φειδομένως

sparingly

Definition

φειδομένως is an adverb meaning 'sparingly,' 'in a frugal manner,' or 'with restraint.' It describes an action done with careful limitation, holding back resources rather than giving generously. In the New Testament, its sole occurrence in 2 Corinthians 9:6 contrasts giving 'sparingly' with giving 'bountifully,' directly linking the manner of sowing to the manner of reaping. The word carries a sense of measured, cautious, or stingy action, particularly in the context of material or financial contribution.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 9:6. It appears in Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church about generous financial giving for the relief of fellow believers. The context is a discussion of cheerful, voluntary giving. Paul uses an agricultural metaphor: 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.' Here, φειδομένως is directly contrasted with the adverb ἐπ᾿ εὐλογίαις (ep' eulogiais, 'bountifully' or 'with blessings'), creating a powerful rhetorical contrast to motivate generous, faith-filled stewardship.

Etymology

Derived from the verb φείδομαι (pheidomai, G5339), meaning 'to spare,' 'to refrain from,' 'to hold back,' or 'to be lenient.' The adverb form φειδομένως is built on the present middle participle of this verb, giving it the sense of 'in a sparing manner' or 'while holding back.' Cognates and related words include φειδωλός (pheidōlos, 'sparing, niggardly') and the concept is opposite to words like ἁπλότης (haplotēs, 'generosity, sincerity').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors a key principle of Christian stewardship and divine reciprocity. Paul uses it to teach that our posture in giving reflects our trust in God's provision and directly impacts the spiritual harvest we experience (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Understanding φειδομένως enriches reading by highlighting that God is not merely concerned with the amount given, but with the heart attitude—whether it is one of fearful scarcity or faithful abundance. It connects to doctrines of grace, providence, and the cheerful giver whom God loves.

In the Greco-Roman world, patronage and benefaction were common, but often came with expectations of public honor or reciprocal favors. Paul's teaching subverts this by framing giving as sowing seed in a divine economy, where the return comes from God, not human beneficiaries. The agricultural metaphor of 'sowing sparingly' would be immediately understood in an agrarian society, where planting few seeds logically results in a small harvest. The cultural expectation might lean toward prudent, calculated giving, but Paul elevates the call to generous, trust-based liberality.

μετρίως (metriōs, G3357) — moderately, with measure; implies a measured or temperate approach rather than specifically financial restraint. ψυχρῶς (psychrōs, G5593) — coldly, coolly; can describe a lack of warmth or enthusiasm in action, but not specifically about withholding resources.

Word Details

Scripture References