2 Corinthians 9:5

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian believers while coordinating a financial collection, immediately after warning that delayed preparation would bring shame if Macedonian delegates arrived unexpectedly.

The words — ἀναγκαῖον (anagkaion) translates as necessary, and προελθῶσιν (proelthōsin) means they may go before to arrange the gift in advance.

The thread — The text's focus on prepared giving and willing contribution runs through Genesis 33:11, 1 Samuel 25:27, and Philippians 4:17.

Why it lands — The verse states that Paul urges messengers to visit first so the promised gift is arranged in advance, then requires readers to align their financial actions with prior commitments, ensuring giving is deliberate and willing rather than rushed or reluctant.

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

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.

Cross-references

Genesis 33:11 Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.
1 Samuel 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.
Philippians 4:17 Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Judges 1:15 “Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
1 Samuel 30:26 When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.”
2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”
1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
2 Corinthians 8:6 So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.
2 Corinthians 12:17 Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?