generosity should stem from a heart of gratitude and love, not compulsion or obligation.

Impact on the Community
Generosity not only blesses the giver but also strengthens the community of believers. It meets practical needs and serves as a testimony of God's love and provision to the world.

Eternal Perspective
Our giving should be motivated by an eternal perspective, recognizing that we are investing in God's kingdom and that the rewards are not only temporal but eternal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the principle of sowing and reaping challenge your current approach to giving and generosity?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life?

3. How does understanding God's provision influence your willingness to give generously?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of generosity. How did it impact your faith and relationship with others?

5. How can the example of the Macedonian churches inspire you to give, even in times of personal financial challenge?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 6:7-9
This passage also uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping to encourage believers to do good and not grow weary, promising a harvest if they do not give up.

Proverbs 11:24-25
These verses highlight the principle of generosity leading to blessing, contrasting the one who gives freely with the one who withholds.

Luke 6:38
Jesus teaches about giving, promising that the measure we use will be measured back to us, reinforcing the principle of generous sowing and reaping.

Philippians 4:15-19
Paul commends the Philippians for their generosity and assures them that God will supply all their needs, illustrating the reciprocal nature of giving.