2 Corinthians 9:10-11

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

[10] Now  he that ministereth  to the sower  both  minister  bread  for  your food,  and  multiply  seed sown,  and  increase  the fruits  righteousness;)  [11] Being enriched  in  every thing  to  all  bountifulness,  which  causeth  through  thanksgiving  to God. 

What does 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul applied this promise to his readers, and we can apply it to ourselves. However notice that what God promised is seed for sowing, the opportunities and resources to make further investments of good works. He did not promise wealth for our own consumption.
Preachers of "prosperity theology" have used these verses to support their contention that God will inevitably give you more material goods if you give what you presently have to Him. They often urge their hearers to give to God through their ministries. However Paul was comparing what God does on the physical plane with what He does spiritually. The farmer who plants a crop gets back more seed than he sowed. Similarly, Paul argued, those who sow spiritually by giving sacrificially to others will receive more spiritual seed, namely, divine enablement to help more people ( 2 Corinthians 9:8-9). Moreover God will not just supply more spiritual seed, but He will multiply it.
Generally what we give away is what we get back. That is the principle in view. However this is not a promise that we will inevitably get more wealth if we give away our wealth. The opposite usually happens. In Galatians 6:7 the emphasis is on "that" rather than "reap." Paul"s point there was that we reap in kind what we sow (cf. Galatians 6:8). He did not say that we will get back more of whatever we sow. "In everything" implies that God may give generous Christians more material resources that they can pass on to others. However, we should remember that the context is primarily dealing with righteousness that comes back to the person who sows righteous Acts , not Rolls Royces and Rolex watches. [1]
"There is no hint here of a "prosperity theology." Enrichment, like "overflowing" ( 2 Corinthians 9:8), is metaphorical, and is not at all motivated by self-interest." [2]
Another result of the Corinthians" benefaction would be that the Jerusalem saints would thank God when the gift came to them through Paul and his associates.