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2 Corinthians 9:3

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:
2 Corinthians 9:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.
3But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:
4lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.
5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
6But this [I say,] He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
← 2 Corinthians 9:22 Corinthians 9:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Yet have I sent the brethren, etc..] Titus, and the other two mentioned in the foregoing chapter: one manuscript reads, “we have sent”; and the Ethiopic version, “they have sent”, that is, the Macedonians; but the common reading is best. It might be objected, that since the apostle knew the forwardness of their minds, how ready they were a year ago, and had boasted so much of their liberality, that it must be unnecessary to send the brethren to them, to stir them up to this work; which objection is prevented by observing the reason of his sending them: lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf: or, “in this part”, in this particular thing, atwbx adh l[, “concerning this…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“have I sent--we should say, "I send"; whereas the ancients put it in the past, the time which it would be by the time that the letter arrived. the brethren-- (Co2 8:18, Co2 8:22) --Titus and the two others. should be in vain in this behalf--"should be proved futile in this particular," however true in general (Co2 7:4). A tacit compliment, softening the sharp monition. as I said--as I was saying (Co2 9:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Yet have I sent the brethren - The brethren referred to in 2 Corinthians 8:18, 2 Corinthians 8:22-23. Lest our boasting of you - That you were disposed to contribute, and that you were already prepared, and that the contribution was ready. Should be in vain - Lest anything should have occurred to prevent the collection. I have sent them that they may facilitate it, and that it may be secure and certain. In this behalf - In this respect. That is, lest our boasting of you, in regard to your readiness to contribute to relieve the needs of others, should be found to have been ill-grounded. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I have sent the above mentioned brethren before me. 2 Corinthians 9:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“have: Co2 9:4, Co2 7:14, Co2 8:6, Co2 8:17-24 ye may: Co2 9:5; Co1 16:1-4; Tit 3:1 2 Corinthians 9:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification