2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, and in this chapter he addresses giving and generosity in the context of supporting believers in Jerusalem who were facing hardship. The verse uses an agricultural metaphor of sowing and reaping to convey a spiritual principle: the quantity of the harvest is directly proportional to the amount of seed sown.

Meaning

Paul draws a parallel between sowing seeds and giving. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, while those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. The Greek phrase translated as “bountifully” (ep’ eulogiais) more literally means “with blessings” or “in blessings,” indicating a giving that is generous and accompanied by blessing. This principle is often called the “Law of the Harvest” or the “Principle of Sowing and Reaping.“

The amount and extent of our generosity directly influence the blessings and rewards we receive. In farming, the more seeds a farmer sows, the greater the harvest will be. Similarly, in generosity and giving, the principle of sowing and reaping applies.

Biblical connections

This verse sets up the following verse, which elaborates on the manner of giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul emphasizes giving willingly and not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Our motive for giving should be rooted in a genuine desire to bless others and participate in God’s work rather than seeking personal gain.

Application

The principle of sowing and reaping can be applied to various aspects of our lives. It encourages us to be generous not only with our financial resources but also with our time, talents, and love. When we sow kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, we can expect to reap a harvest of similar blessings in our relationships and interactions with others.

Paul calls believers to cultivate a generous and giving spirit. He encourages them to give willingly, abundantly, and with faith, trusting in God’s provision and promise to bless them in return. The blessings mentioned here may not always be material wealth but can also include spiritual blessings, joy, peace, and a sense of fulfillment.

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine our own giving. Are we sowing sparingly, holding back out of fear or reluctance? Or are we sowing bountifully, with a cheerful heart and a spirit of abundance? As we give generously, we trust that God, who supplies seed to the sower, will multiply our resources and increase the harvest of our righteousness.