2 Corinthians 9 - Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Money for God's People

9 I don't need to write you about the money you plan to give for God's people. 2 I know how eager you are to give. And I have proudly told the Lord's followers in Macedonia that you people in Achaia have been ready for a whole year. Now your desire to give has made them want to give. 3 This is why I am sending Titus and the two others to you. I want you to be ready, just as I promised. This will prove we were not wrong to brag about you.

4 Some followers from Macedonia may come with me, and I want them to find that you have the money ready. If you don't, I would be embarrassed for trusting you to do this. But you would be embarrassed even more. 5 So I have decided to ask Titus and the others to spend some time with you before I arrive. This way they can arrange to collect the money you have promised. Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to.

6 Remember this saying,

“A few seeds make
a small harvest,
but a lot of seeds make
a big harvest.”

7 (A) Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. 8 God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. 9 (B) The Scriptures say,

“God freely gives his gifts
to the poor,
and always does right.”

10 (C) God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so you can give even more to those in need. 11 You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift.

12 What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God's people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God. 13 The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God's people and with everyone else. 14 Now they are praying for you and want to see you, because God used you to bless them so very much. 15 Thank God for his gift that is too wonderful for words!

Cross references

  1. 9.7 : Si 20.10-15.
  2. 9.9 : Ps 112.9.
  3. 9.10 : Is 55.10.

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9 For, indeed, concerning the ministration that [is] for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you, 2 for I have known your readiness of mind, which in your behalf I boast of to Macedonians, that Achaia hath been prepared a year ago, and the zeal of you did stir up the more part, 3 and I ...
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2 Corinthians 9 - Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

9 For of the ministry that is made to holy men, it is to me of plenty to write to you. 2 For I know your [ready] will, for the which I have glory of you with Macedonians, for also Achaia is ready from a year passed, and your love hath stirred full many. 3 And we have sent brethren, that this thing...
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2 Corinthians 9 - Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)

9 Of course, I really do not need to write to you about the money to be given to God's people. 2 I know that you wanted to help. I am proud to tell the people of Macedonia about you. I tell them, `The people in Greece have been ready for a year.' And what you did has made most of them want to do som...
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2 Corinthians 9 - World English Bible (WEB)

9 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3 But I have sent the brothers th...
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2 Corinthians 9 - The Voice (VOICE)

9 There’s nothing further I could add about your efforts for God’s people in Judea. 2 I know you are ready. I bragged on you throughout Macedonia, telling them how the people in Achaia have been prepared since last year; and your passion has been contagious. 3 Still I thought it would be best to s...
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9 Now about this service to the kedoshim, it is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you— 2 for I know your eagerness. I boast about it to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been preparing for a year already; and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that ou...
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2 Corinthians 9 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem9 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the offering for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedo′nia, saying that Acha′ia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of t...
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2 Corinthians 9 - Revised Geneva Translation (RGT)

9 Now, as far as the ministry to the Saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. 2 For I know your readiness of mind, of which I boast to the Macedonians myself, saying that Achaia was prepared a year ago, and your zeal has incited many. 3 Now, I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting over ...
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2 Corinthians 9 - New Testament for Everyone (NTE)

Please Have the Gift Ready!9 When it comes to the service you are doing for God’s people, you see, I don’t need to write to you. 2 For I know your eagerness, and indeed I boasted about it to the Macedonians, saying that Achaea had been ready since last year. Your enthusiasm has stimulated most of t...
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2 Corinthians 9 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

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