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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding the Jerusalem collection. He issues this warning while dispatching brothers to ensure the promised gift is ready before his arrival with Macedonian delegates.

The words — The Greek construction ἐὰν ἔλθωσιν (ean elthōsin) renders "if they come," establishing the conditional trigger. The negative particle μὴ (mē) precedes the consequence, structuring the sentence to highlight the avoided outcome of shame.

The thread — The collection context appears in Romans 15:26 and 2 Corinthians 8:1. Paul repeats the demand for visible proof of commitment in 2 Corinthians 8:24.

Why it lands — The text states that unpreparedness before peers would cause shared shame for previously expressed confidence. It requires the reader to complete practical preparations to match their public declarations.

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

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.

Cross-references

Romans 15:26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 8:24 In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.
2 Corinthians 11:17 In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.