2 Corinthians 9

1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.

2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

I know how keen you are to help—I was boasting about this to those in Macedonia that you in Achaia have been ready for over a year, and your enthusiasm has encouraged many of them to give.

3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

But I'm sending these brothers so that my boasting about you regarding this won't be proved wrong, and that you're prepared, just as I said you would be.

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.

This is just in case some Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We, not to mention you, would be really embarrassed if this project failed!

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.

That's why I decided I should ask these brothers to visit you in advance, and complete the arrangements to collect this offering, so that it would be ready as a gift, and not as something demanded.

6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

I want to remind you of this: If you only sow a little, you'll only reap a little; if you sow plenty, you'll reap plenty.

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.

Everybody should give as they've already decided—not reluctantly, or because they have to, for God loves those who give with a cheerful spirit.

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:

God is able to graciously provide you with everything, so that you will always have all you need—with plenty to help others too.

9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. (aiōn g165)

As Scripture says, “He gives generously to the poor; his generosity is everlasting.” (aiōn g165)

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; )

God, who provides seed to the sower and gives bread for food, will provide and multiply your “seed” and increase your harvest of generosity.

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can always be very generous, and your generosity will lead others to be grateful to God.

12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

When you serve in this way, not only are the needs of God's people met, but also many will give grateful thanks to God.

13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];

By giving this offering you show your true nature, and those who receive it will thank God for your obedience, since it shows your commitment to the good news of Christ and your generosity in giving to them and everyone else.

14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.

15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!