Translations
Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Therefore I deemed it necessary to exhort the brothers that they should go before to you and should complete beforehand your foreannounced blessing, thus for this to be ready as a blessing and not as covetousness.
Latin
Necessarium ergo existimavi rogare fratres, ut præveniant ad vos, et præparent repromissam benedictionem hanc paratam esse sic, quasi benedictionem, non tamquam avaritiam.
Original
Greek
English
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.
Notes
Two reasons encourage the spirit of love in giving:
to follow the example of the Macedonians, who were generous despite their poverty (9:2); and
to avoid embarrassing Paul or themselves, as he had praised the Corinthians' generosity to the Macedonians (9:3–5).
To ensure the collection at Corinth is ready on time, Paul will send delegates (8:16–24) ahead to prepare the promised gift.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Letter to the Romans Second Letter to the Corinthians
Topics
Alms: Commandments and Practices Concerning Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Emulation: General Scriptures Concerning Generosity Liberality in Corinth Poor: Duty To Tact: Paul in Stimulating Benevolent Giving