2 Corinthians 8:1-10
English Standard Version
Encouragement to Give Generously
8 We want you to know, brothers,[a] about the grace of God that has been (A)given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and (B)their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave (C)according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly (D)for the favor[b] of taking part in (E)the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they (F)gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, (G)we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you (H)this act of grace. 7 But as (I)you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you[c]—(J)see that you excel in this act of grace also.
8 (K)I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that (L)though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter (M)I give my judgment: (N)this benefits you, who (O)a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
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- 2 Corinthians 8:1 Or brothers and sisters
- 2 Corinthians 8:4 The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on the context
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 Some manuscripts in your love for us
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
English Standard Version
The Cheerful Giver
6 The point is this: (A)whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, (B)not reluctantly or under compulsion, for (C)God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And (D)God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[b] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
(E)“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies (F)seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and (G)increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 (H)You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which (I)through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
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- 2 Corinthians 9:6 Greek with blessings; twice in this verse
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 Or all contentment
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.