2 Corinthians 9:9

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 9:9

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9:9, reinforces his teaching on generous giving by quoting directly from the Old Testament. This verse comes from Psalm 112:9, providing a strong scriptural foundation for the principles of liberality and divine reward that Paul is advocating to the Corinthian believers.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended discourse on the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Throughout chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians, Paul encourages the Corinthians to participate eagerly and generously in this offering. He emphasizes not only the act of giving but also the attitude behind it, famously stating in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that "God loveth a cheerful giver." Verse 9 serves to assure them that such acts of compassion are not forgotten but are eternally recognized and rewarded by God, linking their present generosity to a timeless principle of righteousness.

Key Themes

• Generosity and Almsgiving: The phrase "He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor" highlights the virtue of liberal giving without restraint. It speaks to a heart that is open-handed and actively seeks to meet the needs of others, particularly the less fortunate. This theme is central to Christian charity and compassion.
• Lasting Righteousness: The declaration "his righteousness remaineth for ever" signifies that acts of genuine generosity and compassion are not fleeting but have eternal significance and are enduringly acknowledged by God. This "righteousness" refers to the upright character and just conduct of the individual, especially as manifested in their benevolence. It assures believers that their good deeds done in faith have eternal value.
• Divine Approval and Reward: By quoting Psalm 112:9, Paul underscores that God Himself commends and remembers those who are generous. This isn't just about human praise, but about divine recognition and the lasting spiritual fruit of a giving heart. It connects to the principle of sowing bountifully to reap bountifully, as mentioned earlier in the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The original Hebrew of Psalm 112:9 uses the word tsedeq for "righteousness," which encompasses not just legal rectitude but also ethical conduct, justice, and benevolence, particularly towards the poor. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and Paul's quote use dikaiosyne, carrying a similar broad meaning of right behavior, justice, and uprightness. The emphasis is on active, demonstrable righteousness through deeds of compassion. The phrase "dispersed abroad" (Greek: eskorpisen) vividly portrays a wide, liberal distribution, contrasting with hoarding or stinginess.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 9:9 serves as a powerful encouragement to embrace a lifestyle of generosity. It reminds us that:

• Giving is an Act of Righteousness: Our acts of charity and compassion are not merely good deeds but are expressions of a righteous character that God values eternally.
• Your Generosity Has Lasting Impact: The investment made in helping others, especially the poor and needy, extends beyond immediate needs and contributes to an enduring legacy of righteousness before God.
• God is the Ultimate Provider: As we give, we can trust in God's faithfulness to provide for us, just as He promises to make all grace abound to us, enabling us to be generous in every good work.