Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

2 CORINTHIANS 9:10KJV
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2 Corinthians 9:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:10 mean?

2 Corinthians 9:10 says that God, who provides seed to those who plant and bread for food, will also supply and increase what you have to give and will help your good actions grow and have results. The verse uses the picture of farming to show how God supports and multiplies the resources and efforts of those who give generously.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them as they prepare to give a financial gift to help believers in need. He reminds them that just as God provides both the seed for planting and the bread for eating, God can also provide for their needs and make their generosity fruitful. The verse reassures the Corinthians that their giving will not leave them lacking, but will be used by God to produce even more good.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 9:10

  • "ministereth" (ἐπιχορηγῶν, epichorēgōn): This word means "to supply" or "to provide generously." Paul uses it to show that God is the one who actively supplies what is needed, not just in a small way, but abundantly.
  • "seed" (σπέρμα, sperma) and "sower" (σπείραντι, speiranti): These words connect the idea of giving to the natural process of planting and harvesting, helping the reader see generosity as something that can grow and multiply.
  • "multiply" (πληθύναι, plēthynai): This word means "to increase" or "make more." Paul is saying that God can take what is given and make it go further, just as a small amount of seed can produce a large harvest.
  • "fruits" (γενήματα, genēmata) and "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): These words together suggest that the results of giving are not just material, but also spiritual—good actions and right living that grow out of generosity.

Why 2 Corinthians 9:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the worry that giving generously might leave someone without enough; instead, it emphasizes that God is able to provide and even multiply what is given.
  • The farming imagery helps readers see giving as an act of trust, where the results are in God's hands, much like a farmer trusts that planted seeds will grow.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is encouraging a spirit of generosity, not out of pressure, but out of confidence that God supports and blesses those who give.

Where else these words appear

“minister” Greek G5524 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“ministereth” Greek G2023 · used in 5 verses

  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
  • Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
  • 2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

“sown” Greek G4703 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
  • Mark 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
  • Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

“fruits” Greek G1081 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?