2 Corinthians 9:3

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian believers while organizing a financial collection for other Christians. He dispatches messengers ahead of his arrival to ensure the Corinthians finalize their pledged commitment before he appears with Macedonian representatives.

The words — The Greek ἔπεμψα (epempsa) literally means "I have sent," and καύχημα (kauchēma) translates to "boasting" or "ground for pride." Paul employs these terms to describe his logistical action and his previous claims regarding the Corinthians' readiness.

The thread — The same collection effort appears in 2 Corinthians 8:6, where Paul urges Titus to complete the Corinthians' act of grace. Paul also points to a comparable organizational pattern in 1 Corinthians 16:1.

Why it lands — The verse requires the Corinthians to execute their financial pledge to prevent public embarrassment for themselves and Paul. It demands that readers align their actions with their word so that communal commitments are fulfilled rather than left uncompleted.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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:

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 8:6 So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
2 Corinthians 7:14 Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.
2 Corinthians 8:17 For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.
2 Corinthians 9:4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,