2 Corinthians 9:9

KJV

(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

(As {G2531} it is written {G1125}, He hath dispersed abroad {G4650}; he hath given {G1325} to the poor {G3993}: his {G846} righteousness {G1343} remaineth {G3306} for {G1519} ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as the Tanakh says,

“He gave generously to the poor;
his tzedakah lasts forever.”

Berean Standard Bible

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

American Standard Version

as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 9:9, the Apostle Paul grounds his exhortation for generous giving in Old Testament wisdom, quoting Psalm 112:9. This verse affirms that the one who liberally disperses their resources to the poor demonstrates a righteousness that endures eternally in God's sight. It serves to assure the Corinthian believers that their acts of compassion and liberality are not fleeting but hold lasting spiritual significance and divine commendation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extensive teaching on the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, spanning [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8-9 - Paul's Exhortation on Giving"). Having encouraged the Corinthians by citing the Macedonian churches' exemplary generosity in [2 Corinthians 8](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Grace of Giving"), Paul shifts in [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - Sowing Bountifully") to elaborate on the principles and blessings of giving. He emphasizes the attitude of the giver, famously stating that "God loveth a cheerful giver" in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). Verse 9, a direct quotation from [Psalm 112:9](/psalms/112-9 "Psalm 112:9 - The Righteous Man's Generosity"), provides a scriptural anchor, reinforcing that such generosity is not merely a human act but a divinely approved expression of righteousness with eternal implications. It serves as a theological guarantee of the enduring value of their benevolent deeds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of almsgiving was deeply ingrained in both Jewish and early Christian traditions, viewed as a fundamental expression of piety and justice. In Jewish thought, giving to the poor (tzedakah) was not merely charity but an act of righteousness, a fulfillment of God's law. Paul, a Jew steeped in this tradition, applies this understanding to the Christian community, encouraging Gentiles to support Jewish believers, thereby fostering unity and demonstrating the practical outworking of the gospel. The Greco-Roman world also practiced forms of patronage and benefaction, but often with an emphasis on public honor and reciprocal gain. Paul subtly contrasts this by emphasizing God's eternal recognition and the intrinsic righteousness of giving, rather than human applause or direct material return, aligning it more with the Old Testament concept of covenant faithfulness and justice for the vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - The Blessings of Generous Giving") is the **blessings of generous giving**, which Paul connects to **divine provision** and **spiritual increase**. The verse highlights **active benevolence** as a core component of **righteousness**. The act of "dispersing abroad" and "giving to the poor" underscores the virtue of open-handed liberality, contrasting with hoarding or self-interest. This generosity is presented not as a mere transaction but as a demonstration of an upright character that God acknowledges. Furthermore, the phrase "his righteousness remaineth for ever" introduces the theme of **eternal significance**, assuring believers that deeds done in faith and love, particularly those benefiting the needy, have an enduring quality that transcends temporal rewards. This echoes the principle of sowing bountifully to reap bountifully found in [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing and Reaping"), where spiritual and material blessings are linked to the measure of one's giving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This verb signifies the act of engraving or writing, often used in the New Testament to refer to scripture. Its inclusion here, prefaced by "As it is," underscores the divine authority and timeless truth of the principle being cited. Paul is not offering a new idea but appealing to an established, divinely inspired truth from the Old Testament.
* **dispersed abroad (Greek, _skorpízō'_):** Derived from a root suggesting penetration or scattering, this word vividly portrays a wide, unreserved, and liberal distribution of resources. It implies a generous, uncalculating act of giving, akin to scattering seeds broadly rather than carefully placing them. This contrasts sharply with stinginess or hoarding, emphasizing a heart that is open-handed and unconstrained in its benevolence.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** This term denotes equity of character or act, encompassing justice, uprightness, and moral rectitude. In this context, it refers to the righteous character of the individual as demonstrated through their benevolent actions, specifically giving to the poor. It's not merely a legal standing but an active, ethical conduct that aligns with God's will and nature, particularly in caring for the vulnerable.
* **remaineth (Greek, _ménō'_):** This verb signifies to stay, abide, continue, or endure. Here, it emphasizes the lasting and permanent nature of the righteousness demonstrated through generous giving. Unlike fleeting earthly possessions or temporary recognition, the righteousness cultivated through benevolence has an eternal quality, enduring in God's memory and accounting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(As it is written,"**: This introductory phrase, "kathōs gegraptai" (καθὼς γέγραπται), explicitly signals a direct quotation from Scripture. Paul is appealing to the authority of the Old Testament, specifically [Psalm 112:9](/psalms/112-9 "Psalm 112:9 - The Generosity of the Righteous"), to validate and underscore his teaching on generous giving. This demonstrates that Christian liberality is not a new concept but rooted in ancient, divinely revealed principles.
* **"He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:"**: This clause describes the active, unreserved, and widespread generosity of a righteous individual. "Dispersed abroad" (eskorpisen) conveys a lavish, unconstrained distribution, while "given to the poor" (edōken tois penesin) specifies the recipients of this benevolence. It paints a picture of someone whose resources flow freely outward to meet the needs of the indigent, reflecting a heart that is not grasping but open and compassionate.
* **"his righteousness remaineth for ever."**: This concluding declaration highlights the eternal consequence and enduring value of such benevolent acts. The "righteousness" (dikaiosynē) here refers to the character and conduct of the generous giver, particularly their just and compassionate deeds. The phrase "remaineth for ever" (menei eis ton aiōna) signifies that these acts are not forgotten or temporary; they establish an eternal legacy and are perpetually acknowledged by God, assuring the giver of lasting divine approval and spiritual reward.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Quotation** in 2 Corinthians 9:9 is a powerful rhetorical device. By directly citing [Psalm 112:9](/psalms/112-9 "Psalm 112:9 - The Blessings of the Righteous"), he lends the weight of Old Testament authority to his exhortation on generosity. This demonstrates that the principles he teaches are not new or arbitrary, but are deeply rooted in God's timeless character and revealed will. The phrase "He hath dispersed abroad" employs a subtle **Metaphor** of sowing or scattering, implying that generosity is like planting seeds that yield a harvest, a concept Paul explicitly develops elsewhere in the chapter (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing and Reaping")). Finally, the declaration "his righteousness remaineth for ever" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the eternal and enduring nature of the spiritual impact of generous deeds. While righteousness itself is a quality, its "remaining forever" underscores the lasting divine recognition and eternal reward for acts of genuine compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects Old Testament wisdom with New Testament ethics, affirming that practical acts of compassion, particularly towards the poor, are not merely good deeds but are expressions of a righteous character that God eternally values. It underscores a fundamental theological truth: genuine faith is active and finds expression in tangible love for others, especially those in need. This generosity is not an obligation to earn favor, but a response to God's own character and a reflection of His abundant grace. The enduring nature of this righteousness speaks to the eternal impact of our earthly stewardship and the lasting remembrance of God for those who live out His justice and compassion.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:3-4](/matthew/6-3-4 "Matthew 6:3-4 - Giving in Secret")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 9:9 serves as a profound encouragement for believers to embrace a lifestyle of open-handed generosity. It transforms giving from a mere financial transaction into a spiritual act of righteousness, reminding us that our compassion for the poor and needy is not only seen by God but is eternally remembered and valued by Him. This verse challenges us to consider our resources not as solely our own, but as instruments for God's purposes, to be "dispersed abroad" for the good of others. It assures us that such acts contribute to an enduring legacy of righteousness that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly achievements. Our generosity, therefore, becomes a tangible expression of our faith and a testament to the transformative power of God's grace in our lives, enabling us to participate in His ongoing work of justice and mercy in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding generosity as an act of "righteousness" change your perspective on giving?**
* **In what practical ways can you "disperse abroad" your resources (time, talent, treasure) to the poor and needy in your community?**
* **What does it mean for your "righteousness to remain for ever" in the context of your giving, and how does this motivate you?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that is more open-handed and less prone to hoarding, trusting in God's eternal recognition?**

### FAQ
**What is the source of the quote in 2 Corinthians 9:9?**

Answer: The quote in [2 Corinthians 9:9](/2_corinthians/9-9 "2 Corinthians 9:9 - Source of the Quote") is a direct citation from [Psalm 112:9](/psalms/112-9 "Psalm 112:9 - The Generous and Righteous Man"). Paul frequently drew upon the Old Testament to establish the theological foundations for his New Testament teachings, demonstrating the continuity of God's principles across the covenants. In this instance, he uses a passage that describes the character and blessings of a righteous man who is generous to the poor, applying it directly to the Corinthian believers' call to liberality.

**What does "his righteousness remaineth for ever" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "his righteousness remaineth for ever" signifies that acts of genuine, open-handed generosity, particularly towards the poor, are not forgotten or temporary. They have an enduring, eternal significance in God's sight. This "righteousness" refers to the upright character and just conduct of the individual, manifested through their benevolence. It means that God acknowledges, remembers, and values these deeds perpetually, assuring the giver that their investment in His kingdom through compassion for others yields an eternal return and contributes to a lasting spiritual legacy. It's a promise of divine recognition that transcends earthly rewards or fleeting human praise.

**How does this verse relate to Paul's earlier statement about God loving a "cheerful giver" in 2 Corinthians 9:7?**

Answer: [2 Corinthians 9:9](/2_corinthians/9-9 "2 Corinthians 9:9 - Righteousness and Cheerful Giving") complements and reinforces the principle of cheerful giving found in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). While [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - The Attitude of Giving") emphasizes the *attitude* of the giver (not reluctantly or under compulsion), [2 Corinthians 9:9](/2_corinthians/9-9 "2 Corinthians 9:9 - The Eternal Impact of Giving") highlights the *eternal outcome* and *divine approval* of such giving. A cheerful giver is one whose heart is aligned with God's, leading them to "disperse abroad" and give to the poor, knowing that such acts are not only pleasing to God but also establish a righteousness that "remaineth for ever." The cheerful attitude fuels the righteous action, and the righteous action secures eternal recognition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 9:9 directly quotes an Old Testament psalm describing the righteousness of the generous individual, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Christ is the quintessential "one who has dispersed abroad and given to the poor," not merely with material possessions, but with His very life. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by radical self-giving, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ministering to the marginalized, embodying perfect righteousness (e.g., [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing")). The supreme act of His generosity, however, was His sacrificial death on the cross, where He "became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Poverty for Our Riches")). Through this ultimate act of giving Himself for the sake of humanity, Jesus demonstrated a righteousness that not only "remaineth for ever" but also imputes righteousness to all who believe in Him ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, our generosity, prompted by the Holy Spirit, becomes an overflow of Christ's own self-giving love within us, reflecting His character and participating in His ongoing mission of compassion and redemption in the world ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Psalms 112:3

Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Proverbs 21:21

¶ He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Galatians 5:5

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Isaiah 51:8

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

Proverbs 8:18

Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.