2 Corinthians 9 · a question people ask

"He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (9:6). What is reaped?

In the text

The verse sets two sowings side by side: "he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (9:6). It doesn't say what the reaping is, and these notes don't either. They promise no one a return or a reward for giving, and apply the verse to no one's giving today.

The verses

“Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9: A matter of generosity

Behind generous gift and generosity (9:5) and both bountifullys (9:6) is one Greek noun, the one the WEB most often gives elsewhere as blessing. And the chapter that speaks of sowing and reaping ends in thanks: "Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!" (9:15).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions