2 Coríntios 9
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - Having discussed in chapter 8 the principles of Christian giving, Paul now shares the promises that we can claim if we are faithful in our giving to God. These two chapters present giving as a Christian grace, a blessing, not as a legal obligation that burdens people. If giving is difficult for a Christian, then there is something wrong with his heart! (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) For (gar) - Paul had been confidently boasting in the Corinthians and now (2Co 9:1-2) explains why he had confidently boasted about their love to others. McShane adds that "For connects this chapter with ch. 8 and indicates that he is going to explain in more detail why he was sending Titus and his associates to them (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) Pulpit Commentary - This word shows that he is continuing the same subject, and therefore excludes the supposition that this chapter is a separate letter or fragment. No doubt, however, the express mention of the collection after he has been practically writing about it through the whole of the last chapter looks as if he had been interrupted, or had left off dictating at the end of the last verse. Such breaks must often and necessarily have occurred in the dictation of the Epistles, and doubtless help to account for some of their phenomena. Perhaps, on reperusing the last paragraphs before resuming the subject he observed that, after all, he had not directly mentioned the contribution, and therefore explains that he thought it superfluous to do so. it is superfluous (perissos ~"not necessary" - NET) for me to write (grapho) to you about this ministry (diakonia) to the saints (hagios)- In context this ministry is the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, the bountiful gift (2Cor 9:5). Why does he say superfluous or unnecessary? He had just written chapter 8 and had also written about procedures for collections in 1Co 16:1-4+ (note especially Paul's words " so that no collections be made when I come."). And so on one hand Paul is saying he does not need to say more about their participation in the collection, and yet he proceeds to do so. It is like when we say "I am sure I don't really need to remind you again, but..." and we proceed to remind them.
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - In 2Co 8:1–5, Paul used the churches of Macedonia as examples to encourage the Corinthians, and now he uses the Corinthians as an encouragement to the churches of Macedonia! Christians ought to be an encouragement to one another. Paul had been “boasting” to others of the generosity of the church at Corinth (8:24), and now he wants to make sure that the Corinthians do not embarrass him. He knew they had readiness of mind and were willing and anxious to share in the missionary offering, but he wanted to remind them just the same. “Your (CORINTHIANS) enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action” (2Co 9:2, NIV) What a testimony! A year before, they had urged Paul to take up this missionary offering and had pledged their support. The apostle had used their zeal as an encouragement to the other churches, and now he reminds them of their promise. He seems to be saying, “If you fail to do your share, you will discourage other Christians and hurt the whole offering.” (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) For I know (eido - beyond a doubt of) your readiness (prothumia), of which I (present tense - continually) boast (kauchaomai) about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared (paraskeuazo - "ready") since last year - NIV = "your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." Your readiness indicates Paul has no doubt about their willingness and eagerness to contribute and so he was constantly (present tense) boasting (even as he wrote this letter) about them and holding up their zeal as an example to be emulated. Prepared is in the perfect tense meaning it was prepared in the past and stands prepared. Achaia refers to the Corinthian church and other churches in Achaia, in southern Greece, implying all the churches in the area were participating in the project.The spirit of the Corinthians had been so committed to ministry, to meeting the needs of their fellow believers, that they had immediately underwritten the mission project to help the churches of Judea. The fact that the Corinthians had been ready and willing, prepared and zealous to participate in the Jerusalem collection since the last year served as motivation to the church in Macedonia. However as 2Co 9:3-5 reveals, the Corinthians may have been ready and willing in word, but they were not really ready in deed. THOUGHT - I know your readiness, eagerness to help -- Could this be said about your church? about you yourself? Are you ready to help those in need? Do others know this is true about you? Do others even boat about your eagerness to help? That is quite a testimony to your godliness, your Christlikeness! But readiness that leads to commitment needs to be followed up. Words need to be backed up with actions. Is your word as "good as gold" especially when committing "gold?" See 2Co 8:10 comments on meaning of since last year. John
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - Paul called this offering “a bounty,” that is, a blessing. He wanted them to look upon it as an opportunity to be a blessing and get a blessing, and not as a yoke on their necks. How often people misunderstand the true blessing of giving! Giving is a blessing to others, both to those who receive (v. 12—it supplied their want) and to those who share. When a Christian is faithful in giving, he or she is being a blessing to others and encouraging other Christians to be obedient to the Word. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Paul's point is that we must keep the bottom of our giving funnel open (so to speak), and God will keep pouring in the top. But if you close up the bottom in greed, God stops pouring in the top. Wick Broomall - The threefold use of pro, “before,” is significant: go before . . . make up before . . . aforepromised (ASV). (Wycliffe Bible Commentary 2 Corinthians 9) So that (purpose) the same would be ready (hetoimos) as a bountiful gift (eulogia - "blessing") and not affected by covetousness (pleonexia) - Amp = "not as an extortion [wrung out of you] but as a generous and willing gift." Bountiful gift (eulogia) is translated "blessing" 11/16 uses in the NT. In the present context, the only way it would be a "blessing" is it were given in the right spirit (not forced). The purpose of sending the brethren on ahead would be to make sure the promised gift had become a reality when the Macedonians arrived. Not affected by covetousness is rendered by NET as "not as something you feel forced to do." While covetousness could reflect the idea of the Corinthians being greedy which prevents generosity, most of the translations interpret covetousness as akin to "extortion." In other words if the brethren ("the scout party") should arrive and find the collection incomplete, Paul did not want the Corinthians scampering around at the last minute trying to put it together as if they were now being forced or pressured to do it. That would be tantamount to giving begrudgingly or even with a sense that Paul had "extorted" (meaning obtained by coercion, intimidation or psychological pressure) them. The point is that Paul wanted their gift to be a response to God's grace working in their hearts, giving them a willing spirit, not a sense that he had "extorted" them to give or forced them to give grudgingly. Murray Harris on bountiful gift - Here it (eulogia) may bear the...sense, as "a benefit bestowed" by the Corinthian believers on the Jerusalem saints. But other ideas are suggested by the word. First, the Corinthian contribution would be "an act that produced blessing" (i.e., thanksgiving to God) (cf. vv. 11-13). Second, Paul hoped that the collection (logia, 1Cor 16:1) at Corinth would be a "first-rate collection" (eulogia). Third, since blessing implies generosity, the word may denote "a generous (or bountiful) gift" (NIV). (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Alan Redpath - “When God gives grace, He does not reluctantly open a little finger and maintain a clenched fist full of gifts. I would tell you today that God’s hands are nail-pierced hands and they are wide open. This fountain of grace is always pouring itself out with no limitation on heaven’s side at all.” Colin Kruse - Paul wanted to avoid any hasty collection when he himself arrived so that the Corinthians’ contribution would appear not as an exaction but as a willing gift. The Greek underlying this expression (hōs eulogian kai mē hōs pleonexian) may be rendered as here, or as in the NIV: ‘as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given’. In the first case two ways of securing a gift are contrasted (relying upon a voluntary offering or extracting a contribution) and in the second case two ways of giving (graciously or grudgingly) are highlighted. In the light of vv. 6-7 (where cheerful and reluctant giving are contrasted) the latter option is preferable. (Full text of the Tyndale NT Commentary on 2 Corinthians) McShane - On the one hand, there was no time to delay, and on the other, nothing would have been more disastrous than to adopt a dictatorial spirit. It is one thing to know what saints ought to do, but quite another to produce in them the willingness to do it. Little wonder that Paul was careful to select a suitable man for the task. If all is in readiness when he arrives, then their gift will be a bounty freely bestowed and deliberately given, but if it has to be gathered up in the last moments, it would then be a collection extracted from them and be more like something coveted by the receivers, than a blessing gratuitously given. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians)
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - “Bountifully” here is the same word as “bounty” in v. 5. To sow bountifully means to “sow with blessing” and to reap bountifully means to “reap with blessing.” God will be no man’s debtor; He is faithful to bless when we are faithful to obey. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) McShane - It is an unchanging law of nature that, if the farmer is reluctant to part with his grain and sparsely sows his seed, he must bear the disappointment of a poor crop. On the other hand, plentiful sowing will yield a bumper harvest. Though the saints at Corinth were not expected to give with this motive in mind, yet they, in the providence of God, would not only be relieving and benefiting the poor, but would at the same time be assured that they, too, would reap a bountiful harvest, for in this matter of giving the same principle operates as in the illustration here used. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) ESV Study Bible - Paul expands a well-known proverb: “You reap what you sow” (e.g., Job 4:8; Ps. 126:5; Pr. 22:8; Jer. 12:13; Mt. 6:26; Jn 4:36-37; Gal. 6:7). God does not command Christians to give a certain amount, but he provides opportunities to give generously. Those who sow generously will also reap bountifully in terms of bearing fruit for God’s kingdom and in other ways as well (2 Cor. 9:11).
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - Verse 7 is often misapplied. Paul is not talking here about how much we give so much as how we give. He told them how much to give in 8:12–15; it was to be in proportion to what they had. But for a believer to give grudgingly, or out of a sense of obligation, is to miss the blessing of giving. Giving must be from the heart, and God loves a cheerful (“hilarious” in the Gk.) giver. Some Christians take this verse to mean that it matters not how much we give, so long as we give cheerfully what we have purposed in our hearts. Absolutely not! A cheerful heart is not a substitute for an obedient heart. Our hearts should be both faithful and cheerful, because we give the right gift with the right motive. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Each one (hekastos) must do just as he has (present tense - continually) purposed (proaireo) in his heart (kardia), not grudgingly (lupe Lit = "out of sorrow") or under compulsion (anagke), for God loves (agapao) a cheerful (hilaros) giver (dotes) - Now Paul addresses not the amount but the attitude, the crux of generous giving, which recalls Jesus' teaching on the "widow's mite" (see above - Mk 12:41-44+; Lk 21:1-4+). Each one (hekastos) means that each person is responsible to first decide in his own heart what to give (see Acts 11:29+ = "each of them determined to send a contribution", 1Co 16:2+ = "each one of you") and then led by the Spirit, follow through and give what he has decided. I used to play basketball and had a good 3 point shot, but it was only effective when I flipped my wrist and followed through. Believers who purpose in their hearts to give to God need to "follow through" on their "shot" so to speak! Purposed (proaireo) means to decide ahead of time and thus means that each individual should make a pre-determination to give in contrast to giving by impulse or even worse under a sense of guilt or coercion! Purposed is in the perfect tense indicating the decision was made at point in time in the past and is still in the person's mind and heart. Purposed is also in the middle voice (see reflexive), indicating each person initiates the action (energized by the Spirit giving them the desire - Php 2:13NLT+) and then they participate in the act or process of giving. He emphasizes that the heart of generous giving is not the pocketbook or bank account but a heart that resolves or determines to be generous, an effect only the Spirit can enable. And so the motive or spirit in which a gift is given is more important than the amount (cf 1Co 4:5+). Giving something and later mourning about it or regretting it is not the spirit God loves. A son needs to emulate their father and our Father "did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all." (Ro 8:32+) as His indescribable Gift" (2Co 9:15+). A cheerful giver also emulates God's Son Who willingly and cheerfully gave all He was and had to meet the needs of the world. The Greek word for cheerful (hilaros) is the root for our English word hilarious. God wants us to give cheerfully because that is how God Himself gives. Ananias and Sapphira are the antithesis of cheerful givers and their end was not cheerful! (Acts 5:1-11+). All giving should be "want to" not "have to!" Don't give with a grudge! Under compulsion (anagke) means they are being forced to give and therefore have no joy in the giving (they are certainly not cheerful)! Cheerful (hilaros) giving is a reflection of an unselfish heart, energized by the Spirit and thus manifesting a desire to be pleasing to the Father. This passage also teaches that Paul is not specifying a given amount or percentage, but only that the person should respond to their own heart, as the Spirit leads. And as an aside God does not want a "percentage" of our hearts but He wants our whole heart (cf 1Ki 8:61, 11:4, 15:3,14 2Ki 20:3 1Ch 12:38 1Ch 28:9 8:9 29:19 2Ch 15:17, 16:9, 19:9, 25:2) This passage clearly refutes "high pressure" tactics or "guilt trips" to motivate greater giving. Lessons from this passage - (1) each believer is included (if all you have is a mite, that is enough!), (2) each must decide from his own heart, (3) each should give cheerfully not grudgingly (with regret, complainly), (4) each should give willingly not because they are pressured or forced. Brian Bell - We’ve had a standing policy, “if you’ve given grudgingly, ask an usher for it back & we’ll give it to you back.” To give either grudgingly or out of necessity…is to miss the whole blessing of giving! Why does God love when we give? Because we are saying to Him, “I believe you & I trust you!” (Grace Giving to the Glory of God!) Guzik on purposed in his heart - If we say we love the Lord more than surfing, but spend all our money on surfboards and do not give as we should to the Lord’s work, then the way we spend our money shows the purposes of our own heart more accurately than our words do. Jesus said it simply: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21+) . (2 Corinthians 9) While it is possible to give without loving, it is not possible to love without giving. -- John MacArthur POSB - The giver must not give out of necessity. A person's gift is not acceptable to God when he... is forced to give, gives because he fears what others will think, gives just to please others, gives to keep others from pestering him, gives out of a desire for personal honor and recognition. (The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible: 1 & 2 Corinthians) Gilbrant - In this passage cheerful giving is contrasted with begrudged giving, followed by a loose quote from Psalm 112:9. The motive of cheerful liberality is demonstrated by the sincere smiling face of the giver. G Campbell
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - Note the “alls” in v. 8—all grace; always; all sufficiency; all things; every good work. Nothing is left out! This is God’s promise to those who obey Him. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament)
2 Coríntios 9
Wiersbe - Humanly speaking, the person who gives should be the person who loses; but such is not the case. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). “Give and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38). This does not mean that we should bargain with God or look at our giving as a means of purchasing God’s blessing. No! Rather, we should look upon giving as an opportunity to show our love for God and our trust in His Word. Christian industrialist R G LeTourneau used to say, “If you give because it pays, it won’t pay!” (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Murray Harris - In 2Co 9:6 Paul observed that the person who sows sparingly will reap a meager harvest. Now he develops the imagery of sowing and reaping to reinforce the point that generosity pays handsome dividends. He argues from God's bounty in nature to his even greater liberality in grace. The crops of the generous person are always full and his harvests rich. If God supplies man with the seed needed to produce a harvest of grain, and thus food (cf. Isa 55:10), he certainly will supply and multiply all the resources ("your store of seed") needed to produce a full harvest of good deeds ("your righteousness"; cf. Hos 10:12, LXX). (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) POSB has a pithy comment - This is a striking truth: the believer receives so that he can give. This means that no believer has an excuse for hoarding and keeping back more than he needs. God did not give it to him to keep back. God gave it to the believer to meet the desperate needs of the world. This is an earth-shaking truth, for it means that all the believer has is to be given. (ED: JOYFULLY. WILLINGLY.) It is not to be kept. He is only a channel through which God sends His blessings to the world. To keep back more than what one needs is stealing—not only stealing from the desperate of the world, but stealing from God. Giving sacrificially depends upon one thing: believing, truly believing, that God is able to take care of us—that God will provide the necessities of life and bless abundantly.(The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible: 1 & 2 Corinthians) Now (so, yet, then, or, even, other hand)1161) de is a "conjunctive particle; (1) most commonly to denote continuation and further thought development, taking its specific sense from the context and; contrast - but; transition - then, now (with no temporal sense); Supplies (2023) epichoregeo from epi = upon + choregeo = supply) means to furnish upon. To furnish besides or in addition. To supply further. To add more unto. Epichoregeo then conveys the thought of a generous and lavish provision - give lavishly, give generously. Even as this picturesque verb meant to richly supply everything an ancient chorus needed so that it might be a grand production, so believers are to richly supply everything needed so that our life might be a "grand production" that bring great glory to the Father (Mt 5:16). The root verb choregeo gives us our English word choreography which is defined as the sequence of steps and movements in dance, the arrangement of movements that the audience sees on the stage (Beloved of the Father [1Th 1:4+], ponder that thought a moment - Upon what stage is "the choreography" of our life now visible?) Picture your spiritual life a divinely choreographed production -- God has "written" the music and words and movements of the production even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4+). As followers of Christ (1Jn 2:6+) however we must diligently seek to fulfill the parts He has prepared for each of us to carry out in this grand choreography called the Christian life so that the Author of the play receives great honor and glory (Mt 5:16+). Epichoregeo - 5v - 2 Co. 9:10; Gal. 3:5; Col. 2:19; 2Pet. 1:5; 2Pe 1:11+ "for in this way (WHAT WAY? 2Pe 1:10+) the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." Seed (descendants, children)(4690) sperma refers to seed sown as containing the germ of new fruit, originally used of plants as seed (Mt 13:24, 27, 32, 37, 38; Mk 4:31; 1Co 15:38; 2Co 9:10 Ge 1:11; 47:23) Sow (4687) speiro from spao = draw out, pull) literally means to scatter (seed) and the opposite of reaping or gathering. In classical Greek usage speirō can mean “to sow” or “plant” seed, “to sow” ideas, “to scatter” or “disperse” things or people, and even “to beget” Speiro is used figuratively to describe the sowing of the "seed" of the Word of God, the Gospel (="the word of the kingdom" - Mt13:19, cp Mk 4:14 15, 16, 18), "the ideas and precepts that have been implanted like seed in their hearts, ie, received in their hearts (Mk 4:18)." (Thayer). Jesus used speiro repeatedly in His parables (Mt 13:3, 18, 24, 31) Uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 9:11; 1 Co. 15:36; 1 Co. 15:37; 1 Co. 15:42; 1 Co. 15:43; 1 Co. 15:44; 2 Co. 9:6; 2 Co. 9:10 Food (eating) (1035)(brosis from bibrosko = to eat) literally means something that eats ("an eating") or gnaws. The main NT use refers to the act of partaking of food (eating) (Ro 14:17, 1Co 8:4, 2Co 9:10, Col 2:16). Brosis can refer to that which one eats (In Lxx - Ge 25:28, Jer 41:20, 2Sa 19:43), and thus can mean a "meal" as in (He 12:16). Jesus uses brosis to mean food but with a figurative meaning in Jn 4:32; 6:27, 55. Supply (5524) (choregeo - see related derivative verb epichoregeo) means to furnish or supply. However study of the derivation of choregeo indicates that the meaning is rich especially considering it is God who is the "Supplier". His work done in His way will never lack His supply! Friberg - strictly lead a public chorus for a drama or pay the cost for one; hence furnish, supply, provide (abundantly) BDAG - originally ‘lead a chorus’ or ‘pay the expenses for training a chorus’, then generally defray the expenses of something, provide, supply (in abundance). Aristophanes et al.; especially as technical term. for assumption of costs by public benefactors. Multiply (4129) plethuno from plethos = fullness from pletho = to fill) means to be made full, grow, increase or be multiplied. In the active sense it means to cause to increase, to cause to become greater in number, to multiply (increase in number especially greatly). To cause to become greater in magnitude, as when God flooded the earth (Ge 7:17, 18 where plethuno is used in the Lxx) Seed (4703) sporos from speiro = to sow)means literally seed (Lk 8:5, Mk 4.26) and metaphorically refers to God's Word, which like literal seed is also able to "germinate" and produce spiritual life (Lk 8.11). Figuratively sporos refers to the reciprocal benefits from generosity ( results of good deeds, much good brought about by what one does energized by the Spirit and abiding in the Vine) (2 Cor 9.10). Increase (837)(auxano) means to cause to grow or cause to become greater in extent, size, state, or quality. Uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 3:6; 1 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 9:10; 2 Co. 10:15 Harvest (1079)(genema from ginomai = to become, come into being) means fruit, produce, anything produced naturally, especially fruit. Jesus uses it to refer to the "fruit of the vine" He would drink in eternity future. Of men it means offspring, progeny (Mt. 3:7), progeny of vipers (Mt. 12:34; 23:33; Lk 3:7). Spoken of trees the variant génēma means fruit, produce (Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18) Matt. 26:29; Mk. 14:25; Lk. 22:18; 2 Co. 9:10. Note more uses in the KJV = Matt. 3:7; Matt. 12:34; Matt. 23:33; Matt. 26:29; Mk. 14:25; Lk. 3:7; Lk. 12:18; Lk. 22:18; 2 Co. 9:10 Genema in the Lxx = Gen. 41:34; Gen. 47:24; Gen. 49:21; Exod. 22:5; Exod. 23:10; Lev. 19:25; Lev. 23:39; Lev. 25:7; Lev. 25:12; Lev. 25:15; Lev. 25:16; Lev. 25:20; Lev. 25:21; Lev. 25:22; Lev. 26:4; Num. 18:30; Deut. 14:22; Deut. 14:28; Deut. 16:15; Deut. 22:9; Deut. 26:10; Deut. 26:12; Deut. 28:4; Deut. 28:11; Deut. 28:18; Deut. 28:42; Deut. 28:51; Deut. 30:9; Deut. 32:13; Deut. 32:22; Deut. 33:14; Jdg. 9:11; 2 Ki. 8:6; 2 Chr. 31:5; 2 Chr. 32:28; Job 39:4; Ps. 65:10; Ps. 107:37; Prov. 8:19; Prov. 14:4; Prov. 15:29; Eccl. 5:10; Cant. 6:11; Isa. 3:10; Isa. 29:1; Isa. 30:23; Isa. 32:12; Isa. 65:21; Jer. 2:3; Jer. 7:20; Jer. 8:13; Lam. 4:9; Ezek. 36:30; Ezek. 48:18; Hos. 10:12; Amos 8:6; Hab. 3:17; Zech. 8:12; Righteousness (1343) dikaiosune from dikaios = being proper or right in the sense of being fully justified being or in accordance with what God requires) is the quality of being upright. In its simplest sense dikaiosune conveys the idea of conformity to a standard or norm and in Biblical terms the "standard" is God and His perfect, holy character. In this sense righteousness is the opposite of hamartia (sin), which is defined as missing of the mark set by God. Dikaiosune is rightness of character before God and rightness of actions before men. Righteousness of God could be succinctly stated as all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides through Christ. Dikaiosune in Corinthians - 1 Co. 1:30; 2 Co. 3:9; 2 Co. 5:21; 2 Co. 6:7; 2 Co. 6:14; 2 Co. 9:9; 2 Co. 9:10; 2 Co. 11:15 2 Corinthians 9:10. F B Meyer Our Daily Homily He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food. (r.v.) In every harvest there is a twofold object. First, the supply of seed for the next autumn’s sowing, and then of food for those that sow or reap; so in the spiritual sphere God will not fail either sowers or reapers. All sowers must eat. — However much wheat has passed through the sewer’s hands, he is not fed thereby. At night he returns hungry to his home. So we, who are engaged in the work of God, cannot live on what we do for the world around. After the most fruitful day of service, we need to take our Bibles and feed our famished souls by meditation and prayer. We must not mistake the glow and exhilaration of the sanctuary for nourishment. They are rather a stimulant. Therefore we may expect God to increase the fruits of our righteousness. Shall Boaz cause handfuls on purpose to fall for Ruth, and shall not God supply our need? Will the Father not provide bread to those who are engaged in tilling his fields? All eaters should sow. — It would never do for the farmer to live on all the produce of his fields. He must sow a certain proportion of his grain. And nothing is more foreign to the genius of true religion than to be always nursing and ministering to oneself; eating the fine wheat of the Gospel, but not sowing it in other hearts; consuming the consolations of the Divine Spirit, but not endeavoring to pass them on to others. Oh ye who have eaten bountifully, sow bountifully; else ye shall suffer the results of spiritual repletion and indigestion. And note this precious assurance, that God will supply seed for daily and weekly sowing for the congregation and the class; and that He will multiply it when sown. 2 Corinthians 9:11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. Amplified Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. KJV 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. NET 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, BGT 2 Corinthians 9:11 ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι᾽ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ· NLT 2 Corinthians 9:11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. ESV 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. NIV 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. YLT 2 Corinthians 9:11 in every thing being enriched to all liberality, which doth work through us thanksgiving to God, ASV 2 Corinthians 9:11 ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God. CSB 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:11 We are enriched in everything for continuing the consummate generosity he produces through us, resulting in thanksgiving to God. NKJ 2 Corinthians 9:11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. NRS 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; NAB 2 Corinthians 9:11 You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God, NJB 2 Corinthians 9:11 you will be rich enough in every way for every kind of generosity that makes people thank God for what we have done. GWN 2 Corinthians 9:11 God will make you rich enough so that you can always be generous. Your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God because of us. BBE 2 Corinthians 9:11 Your wealth being increased in everything, with a simple mind, causing praise to God through us. J. B. Phillips He who gives the seed to the sower and turns that seed into bread to eat, will give you the seed of generosity to sow and, for harvest, the satisfying bread of good deeds done. The more you are enriched by God the more scope there will be for generous giving, and your gifts, administered through us, will mean that many will thank God.” enriched: 2Co 8:2,3 1Ch 29:12-14 2Ch 31:10 Pr 3:9,10 Mal 3:10,11 1Ti 6:17,18 liberality 2Co 8:2 Ro 12:8 which: 2Co 9:12 1:11 4:15 8:16,19 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Php 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. James 1:17+ (THANKSGIVING TO GOD) Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ENRICHED FOR GENEROUS GIVING RESULTING IN GRATITUDE TO GOD You will be (present tense - continually) enriched (ploutizo) in everything for all liberality (haplotes) - NET = "You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion." Paul assures the Corinthians' that they were being (divine passive) continually enriched (ploutizo implies an abundance) by the providential provision of God. In other words, God was providing them abundant goods and funds before the need in Jerusalem came to their attention. They were enriched so that they could be generous when the need arose. Liberality describes one who is free of pretense and hypocrisy and is not self-seeking but has an open heart manifest by an open "pocket book." The implication is that the Corinthians' giving would not be sullied by selfishness or greediness. McShane observes the Corinthians "had not only the where-with-all to relieve the poverty, but the open-heartedness to do it with "all liberality (haplotes)." (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) Paul had earlier described the liberality of the poor saints in Macedonia, their liberality being the result of the outworking of the grace of God. It follows that even in his description of this wealthy church in Corinth their enrichment was the result of the grace of God. Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy (RESULT OF GRACE OF GOD) and their deep poverty overflowed (RESULT OF GRACE OF GOD) in the wealth of their liberality (haplotes). (2Co 8:1-2+) Which through us is (present tense - continually) producing (katergazomai) thanksgiving (eucharistia) to God - NLT = "And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." Through us is a reference to Paul, Titus and the others, but undoubtedly the generous givers also functioned as "conduits" of grace that resulted in the gracious outpouring of thanksgiving to God. While we know the Jerusalem saints would be grateful to Paul and the human givers (they prayed for them 2Co 9:14), the greatest good would be seen in their gratitude toward God (another indicator that open hearted giving [contrasted with "tight fisted giving"] energizes Spirit filled worship - see A Spirit Filled Church). Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. -1Co 10:31+ McShane - While the distressed in Jerusalem would heartily thank the churches which have come to their aid at this time, yet here the apostle indicates that they will rise above the instruments and attribute to God all the glory by rendering thanksgivings to Him. The words "through us" are included to show to them that Paul was not only the architect of the scheme, but also the channel through which their gifts would reach the intended destiny. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) 2Co 4:15+ For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Complete Biblical Library - Good things follow spiritually when one relates to God financially according to Paul's teaching. Experiencing the realities of the promises the apostle recalled here caused him to offer thanksgiving to God. Giving in worship then is not a temporal matter only but an eternal one. It relates not only to material but to spiritual things. It belongs in the sanctuary and is vital in all that transpires in the life of the Church. Enriched (4148) ploutizo speaks of literally making someone rich, enrich. In the NT used only figuratively, of spiritual enrichment cause to have an abundance. Only 3x in NT - 1Co. 1:5; 2Co. 6:10; 2Co. 9:11 Used in Lxx of Pr 10:22 "It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. " Liberality (572) haplotes from a = negation + pleko = twine, braid, weave, knit) means singleness, simplicity, uprightness, mental honesty; the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy. Haplotes pertains to being motivated by singleness of purpose so as to be open and aboveboard, without guile, and without a hidden agenda. The idea of haplotes is that of personal integrity expressed in word or action. Haplotes - Rom. 12:8; 2 Co. 8:2; 2 Co. 9:11; 2 Co. 9:13; 2 Co. 11:3; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22. Producing (2716) katergazomai from katá = intensifies meaning of verb + ergazomai = labor, work or engage in an activity involving considerable expenditure of effort) means to work out fully and thoroughly, to accomplish or achieve an end (implying thoroughness), to finish or carry something to its conclusion. To work so as to bring something to fulfillment or successful completion and implies doing something with thoroughness. It means to do that from which something results. This verb always means to complete the effort and the work begun. 1 Co. 5:3; 2 Co. 4:17; 2 Co. 5:5; 2 Co. 7:10; 2 Co. 7:11; 2 Co. 9:11; 2 Co. 12:12 Thanksgiving (2169) eucharistia from eú = well, + charizomai = to grant, give freely; English = Eucharist as related to Lord's Supper) is the expression of thanks or gratitude for favor and mercy shown. Thankfulness from one conscious of benefit received. Eucharistia - 15x in NT - Acts 24:3; 1Co. 14:16; 2Co. 4:15; 2Co. 9:11; 2Co. 9:12; Ep 5:4; Phil. 4:6; Col. 2:7; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:3; 1 Tim. 4:4; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 7:12 QUOTES ON GIVING Source - various but especially Complete Gathered Gold The quickest generosity is the best. Anon. When it comes to generosity, some people stop at nothing. Anon. Stretch your purse to the utmost, and do all the good you can. Richard Baxter Watch lest prosperity destroy generosity. Henry Ward Beecher Those who give the most have most left. George F. Burba Without the rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar. Ralph Waldo Emerson Liberality was formerly called honesty, as if to imply that unless we are liberal we are not honest, either toward God or man. Tryon Edwards It is much better to have your gold in the hand than in the heart. Thomas Fuller Not possession, but use, is the only riches. Thomas Fuller As the purse is emptied the heart is filled. Victor Hugo A holy life and a bounteous heart are ornaments to the gospel. Thomas Manton He who is not liberal with what he has, does but deceive himself when he thinks he would be liberal if he had more. William S. Plumer A generous action is its own reward. William Walsh True liberality is the spontaneous expression of love. Geoffrey Wilson Are you giving God what is right, or what is left? Anon. Give from the bottom of your heart, not from the top of your purse. Anon. He who gives only when he is asked has waited too long. Anon. If you don’t give away anything God wants you to give, you don’t own it—it owns you. Anon. Let us give according to our incomes lest God make our incomes match our gifts. Anon. Seeking empties a life; giving fills it. Anon. The hand that gives gathers. Anon. Give to all, lest the one you pass over should be Christ himself. Augustine Nearly half the parables Jesus told have the use of money as their main subject. It is sometimes said that we should give until it hurts. But Jesus teaches that it should hurt when we cease to give! Ian Barclay If men do not give according to their means, they must answer for it to God. Albert Barnes In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich. Henry Ward Beecher They who in giving think, not how little they can give, as they would if self-enrichment were the aim, but of benefits to be conferred, will receive back on the same principle. As they do to others, so God will act to them. J. A. Beet Christian giving is not a matter of finance, it is a matter of faith. The church treasurer counts what we give; God counts what we keep. John Blanchard When we give to God we are taking the gift out of one of his hands and putting it into the other. John Blanchard Your money can make you an overseas missionary without ever leaving your home town, an evangelist without ever mounting a platform, a broadcaster without ever entering a studio, a Bible teacher without ever writing a book. John Blanchard It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving. Richard Braunstein From what curses and degradations should we be delivered if Christian people gave as the Scriptures direct! Samuel Chadwick I am persuaded that there is nothing upon which the Christian conscience is so ill-informed as the subject of Christian giving. Samuel Chadwick Spirit-directed giving is depending only on the Spirit of God to direct the gifts in the case of every person, and then being willing to abide by the results of this confidence and trust. Lewis Sperry Chafer He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows should never remember it. Pierre Charron Not how much we give, but how much we do not give, is the test of our Christianity. Oswald Chambers What we spend in piety and charity is not tribute paid to a tyrant, but the response of gratitude to our Redeemer. James Denney The world is composed of takers and givers. The takers eat better but the givers sleep better. Byron Frederick God has given us two hands—one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. Billy Graham Labour hard, consume little, give much—and all to Christ. Anthony Norris Groves God hates a false economy that is out to reduce a budget instead of to receive a blessing. Vance Havner By practising the grace of sharing, a person is storing up treasure for himself. Gifts are investments. William Hendriksen Whatever we part with for God’s sake shall be made up to us in kind or kindness. Matthew Henry Unless we feel it is an honour and a joy to give, God does not accept the offering. Charles Hodge We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Duane Hulse God’s greatest desire is to give. When man follows God’s example, he receives a divine blessing because he demonstrates that he is one of God’s children. Simon Kistemaker The manner of giving shows the character of the giver, more than the gift itself. J. C. Lavater The limit of giving is to be the limit of our ability to give. C. S. Lewis The only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. Our charities should pinch and hamper us. If we live at the same level of affluence as other people who have our level of income, we are probably giving away too little. C. S. Lewis God gave us riches as a means to escape wrath, by a liberal and charitable distribution of them to his glory. Thomas Manton He gives twice who gives quickly. Publius Mimus If we would have God open his treasury, we must open ours. Thomas V. Moore The secret of true giving is the joy of the Holy Ghost. Andrew Murray We ask how much a man gives; Christ asks how much he keeps. Andrew Murray When a man gives, the world still asks, ‘What does he give?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he give?’ Andrew Murray The only valid and virtuous motive in our giving is to give God pleasure. Arthur Neil I shall not value his prayers at all, be he never so earnest and frequent in them, who gives not alms according to his ability. John Owen When we have given God all we have and are, we have simply given him his own. William S. Plumer There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving and thanksgiving. Grudge giving says, ‘I have to’; duty giving says, ‘I ought to’; thanksgiving says, ‘I want to’. Robert Rodenmayer When a man dies he clutches in his hands only that which he has given away in his lifetime. Jean-Jacques Rousseau A giving Saviour should have giving disciples. J. C. Ryle Grace does not make giving optional. Charles Caldwell Ryrie The only way to have more than enough to spare is to give God more than you can spare. Oswald J. Smith We expect our young people to lay down their lives for God, but most of us are not willing to lay down our bank accounts. Paul B. Smith As you have done unto others, so will the Lord do unto you. Empty your pockets! C. H. Spurgeon Faith’s way of gaining is giving. C. H. Spurgeon Giving is true having. C. H. Spurgeon I may expect that as much of prosperity as will be good for me will come to me as a gracious reward for a liberal course of action. C. H. Spurgeon Many a man becomes empty-handed because he does not know the art of distribution. C. H. Spurgeon Many people will always be poor because they never give to the cause of God. C. H. Spurgeon We are to give to the poor out of pity. Not to be seen and applauded, much less to get influence over them; but out of pure sympathy and compassion we must give them help. C. H. Spurgeon All believers are taught to give—but there is such a thing as a special gift of giving. A. W. Tozer Mercy is not miserly; charity is no churl. John Trapp The way to lay up is to lay out. Thomas Watson If I leave more than £10, you and all mankind bear witness that I lived and died a thief and a robber. John Wesley Arrogant giving can turn the best of gifts to ashes. Kenneth L. Wilson If God gave you ten times as much as you give him could you live on it? Anon. The tithe is not meant to be a ceiling at which we stop giving, but a floor from which we start. John Blanchard Giving a tenth is nothing to brag about. Samuel Chadwick Shall we grudge the expenses of our religion, or starve so good a cause? Matthew Henry We are all congenitally allergic to tithing. R. T. Kendall God demands the tithe, deserves the offerings, defends the savings and directs the expenses. Stephen Olford If you are not a tither you are a robber. Stephen Olford It could be argued that in the Old Testament tithes were paid, and therefore do not, strictly speaking, come under the heading of giving at all. Christian giving only begins when we give more than a tenth. Kenneth F. W. Prior Our temporary stewardship will determine our permanent ownership. John Blanchard We are to get, not just in order to have, but in order to give. Anon. The fundamental truth in the matter of stewardship is that everything we touch belongs to God. John Blanchard It was not an accident that seventeen of the thirty-six parables of our Lord had to do with property and stewardship. William James Dawson Poor stewardship amounts to nothing less than with-holding from the Lord that which is his. Frank Gabelein Stewardship is what a man does after he says, ‘I believe’. W. H. Greaves Stewardship is the acceptance from God of personal responsibility for all of life and life’s affairs. Roswell C. Long Stewardship is not the leaving of a tip on God’s tablecloth; it is the confession of an unpayable debt at God’s Calvary. Paul S. Rees The use of our possessions shows us up for what we actually are. Charles Caldwell Ryrie The river of charity springs from the fountain of piety. Thomas Adams Charity gives itself rich; covetousness hoards itself poor. Anon. He that has no charity deserves no mercy. Anon. The word ‘alms’ has no singular, as if to teach us that a solitary act of charity scarcely deserves the name. Anon. In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity. Richard Baxter Piety is the root of charity. John Calvin Charity to the soul is the soul of charity. Elizabeth Fry Charity is the very livery of Christ. Hugh Latimer We have made the slogan ‘Charity begins at home’ a part of our religion—although it was invented by a Roman pagan and is directly contrary to the story of the Good Samaritan. Charity begins where the need is greatest and the crisis is most dangerous. Frank C. Laubach Christian life consists in faith and charity. Martin Luther The greatest charity in the world is the communication of divine truth to the ignorant. Alexander Maclaren The brightest blaze of intelligence is of incalculably less value than the smallest spark of charity. William Nevins Proportion thy charity to the strength of thy estate, lest God proportion thy estate to the weakness of thy charity. Francis Quarles The place of charity, like that of God, is everywhere. Francis Quarles There is nothing that the world understands and values more than true charity. J. C. Ryle Charity is money put to interest in another world. Robert Southey Charity is the best way to plenty; he gets most that gives most. George Swinnock Charity offers honey to a bee without wings. John Trapp The lamp of faith must be filled with the oil of charity. Thomas Watson Charity is helping a man to help himself. MOSES MAIMONIDES (1135–1204) Charity is money put to interest in the other world. ROBERT SOUTHEY (1774–1843) Charity is never lost. It may meet with ingratitude, or be of no service to those on whom it was bestowed, yet it ever does a work of beauty and grace upon the heart of the giver. CONYERS MIDDLETON (1683–1750) Charity is the scope of all God’s commands. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (C. 347–407) In charity there is no excess. FRANCIS BACON (1561–1626) In faith and hope the world will disagree, But all mankind’s concern is charity. ALEXANDER POPE (1688–1744) The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds ceases to be charity and is only pride and ostentation. WILLIAM HUTTON (1723–1815) The highest exercise of charity is charity toward the uncharitable. J. S. BUCKMINSTER A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses. CHINESE PROVERB A generous action is its own reward. WILLIAM WALSH (1663–1708) A generous man forgets what he gives and remembers what he receives. A happy spirit takes the grind out of giving. The grease of gusto frees the gears of generosity. CHARLES R. SWINDOLL (1934– ) A man there was, and they called him mad; The more he gave, the more he had. JOHN BUNYAN (1628–1688) All we can hold in our cold dead hands is what we have given away. Alms never make poor. ENGLISH PROVERB Giving is a joy if we do it in the right spirit. It all depends on whether we think of it as “What can I spare?” or as “What can I share? ESTHER YORK BURKHOLDER God’s arithmetic: love, joy, and peace multiply when you divide with others. He gives twice who gives quickly. ENGLISH PROVERB He who bestows his goods upon the poor, Shall have as much again, and ten times more. JOHN BUNYAN (1628–1688) Let us give according to our incomes, lest God make our incomes match our gifts. PETER MARSHALL (1902–1949) Some kinds of charity are like that of the man who cast his bread upon the waters while he was seasick. That man may last, but never lives, Who much receives, but nothing gives; Whom none can love, whom none can thank, Creation’s blot, creation’s blank. THOMAS GIBBONS (1720–1785) We are never more like God than when we give. CHARLES R. SWINDOLL (1934– ) We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL (1874–1965) When you give to God, you discover that God gives to you. You do not have to be rich to be generous. If he has the spirit of true generosity, a pauper can give like a prince. CORINNE U. WELLS Two mites, two drops (yet all her house and land), Falls from a steady heart, though trembling hand; The other’s wanton wealth foams high, and brave, The other cast away, she only gave. —The Widow’s Mite RICHARD CRASHAW (C. 1613–1649) 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Amplified For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God. KJV 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; NET 2 Corinthians 9:12 because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God. BGT 2 Corinthians 9:12 ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης οὐ μόνον ἐστὶν προσαναπληροῦσα τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν ἁγίων, ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ θεῷ. NLT 2 Corinthians 9:12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving-- the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. ESV 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. NIV 2 Corinthians 9:12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. YLT 2 Corinthians 9:12 because the ministration of this service not only is supplying the wants of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God, ASV 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; CSB 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:12 This enrichment accrues because this offering of service not only is supplying necessities for the holy ones, but also it keeps multiplying much thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service: 2Co 9:1 2Co 8:4 is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints: 2Co 8:14,15 Php 2:25 4:18,19 Phm 1:4-7 Jas 2:14-16 1Jn 3:17 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 8:4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, GENEROUS GIVING SUPPLIES EARTHLY NEEDS & HEAVENLY PRAISE For (hoti functioning as causal conjunction ~ because) Paul elaborates on the thanksgiving to God. God enriches us, we enrich others, and God receives the thanksgiving and glory! The ministry (diakonia) of this service (leitourgia) - Amplified - "the service that the ministering of this fund renders" The Greek word for service (leitourgia) gives us our word liturgy which means a form of public worship. In context the service is identified as the giving of their gift. The gift itself functioned like a "worship leader" so to speak (producing thanksgivings to God)! Never forget that giving is one of the wonderful aspects of worship. Giving is primarily a spiritual service rather than a social program. MacArthur on service (leitourgia) - Paul viewed the entire collection project as a spiritual, worshipful enterprise that was primarily being offered to God to glorify Him. (MacArthur Study Bible). Is not only (present tense - continually) fully supplying (prosanapleroo) the needs (husterema) of the saints (hagios), but is also (present tense - continually) overflowing (perisseuo) through many thanksgivings (eucharistia) to God - Fully supplying is an intense word meaning to supply abundantly and clearly stresses the large size of their gift (cf "generous gift" in 2Co 8:20+). Paul's point is that he is confident in the generous giving of the Corinthians and here "predicts" that their giving along with the giving of the Macedonians would "fill up in addition" (replenish) and fully supply the shortfall of the saints in Jerusalem. Notice their generous giving would supply their needs, not their greeds. The fruit of the giving is like a continual "bubbling spring" of praise and thanksgivings to God. Generous giving is like a rock thrown in a pond, sending out ripples of blessing to saints and ultimately to God. Paul's repetition of thanksgiving to God (second use in plural indicating this was not a one and done praise service!) shows that this is his emphasis and it is ultimate goal of our giving. To God be the glory. Amen! Full stomachs are good, but hearts full of praise to God are priceless! The fact that giving stimulates praise and thanksgiving to God ought to be a strong motivation for us to give generously, so that God is praised greatly! Paul informs the Corinthians of four great benefits of their giving which surely would have had given them encouragement and motivation to finish what they had begun - (1) Supplied the need of the saints (2) Produced many thanksgivings to God, (3) Was tangible evidence of God's work in the Corinthians (4) And it would prompt Jerusalem saints to pray for the Corinthians (2Co 9:14).