Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

2 CORINTHIANS 9:13KJV
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2 Corinthians 9:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:13 mean?

2 Corinthians 9:13 says that when others see the results of the Corinthians’ generous giving, they will praise God because it shows the Corinthians are truly following the message of Christ and are willing to share with others. The verse highlights that both their obedience to the gospel and their generosity will lead others to honor God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to give generously to help believers in need. He points out that their giving is more than just charity; it is a visible sign of their commitment to Christ’s teachings. The verse shows that generosity not only meets practical needs but also inspires gratitude and praise to God from those who benefit.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 9:13

  • "experiment" (δοκιμή, dokimē): This word often means "proof" or "test." Here, it refers to the way the Corinthians’ giving serves as evidence of their faith and sincerity.
  • "ministration" (διακονία, diakonia): This word means "service" or "ministry." Paul uses it to describe the act of providing for others as a form of serving God.
  • "professed" (ὁμολογία, homología): This word means "confession" or "public declaration." Paul is highlighting that the Corinthians’ actions back up their public commitment to the gospel.
  • "liberal distribution" (ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας, haplótē tēs koinōnias): The phrase points to open-handed, sincere sharing. It emphasizes not just the act of giving, but the generous spirit behind it.

Why 2 Corinthians 9:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that generosity is not just about meeting needs, but also about demonstrating genuine faith and obedience to Christ’s message.
  • Paul connects practical giving with spiritual witness, showing that how believers treat others can lead people to praise God.
  • The verse ties the Corinthians’ generosity to the larger Christian community, reminding readers that their actions have ripple effects beyond their own group.

Where else these words appear

“subjection” Greek G5292 · used in 4 verses

  • Galatians 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
  • 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
  • 1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

“experiment” Greek G1382 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
  • 2 Corinthians 2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

“professed” Greek G3671 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
  • 1 Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

“liberal” Greek G572 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.