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.
Study Note
Study Note
The agricultural proverb 'he who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully' is applied by Paul to financial giving in the collection for Jerusalem saints. The verse draws on Proverbs 11:24-25 ('one gives freely, yet grows all the richer') and belongs to a wisdom tradition that connects generosity with flourishing. Paul's application is not a 'prosperity gospel' promise but a covenantal-harvest principle: the same God who governs agricultural yield governs the spiritual economy of giving. The following verse's 'cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7) qualifies the agricultural metaphor — the relevant reaping is not primarily financial return but the harvest of righteousness (9:10) and overflowing thankfulness (9:12).
Other Translations
But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap;
But in the Writings it says, He who puts in only a small number of seeds, will get in the same; and he who puts them in from a full hand, will have produce in full measure from them.
Cross References
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to …
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay …
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall …
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men …