FRUIT OF GENEROSITY

Phil.4:17 – NKJV – Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

I love to look at various translations of the Bible to check the various shades of meaning in the original language often lost in translation. Today’s verse is describing the results of generous giving. In the NKJV the word ‘abounds’ stands out to me. Abounds is the Greek word pleonazo which means extreme or supernatural provision. When God is involved with your giving supernatural is the result. The next translation is the Expanded Translation.

Expanded – but I ·want you to have the good that comes from giving [ seek the profit/fruit that increases to your account; more business terminology;]

This translation describes the giving of the Philippians as a business transaction. Paul is describing giving and receiving as an investment with a certain return. This is better than any stocks, insurance or business opportunities. There is a supernatural response on every seed sown. Check out the Passion Translation.

TPT – so that the fruit of your generosity may bring you an abundant reward.

This translation describes it as the fruit of our generosity. Generous begets generosity. We receive a proportional harvest with a supernatural multiplier added to it. The reward is in heaven and on earth. Next is the Message Bible.

The Message – but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

The Message also focuses on the harvest related to generosity. It uses the word ‘issues’. I love that. Issues speaks of a continual harvest, one that goes on and on through eternity. Now look at the Amplified Translation.

Amp – Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you].

What stands out to me in this version is that Paul is also seeking something. Paul is seeking blessing upon the Philippian Church. He loves this congregation and loves to see God glorified by His abundant provision. The last translation for today is the New Living Translation.

NLT – I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

Again, one word stands out to me in this version; it is the word ‘kindness’. Kindness is a trait of Jesus Himself. This tells us of the tender bond between Paul and this church. Kindness is always rewarded by the Lord. Meditating on God’s word builds faith in us. Chew on these verses, sow your seed, supernatural return is always flowing from the Lord.