1
Περὶ μὲν γὰρ τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους περισσόν μοί ἐστιν τὸ γράφειν ὑμῖν,
For concerning the ministry to the saints it is superfluous for me to write to you,
The γάρ ties the new appeal to chapter 8; the μέν anticipates a contrast (taken up at v.3 'but I sent'). With studied tact Paul calls further writing about the collection itself 'superfluous' — a rhetorical concession that flatters their willingness before he presses it.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
Περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
μὲνindeedparticle (anticipates δέ at v.3)μέν: 'on the one hand'; sets up the concession answered by the adversative of v.3.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionγάρ: links the appeal to the arrangements of ch. 8 — the collection is the running theme.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
διακονίαςministry/serviceGenitiveobject of περί (reference)διακονία: 'service, ministry'; Paul's favored term for the relief collection (cf. 8:4; 9:12–13).
τῆςthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (goal/recipient)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἁγίουςsaintsAccusativeobject of εἰς (the beneficiaries)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint'; here the impoverished Jerusalem believers, the collection's recipients.
περισσόνsuperfluousNominativepredicate nominativeπερισσός: 'abundant, surplus'; here 'more than enough,' hence redundant — a tactful overstatement.
μοίfor meDativedative of reference/advantage
ἐστινit isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
τὸtheNominativearticle (substantizes infinitive)
γράφεινto writePres Act Inf · γράφωarticular infinitive (subject of ἐστιν)→ customary presentγράφω: 'write'; the articular infinitive τὸ γράφειν is the grammatical subject — 'the writing is superfluous.'
ὑμῖνto youDativedative of recipient (w/ γράφειν)
2
οἶδα γὰρ τὴν προθυμίαν ὑμῶν ἣν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν καυχῶμαι Μακεδόσιν, ὅτι Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται ἀπὸ πέρυσι, καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν ζῆλος ἠρέθισεν τοὺς πλείονας.
for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.
The reason it is superfluous: Paul already knows their eagerness, has been boasting of it to the Macedonians, and that very boast has provoked most of the Macedonians to act. The rhetoric of mutual provocation runs both ways (cf. 8:1–5).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
οἶδαI knowPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present senseοἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present force); settled, certain knowledge of their disposition.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
προθυμίανreadiness/eagernessAccusativedirect objectπροθυμία: 'eagerness, willingness' (πρό + θυμός); a key word of the collection appeal (cf. 8:11–12, 19).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of καυχῶμαι)
ὑπὲρabout/on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (reference)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (reference)
καυχῶμαιI boastPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · καυχάομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; a major Corinthian-letter term — Paul's legitimate boasting in their grace (cf. 7:14).
Μακεδόσινto the MacedoniansDativedative of recipient (audience of the boast)Μακεδών: 'Macedonian'; the northern Greek churches (Philippi, Thessalonica) of 8:1.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of the boast)
ἈχαΐαAchaiaNominativesubjectἈχαΐα: the southern Roman province whose capital was Corinth — the readers stand for the whole region.
παρεσκεύασταιhas been preparedPerf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · παρασκευάζωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ intensive perfect (settled state)παρασκευάζω: 'prepare, make ready'; the perfect stresses an enduring state of readiness already achieved.
ἀπὸsincepreposition + genitive (temporal)
πέρυσιlast yearadverb (time)πέρυσι: 'a year ago, last year'; the collection was begun the previous year (cf. 8:10).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (between article and noun)
ζῆλοςzealNominativesubjectζῆλος: 'zeal, ardor'; here positive enthusiasm — the Corinthian fervor that spurred others on.
ἠρέθισενstirred upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐρεθίζωmain verb→ constative aoristἐρεθίζω: 'provoke, stir up'; usually negative (cf. Col 3:21), but here a wholesome provocation to giving.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
πλείοναςmajority/mostAccusativedirect object (substantival comparative)πλείων: 'more, the greater number'; οἱ πλείονες = 'the majority' — most of the Macedonians.
3
ἔπεμψα δὲ τοὺς ἀδελφούς, ἵνα μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κενωθῇ ἐν τῷ μέρει τούτῳ, ἵνα καθὼς ἔλεγον παρεσκευασμένοι ἦτε,
But I sent the brothers, so that our boast about you might not prove empty in this matter, that you might be prepared, just as I was saying;
The δέ answers the μέν of v.1: though writing seemed needless, Paul has nonetheless sent the brothers — a precaution. The double ἵνα marks the negative purpose (the boast not be hollow) and its positive counterpart (that they be ready).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ἔπεμψαI sentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πέμπωmain verb→ epistolary aoristπέμπω: 'send'; an epistolary aorist — from the readers' standpoint the brothers are already on the way.
δὲbutadversative conjunction (answers μέν, v.1)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἀδελφούςbrothersAccusativedirect objectἀδελφός: 'brother'; the delegation of 8:16–24 (Titus and the two unnamed brothers).
ἵναso thatconjunction (negative purpose)
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ subjunctive)
τὸtheNominativearticle
καύχημαboast/ground of boastingNominativesubject (of κενωθῇ)καύχημα: 'object/ground of boasting' (vs. καύχησις, the act); what Paul boasts about — their readiness.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
τὸthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)
ὑπὲρabout/concerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (reference)
κενωθῇmight be emptied/proved hollowAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · κενόωsubjunctive (negative purpose w/ ἵνα μή)→ constative aoristκενόω: 'empty, make void' (cf. Phil 2:7); the boast would be 'emptied' — shown to have no substance.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
τῷtheDativearticle
μέρειmatter/respectDativedative of respect ('in this particular')μέρος: 'part, share'; ἐν τῷ μέρει τούτῳ = 'in this respect, on this point' — the collection.
τούτῳthisDativeattributive demonstrative
ἵναthatconjunction (positive purpose)
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as, according as'; correlates the readiness with Paul's repeated assurances.
ἔλεγονI was sayingImpf Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωverb (comparative clause)→ iterative imperfectλέγω: 'say'; the imperfect implies repeated assertion — 'as I kept telling them.'
παρεσκευασμένοιpreparedPerf Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · παρασκευάζωptc. in periphrastic perfect subjunctive (w/ ἦτε)→ intensive perfect (settled readiness)παρασκευάζω: 'make ready'; with ἦτε forms a periphrastic perfect subjunctive — 'that you may be in a prepared state.'
ἦτεyou might bePres Act Subj 2 Pl · εἰμίsubjunctive auxiliary (periphrastic w/ ptc.)→ stative
4
μή πως ἐὰν ἔλθωσιν σὺν ἐμοὶ Μακεδόνες καὶ εὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους καταισχυνθῶμεν ἡμεῖς, ἵνα μὴ λέγωμεν ὑμεῖς, ἐν τῇ ὑποστάσει ταύτῃ.
lest somehow, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we — not to say you — be put to shame in this confidence.
The dreaded scenario that motivates the precaution: Macedonian companions arriving to find Achaia unready would shame Paul (and, more pointedly, the Corinthians) after such public boasting. The parenthetical 'not to say you' is a tactful aposiopesis softening the rebuke.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
μήlestnegative particle (apprehension)
πωςsomehowparticle (indefinite; w/ μή = 'lest somehow')πως: 'somehow'; μή πως introduces a clause of apprehension — 'lest perhaps.'
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
ἔλθωσινthey comeAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιsubjunctive (protasis)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the hypothetical arrival of the Macedonian escort.
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (association)
ἐμοὶmeDativeobject of σύν (association)
ΜακεδόνεςMacedoniansNominativesubject (of ἔλθωσιν)Μακεδών: 'Macedonian'; the very people to whom Paul had boasted — their presence would magnify the shame.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὕρωσινthey findAor Act Subj 3 Pl · εὑρίσκωsubjunctive (protasis, coordinate)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find, discover'; the moment of exposure if the gift is not ready.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object (of εὕρωσιν)
ἀπαρασκευάστουςunpreparedAccusativeobject complement (predicate accusative)ἀπαρασκεύαστος: 'unprepared' (alpha-privative of παρασκευάζω); a NT hapax, pointedly negating v.2–3's 'prepared.'
καταισχυνθῶμενwe be put to shameAor Pass Subj 1 Pl · καταισχύνωsubjunctive (apodosis; main verb of fear clause)→ constative aoristκαταισχύνω: 'put to shame, disgrace'; the dishonor of a falsified boast — keenly felt in an honor culture.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ἵναthatconjunction (introduces the litotes-parenthesis)
μὴnotnegative particle
λέγωμενto sayPres Act Subj 1 Pl · λέγωsubjunctive (parenthetical 'not to say')→ presentλέγω: 'say'; ἵνα μὴ λέγωμεν = 'not to say,' a courteous aposiopesis that names the readers' greater stake while veiling it.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativeimplied subject of the suppressed clause (emphatic)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
τῇtheDativearticle
ὑποστάσειconfidenceDativedative of respect ('in this confidence')ὑπόστασις: lit. 'that which stands under'; here 'confidence, assurance' (cf. 11:17) — the firm ground of the boast.
ταύτῃthisDativeattributive demonstrative
5
ἀναγκαῖον οὖν ἡγησάμην παρακαλέσαι τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ προκαταρτίσωσιν τὴν προεπηγγελμένην εὐλογίαν ὑμῶν, ταύτην ἑτοίμην εἶναι οὕτως ὡς εὐλογίαν καὶ μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν.
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised blessing, that it might be ready as a blessing and not as something extorted.
The inferential οὖν draws the practical resolution: to forestall shame Paul deputizes the brothers to organize the gift in advance, so it arrives as a free 'blessing' rather than a grudging exaction. The threefold προ- words (go ahead, prepare beforehand, previously promised) stress advance arrangement.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἀναγκαῖονnecessaryAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement of ἡγησάμην)ἀναγκαῖος: 'necessary, indispensable'; what prudence required of Paul.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the consequence from the danger of shame (v.4).
ἡγησάμηνI consideredAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἡγέομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἡγέομαι: 'lead; consider, regard'; here the deliberative sense — 'I deemed it necessary.'
παρακαλέσαιto urgeAor Act Inf · παρακαλέωcomplementary infinitive (of ἡγησάμην)→ constative aoristπαρακαλέω: 'exhort, urge, encourage' (παρά + καλέω); to summon the brothers to the task.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἀδελφοὺςbrothersAccusativeobject of παρακαλέσαιἀδελφός: 'brother'; the same delegation of v.3 (cf. 8:16–24).
ἵναthatconjunction (content of the urging)
προέλθωσινthey go aheadAor Act Subj 3 Pl · προέρχομαιsubjunctive (purpose/content clause)→ constative aoristπροέρχομαι: 'go before, go ahead' (προ- + ἔρχομαι); arriving before Paul to prepare the way.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προκαταρτίσωσινthey arrange in advanceAor Act Subj 3 Pl · προκαταρτίζωsubjunctive (coordinate w/ προέλθωσιν)→ constative aoristπροκαταρτίζω: 'prepare/complete beforehand' (προ- + καταρτίζω, 'put in order'); a NT hapax — settle the collection ahead of time.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
προεπηγγελμένηνpreviously promisedPerf Mid/Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · προεπαγγέλλομαιattributive participle (w/ εὐλογίαν)→ intensive perfect (a promise standing on record)προεπαγγέλλομαι: 'promise beforehand'; the gift had been pledged earlier (cf. 8:10–11; 9:2).
εὐλογίανblessing/bountiful giftAccusativedirect object (of προκαταρτίσωσιν)εὐλογία: 'blessing'; here by metonymy a generous gift — a 'bounty,' as in the LXX (cf. Gen 33:11).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of source/possession
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative (subject of the infinitive εἶναι)
ἑτοίμηνreadyAccusativepredicate adjective (w/ εἶναι)ἕτοιμος: 'ready, prepared'; the gift fully assembled before Paul's arrival.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive of result/purpose (epexegetical)→ stative
οὕτωςthusadverb (correlative w/ ὡς)
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
εὐλογίανa blessingAccusativepredicate (manner of giving)εὐλογία: 'blessing'; the gift's character — freely bestowed bounty, not grasping gain.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
πλεονεξίανsomething extorted/covetousnessAccusativepredicate (the rejected alternative)πλεονεξία: 'greed, covetousness' (πλέον + ἔχω, 'wanting more'); here an exaction wrung from the unwilling — the antithesis of εὐλογία.
6
Τοῦτο δέ· ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει, καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ' εὐλογίαις ἐπ' εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει.
Now this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
An elliptical heading (Τοῦτο δέ, 'now this [I say]') introduces the governing maxim. The harvest law of proportionality — drawn from agriculture and wisdom tradition (Prov 11:24; 22:8 LXX) — grounds the entire appeal: bounty given, bounty returned.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ΤοῦτοthisAccusativeaccusative (elliptical: 'this [I say]')
δέnowtransitional conjunctionδέ: mild transition; with Τοῦτο introduces the maxim about to be stated.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
σπείρωνwho sowsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · σπείρωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic presentσπείρω: 'sow'; the agricultural image for giving — seed cast out to yield a return.
φειδομένωςsparinglyadverb (manner)φειδομένως: 'sparingly, frugally'; from φείδομαι, 'to spare' — stingy, grudging sowing.
φειδομένωςsparinglyadverb (manner; fronted for emphasis)the repetition 'sparingly … sparingly' presses the strict correspondence of sowing and reaping.
καὶalsoadverbial (correlative emphasis)
θερίσειwill reapFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θερίζωmain verb→ gnomic futureθερίζω: 'reap, harvest'; the inevitable return matching the manner of sowing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
σπείρωνwho sowsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · σπείρωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic present
ἐπ'upon/bountifullypreposition + dative (manner/measure)ἐπί + dat. here adverbial: ἐπ' εὐλογίαις = 'with blessings,' i.e. bountifully, lavishly.
εὐλογίαιςblessings/bountifullyDativeobject of ἐπί (manner: 'with bounty')εὐλογία: 'blessing'; the plural 'with blessings' = generously, with open-handed liberality.
ἐπ'upon/bountifullypreposition + dative (manner; repeated for parallelism)
εὐλογίαιςblessings/bountifullyDativeobject of ἐπί (manner of reaping)
καὶalsoadverbial (correlative emphasis)
θερίσειwill reapFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θερίζωmain verb→ gnomic future
7
ἕκαστος καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ, μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης· ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.
Each one as he has purposed in his heart, not from grief or from compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Asyndeton lends the maxim immediacy. Giving is to flow from settled heart-purpose, free of regret or coercion; the warrant (γάρ) is a near-quotation of Prov 22:8 LXX — God's delight in the cheerful (ἱλαρός) giver.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἕκαστοςeach oneNominativesubject (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each, every one'; the appeal is individual — every giver decides for himself.
καθὼςascomparative conjunction
προῄρηταιhe has purposedPerf Mid Indic 3 Sg · προαιρέωmain verb (comparative clause)→ intensive perfect (a settled resolve)προαιρέομαι: 'choose deliberately, purpose beforehand' (NT hapax); the perfect marks a decision already firmly made.
τῇtheDativearticle
καρδίᾳheartDativedative of place/sphere (locus of the resolve)καρδία: 'heart'; the inner seat of will and intention — giving springs from inward resolve.
μὴnotnegative particle
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
λύπηςgrief/reluctanceGenitiveobject of ἐκ (rejected source)λύπη: 'grief, sorrow'; here the regret of parting with money — giving with a heavy heart.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ἀνάγκηςcompulsionGenitiveobject of ἐξ (rejected source)ἀνάγκη: 'necessity, compulsion'; giving wrung out by pressure, not freely chosen.
ἱλαρὸνcheerfulAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ δότην)ἱλαρός: 'cheerful, glad' (NT hapax; cf. English 'hilarious'); the joyful temper God prizes in giving.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (ground)γάρ: introduces the scriptural warrant (echoing Prov 22:8 LXX).
δότηνgiverAccusativedirect object (of ἀγαπᾷ)δότης: 'giver' (NT hapax); the agent-noun naming the one God loves.
ἀγαπᾷlovesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb→ gnomic presentἀγαπάω: 'love'; God's settled regard — the cheerful giver is the object of divine delight.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεόςGodNominativesubject
8
δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν,
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that, having all sufficiency in everything at all times, you may abound in every good work,
The δέ moves from human duty to divine provision: the One who asks for generosity supplies the means for it. The fivefold πᾶς ('all grace … in everything … always … all sufficiency … every good work') piles up the superabundance of grace that frees the giver from anxiety.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
δυνατεῖis ablePres Act Indic 3 Sg · δυνατέωmain verb→ gnomic presentδυνατέω: 'be able, be powerful' (rare; cf. 13:3); stresses God's effective power to provide.
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ χάριν)
χάρινgraceAccusativeobject of περισσεῦσαιχάρις: 'grace, favor'; here God's bounty that both supplies and is itself the gift — the engine of generosity.
περισσεῦσαιto make aboundAor Act Inf · περισσεύωcomplementary infinitive (transitive)→ constative aoristπερισσεύω: 'abound, overflow'; transitive here — 'cause to abound' (a keyword of chs. 8–9).
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction/goal)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose/result)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
παντὶeverythingDativeobject of ἐν (substantival: 'in everything')
πάντοτεalwaysadverb (time)πάντοτε: 'always, at all times'; the temporal reach of the sufficiency.
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ αὐτάρκειαν)
αὐτάρκειανsufficiency/contentmentAccusativeobject of ἔχοντεςαὐτάρκεια: 'self-sufficiency, contentment' (cf. Phil 4:11); a Stoic ideal redefined — sufficiency that comes from God, freeing one to give.
ἔχοντεςhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωadverbial ptc. (attendant circumstance/means)→ present (concurrent)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the possession of sufficiency that underwrites the abounding in good works.
περισσεύητεyou may aboundPres Act Subj 2 Pl · περισσεύωsubjunctive (purpose; intransitive)→ present (ongoing)περισσεύω: 'abound, overflow'; intransitive here — the goal is overflowing generosity.
εἰςin/untopreposition + accusative (goal/sphere)
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ ἔργον)
ἔργονworkAccusativeobject of εἰςἔργον: 'work, deed'; concrete acts of beneficence, here especially the collection.
ἀγαθόνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good'; morally beneficial — the good work in which grace overflows.
9
καθὼς γέγραπται· ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν, ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.
as it is written, "He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
A verbatim citation of Ps 112:9 LXX (111:9) clinches the assurance: the generous man's open-handed scattering issues in a 'righteousness' — his benevolent character and its reward — that abides forever. The 'scattering' image rejoins the sowing of v.6.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καθὼςascomparative conjunction (citation formula)
γέγραπταιit is writtenPerf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · γράφωmain verb (citation formula)→ intensive perfect (abiding authority of Scripture)γράφω: 'write'; the perfect γέγραπται = 'it stands written,' the standard formula introducing Scripture.
ἐσκόρπισενhe scattered abroadAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σκορπίζωmain verb (cited)→ gnomic aoristσκορπίζω: 'scatter, disperse'; of liberal, broadcast giving — paradoxically the way to increase (cf. Prov 11:24).
ἔδωκενhe gaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (cited; asyndeton)→ gnomic aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the simple act of giving named alongside the vivid 'scattering.'
τοῖςtheDativearticle
πένησινpoorDativeindirect object (recipients)πένης: 'poor, needy' (NT hapax); the laboring poor who must work for their bread.
ἡtheNominativearticle
δικαιοσύνηrighteousnessNominativesubjectδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; here in its benevolent sense — righteous generosity/almsgiving (cf. Hebrew ṣĕdāqâ) that endures.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
μένειendures/remainsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · μένωmain verb (cited)→ gnomic presentμένω: 'remain, abide'; the lasting permanence of the generous man's righteousness.
εἰςuntopreposition + accusative (extent of time)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
αἰῶναage/foreverAccusativeobject of εἰς (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα = 'forever')αἰών: 'age, eternity'; εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα is the LXX idiom for 'forever, perpetually.'
10
ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπόρον τῷ σπείροντι καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν καὶ αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν·
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness;
Drawing on Isa 55:10, Paul applies the harvest law to God himself: the Provider of seed-and-bread will both furnish the giver's 'seed' (resources to give) and multiply the 'fruits of righteousness' — the moral and material increase that benevolence yields.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
ἐπιχορηγῶνwho suppliesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπιχορηγέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary presentἐπιχορηγέω: 'supply, furnish abundantly' (ἐπί-intensive); originally of a choragus bankrolling a chorus — lavish provision.
σπόρονseedAccusativedirect object (of ἐπιχορηγῶν)σπόρος: 'seed (for sowing)'; what God provides so there may be a crop — i.e. means to give.
τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
σπείροντιwho sowsPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · σπείρωsubstantival participle (indirect object)→ customary presentσπείρω: 'sow'; the recipient of the seed — the giver, enabled to give.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἄρτονbreadAccusativedirect object (coordinate w/ σπόρον)ἄρτος: 'bread, food'; God supplies both seed to sow and bread to eat (echoing Isa 55:10).
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
βρῶσινfood/eatingAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)βρῶσις: 'eating, food'; the bread is given to be consumed — daily sustenance.
χορηγήσειwill supplyFut Act Indic 3 Sg · χορηγέωmain verb→ predictive futureχορηγέω: 'furnish, provide'; the simplex of ἐπιχορηγέω — God will indeed supply.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πληθυνεῖwill multiplyFut Act Indic 3 Sg · πληθύνωmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureπληθύνω: 'multiply, increase'; God enlarges the giver's resources for giving.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
σπόρονseedAccusativedirect object (of πληθυνεῖ)σπόρος: 'seed'; here the metaphorical 'seed' of the readers' means to be generous.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
αὐξήσειwill increaseFut Act Indic 3 Sg · αὐξάνωmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureαὐξάνω: 'grow, increase'; God grows the harvest that generosity produces.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
γενήματαfruits/harvestAccusativedirect object (of αὐξήσει)γένημα: 'produce, fruit (of the ground)'; the crop yielded — here 'the fruits of righteousness.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
δικαιοσύνηςrighteousnessGenitivegenitive of source/quality (the harvest that righteousness yields)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; again the benevolent righteousness of v.9 — generosity that bears fruit.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
11
ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι' ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ·
being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces through us thanksgiving to God;
An anacoluthic participle (πλουτιζόμενοι, loosely attached to 'you' of v.10) names the outcome: enriched in every way, not for hoarding but for liberality. The relative clause turns the corner to the chapter's second movement — generosity that overflows in thanksgiving to God (v.11b–14).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
παντὶeverythingDativeobject of ἐν (substantival: 'in everything')
πλουτιζόμενοιbeing enrichedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πλουτίζωadverbial ptc. (loosely nominative; result)→ present (concurrent)πλουτίζω: 'make rich, enrich' (cf. 6:10); the divine passive — God enriches them, for the sake of giving.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose/goal)
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (w/ ἁπλότητα)
ἁπλότηταgenerosity/single-heartednessAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose of the enriching)ἁπλότης: 'singleness, sincerity'; here 'liberality, generosity' (cf. 8:2; 9:13) — open-hearted giving without ulterior motive.
ἥτιςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject; qualitative)ὅστις: the qualitative relative — 'which (of such a kind that)'; the generosity that has this effect.
κατεργάζεταιproduces/worksPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεργάζομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ present (ongoing)κατεργάζομαι: 'bring about, accomplish' (κατά-intensive of ἐργάζομαι); the generosity effects a definite result.
δι'throughpreposition + genitive (agency/means)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of διά (intermediate agency)δι' ἡμῶν: Paul and his fellows are the channel — they convey the gift, prompting the recipients' gratitude.
εὐχαριστίανthanksgivingAccusativedirect object (of κατεργάζεται)εὐχαριστία: 'thanksgiving, gratitude'; the godward result of the gift — the theme of v.11b–13.
τῷto theDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedative of recipient (of the thanksgiving)
12
ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης οὐ μόνον ἐστὶν προσαναπληροῦσα τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν ἁγίων, ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ θεῷ.
because the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
The causal ὅτι unfolds the 'thanksgiving' of v.11: this 'service' (λειτουργία, with cultic overtones) achieves two ends — it meets material need and, beyond that, generates an overflow of gratitude to God. The 'not only … but also' structure ranks the godward fruit above the material.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
ἡtheNominativearticle
διακονίαministryNominativesubjectδιακονία: 'service, ministry'; the administering of the relief gift (cf. v.1).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
λειτουργίαςserviceGenitiveepexegetical/attributive genitiveλειτουργία: 'public/sacred service' (orig. civic, then cultic); casts the collection as a priestly, worshipful act (cf. Rom 15:27).
ταύτηςthisGenitiveattributive demonstrative
οὐnotnegative particle
μόνονonlyadverb (οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί)μόνον: 'only'; with ἀλλὰ καί, the correlative 'not only … but also.'
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (auxiliary in periphrasis)→ stative present
προσαναπληροῦσαsupplying/filling upPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · προσαναπληρόωptc. in periphrastic present (w/ ἐστίν)→ present (ongoing)προσαναπληρόω: 'fill up completely, supply fully' (double-compound; cf. 11:9); makes up what the saints lack.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὑστερήματαneeds/lacksAccusativedirect object (of προσαναπληροῦσα)ὑστέρημα: 'lack, deficiency, need'; the material shortfalls of the Jerusalem poor (cf. 8:14).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἁγίωνsaintsGenitivegenitive of possession (whose needs)ἅγιος: 'saint'; the Jerusalem believers (cf. v.1).
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive; w/ ἀλλά)
περισσεύουσαoverflowingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · περισσεύωptc. in periphrastic present (coordinate w/ προσαναπληροῦσα)→ present (ongoing)περισσεύω: 'abound, overflow'; the gift's surplus effect — gratitude poured out to God.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
πολλῶνmanyGenitiveattributive adjective (w/ εὐχαριστιῶν)
εὐχαριστιῶνthanksgivingsGenitiveobject of διά (means of the overflow)εὐχαριστία: 'thanksgiving'; the plural — many separate acts of gratitude rising from the recipients.
τῷto theDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedative of recipient (of the thanksgivings)
13
διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης δοξάζοντες τὸν θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας,
through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your fellowship toward them and toward all,
The gift functions as a 'test' that proves the Corinthians genuine; on its evidence the Jerusalem saints glorify God on two grounds — the obedience of the Corinthians' gospel-confession, and the open-handed fellowship of their sharing with all. Doctrine confessed is here verified by generosity enacted.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
δοκιμῆςproof/testingGenitiveobject of διά (means)δοκιμή: 'proof, tested character' (cf. 2:9; 8:2); the gift is the assay that demonstrates their genuineness.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
διακονίαςserviceGenitivegenitive (source of the proof)διακονία: 'ministry, service'; the collection again as the demonstrative act.
ταύτηςthisGenitiveattributive demonstrative
δοξάζοντεςglorifyingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δοξάζωadverbial ptc. (result; subject = the recipients)→ present (ongoing)δοξάζω: 'glorify, honor'; the saints' worshipful response — God, not the donors, receives the glory.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θεὸνGodAccusativedirect object (of δοξάζοντες)
ἐπὶfor/uponpreposition + dative (ground/cause)ἐπί + dat. of cause: 'on account of' — the grounds for which they glorify God.
τῇtheDativearticle
ὑποταγῇobedience/submissionDativeobject of ἐπί (first ground)ὑποταγή: 'subjection, obedience'; the submissive obedience that their confession produces.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ὁμολογίαςconfessionGenitivegenitive of source/content (obedience their confession yields)ὁμολογία: 'confession, profession' (lit. 'saying the same'); the agreed acknowledgment of the gospel.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction/object of confession)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
εὐαγγέλιονgospelAccusativeobject of εἰς (what is confessed)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel, good news'; the object of their obedient confession.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobjective/possessive genitive (gospel about/from Christ)Χριστός: 'Christ, Anointed'; the gospel's content and Lord.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second ground)
ἁπλότητιgenerosityDativeobject of ἐπί (second ground; parallel to ὑποταγῇ)ἁπλότης: 'singleness, liberality'; the open-handed generosity of their giving (cf. v.11; 8:2).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
κοινωνίαςfellowship/sharingGenitivegenitive of source/content (generosity their fellowship shows)κοινωνία: 'fellowship, sharing, partnership'; the collection as tangible communion between churches (cf. 8:4; Rom 15:26).
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction/beneficiary)
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeobject of εἰς (the Jerusalem saints)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)
πάνταςallAccusativeobject of εἰς (substantival: 'all others')πᾶς: 'all'; the fellowship reaches beyond Jerusalem to all the saints — a catholic generosity.
14
καὶ αὐτῶν δεήσει ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐπιποθούντων ὑμᾶς διὰ τὴν ὑπερβάλλουσαν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐφ' ὑμῖν.
while they also, in prayer on your behalf, long for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
A further fruit of the gift: the Jerusalem saints, praying for their Gentile benefactors, are drawn to them in longing affection — and the cause is traced past the donors to its true source, the surpassing grace of God resting upon them. The bond the collection forges is grace recognized and reciprocated.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (adds a further result)
αὐτῶνthey/theirGenitivegenitive (subject of ptc. ἐπιποθούντων; gen. absolute)αὐτῶν: 'of them'; the recipients, whose longing is now described.
δεήσειin prayer/petitionDativedative of means/manner (the praying)δέησις: 'prayer, entreaty'; the saints intercede for their benefactors.
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (beneficiary of the prayer)
ἐπιποθούντωνlonging forPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἐπιποθέωptc. in genitive absolute (concurrent circumstance)→ present (concurrent)ἐπιποθέω: 'long for, yearn' (ἐπί-intensive; cf. Rom 1:11); affectionate yearning of the recipients for the givers.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object (of ἐπιποθούντων)
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὑπερβάλλουσανsurpassingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · ὑπερβάλλωattributive participle (w/ χάριν)→ present (ongoing quality)ὑπερβάλλω: 'surpass, exceed, go beyond' (cf. 3:10; Eph 1:19); grace beyond all measure.
χάρινgraceAccusativeobject of διά (the cause of their longing)χάρις: 'grace'; God's overflowing favor, recognized as the true source of the Corinthians' generosity.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source (grace from God)
ἐφ'uponpreposition + dative (location/sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐπί (the grace rests on them)
15
Χάρις τῷ θεῷ ἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
An asyndetic exclamation crowns the whole movement of grace: from God's gift flows the believers' generosity, which returns as thanksgiving — and Paul gathers it all up in praise for the 'indescribable gift,' a phrase that points beyond the collection to God's unutterable self-giving in Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ΧάριςthanksNominativenominative of exclamation ('thanks [be]')χάρις: 'grace; thanks'; here the exclamatory 'thanks be' — the word for grace becomes the word of gratitude.
τῷtoDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedative of recipient (of the thanks)
ἐπὶforpreposition + dative (ground/cause)ἐπί + dat. of cause: 'for, on account of' — the ground of the thanksgiving.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἀνεκδιηγήτῳindescribableDativeattributive adjective (w/ δωρεᾷ)ἀνεκδιήγητος: 'indescribable, beyond recounting' (NT hapax; alpha-privative + ἐκδιηγέομαι); a gift no words can exhaust.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of source/possession
δωρεᾷgiftDativeobject of ἐπί (the ground of thanks)δωρεά: 'gift, free gift' (cf. Rom 5:15); God's gracious bounty — supremely, the gift of Christ himself.