Definition: Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 9:3. It's a really important and slightly complex passage, but we can make it understandable. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about encouragement and reminding believers to be ready for God’s future. It’s saying, “Don’t get too excited or boastful about what we've done.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Yet have I sent the brethren…” : This refers to the people who are helping and supporting believers – like pastors, missionaries, or anyone actively working for God’s Kingdom. It's a group of helpers. “…lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf” : This is the core of the message. “Boasting” means being proud, showing off, or exaggerating your accomplishments. The word "behalf" means ‘in regard to’ or ‘regarding.’ So it means regarding what we’re doing for God. “That, as I said, ye may be ready:” This is the key part! Paul is saying, “As I told you before… (meaning, as I explained it before), be prepared.” So, what does this mean practically? Paul isn’t urging us to stop being helpful. He's advising us to stay focused on our good work and not get overly excited about the results. He wants us to be ready for something bigger – a future where God is ultimately in control and we are all finally with Him. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re building a really impressive house. You're working hard, and you’re proud of your progress. But Paul isn’t saying stop building the house. He’s reminding you to stay focused on the overall goal – creating a beautiful and lasting home for God – and don’t get so caught up in your own accomplishments that you lose sight of that bigger purpose. In essence, it's a call to humility and continued dedication to God's work. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What is the context of this verse? (e.g., are you reading it in a specific book or study?) What are you hoping to understand about it? (e.g., are you struggling with pride, or do you just want a deeper understanding of Paul’s message?)