Hi Pastor, I came across your teaching on giving. Many preachers talk about sowing seeds for financial breakthroughs. Is this truly scriptural?
— Joanna D, Chennai
Answer:
Hi Joanna, thank you for your honesty. “Seed sowing for a breakthrough” is often taught today — but the way it’s presented is not found in Scripture. No—at least not how it is often preached in prosperity gospel circles.
In the Bible, the word “seed” (zeraʿ, זֶרַע in Hebrew) is mostly used for the Word of God or descendants, not money. Jesus said in Luke 8:11,
“Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.”
The Bible does not teach that giving money to a preacher or ministry guarantees financial multiplication or miraculous wealth in return.
What Scripture Teaches:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (AMP)
“Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].”
- The word “give” is translated from the Greek δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning to offer freely, without demanding something in return.
- The phrase “under compulsion” comes from ἀνάγκη (anankē), which means pressure, force, or necessity—implying that coerced or manipulated giving is not pleasing to God.
Acts 4:34–35 (AMP)
“There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of the sales, and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need.”
- The Greek word used for “need” here is χρεία (chreia), meaning lack or necessity, not luxury or greed.
- The early church gave to meet real needs, not to receive financial breakthroughs.
Biblical Giving Is:
- Voluntary (didōmi) — never forced or manipulated
- Purposeful — to meet needs (chreia), not to buy blessings
- Joyful — the Greek word ἱλαρός (hilaros) used for “cheerful” reflects a sincere, glad-hearted giver
How Does God Provide Financially?
The Bible speaks of financial provision coming through:
- Hard work and diligence “He becomes poor who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes him rich.” — Proverbs 10:4 (AMP)
- Wise stewardship and contentment
- Trust in God’s sufficiency, not religious transactions “My God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (AMP)
Note: Paul said this to a generous, mission-supporting church—not as a blanket promise for everyone who gives money.
Conclusion:
Giving in the Bible is a matter of faith, love, and obedience—never a transaction to manipulate God. The common phrase “sow a seed to get your breakthrough” is a distortion of true biblical giving.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
