2 Corinthians 9:6 - Exposition

But this I say. The Greek only has "But this." The ellipse can hardly be "I say." It is an accusative used absolutely—"as to their." Compare "But one thing" ( Philippians 3:14 ). Shall reap also sparingly. In the Greek the more emphatic order is "sparingly also shall reap." The metaphor of the harvest implies that the more generous the gift the richer will be the return; and that "withholding more than is meet" will only tend to poverty ( Proverbs 11:24 , Proverbs 11:25 ; Proverbs 19:17 ; Proverbs 22:9 ). Bountifully ; literally, with blessings; Vulgate, in benedictionibus (comp. Galatians 6:7 , Galatians 6:8 ). Bountifulness blesses both him that gives and him that takes.