TRV
“He gave generously to the poor;
his tzedakah lasts forever.”
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 9:6–15. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have,
I.Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe,
1.It should be bountifully; this was intimated, Co2 9:5, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is usually proportionable to what they sow, Co2 9:6.
2.It should be deliberately Every man, according as he purposes in his heart, Co2 9:7. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly, had they duly considered all things, they would have given more. Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses.
3.It should be freely, whatever we give, be it more or less: Not grudgingly, nor of necessity, but cheerfully, Co2 9:7. Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa 58:10. We should give liberally, with an open hand, and cheerfully, with an open countenance, being glad we have ability and an opportunity to be charitable.
II.Good encouragement to perform this work of charity in the manner directed. Here the apostle tells the Corinthians,
1.They themselves would be no losers by what they gave in charity. This may serve to obviate a secret objection in the minds of many against this good work who are ready to think they may want what they give away; but such should consider that what is given to the poor in a right manner is far from being lost; as the precious seed which is cast into the ground is not lost, though it is buried there for a time, for it will spring up, and bear fruit; the sower shall receive it again with increase, Co2 9:6. Such good returns may those expect who give freely and liberally in charity. For,
(1.)God loveth a cheerful giver (Co2 9:7), and what may not those hope to receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer? Nay, are not the love and favour of God better than all other things, better than life itself?
(2.)God is able to make our charity redound to our advantage, Co2 9:8. We have no reason to distrust the goodness of God, and surely we have no reason to question his power; he is able to make all grace abound towards us, and abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things. He can cause us to have a sufficiency in all things, to be content with what we have, to make up what we give, to be able to give yet more: as it is written (Psa 112:9) concerning the charitable man, He hath dispersed abroad. He hath given to the poor. His righteousness, that is, his almsgiving, endureth for ever. The honour of it is lasting, the reward of it eternal, and he is still able to live comfortably himself and to give liberally to others.
(3.)The apostle puts up a prayer to God in their behalf that they might be gainers, and not losers, Co2 9:10, Co2 9:11. Here observe,
[1.]To whom the prayer is made - to God, who ministereth seed to the sower, who by his providence giveth such an increase of the fruits of the earth that we have not only bread sufficient to eat for one year, but enough to sow again for a future supply: or thus, It is God who giveth us not only a competency for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and so should be as seed to be sown.
[2.]For what he prayeth. There are several things which he desires for them, namely, that they may have bread for their food, always a competency for themselves, food convenient, - that God will multiply their seed sown, that they may still be able to do more good, - and that there may be an increase of the fruits of righteousness, that they may reap plentifully, and have the best and most ample returns of their charity, so as to be enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (Co2 9:11), - that upon the whole they may find it true that they shall be no losers, but great gainers. Note, Works of charity are so far from impoverishing us that they are the proper means truly to enrich us, or make us truly rich.
2.While they would be no losers, the poor distressed saints would be gainers; for this service would supply their wants, Co2 9:12. If we have reason to think them to be saints, whom we believe to be of the household of faith, whose wants are great, how ready should we be to do them good! Our goodness can not extend unto God, but we should freely extend it to these excellent ones of the earth, and thus show that we delight in them.
3.This would redound to the praise and glory of God. Many thanksgivings would be given to God on this account, by the apostle, and by those who were employed in this ministration, Co2 9:11. These would bless God, who had made them happy instruments in so good a work, and rendered them successful in it. Besides these, others also would be thankful; the poor, who were supplied in their wants, would not fail to be very thankful to God, and bless God for them; and all who wished well to the gospel would glorify God for this experiment, or proof of subjection to the gospel of Christ, and true love to all men, Co2 9:13. Note,
(1.)True Christianity is a subjection to the gospel, a yielding of ourselves to the commanding influence of its truths and laws.
(2.)We must evince the sincerity of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity.
(3.)This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God.
4.Those whose wants were supplied would make the best return they were able, by sending up many prayers to God for those who had relieved them, Co2 9:14. And thus should we recompense the kindnesses we receive when we are not in a capacity of recompensing them in any other way; and, as this is the only recompence the poor can make, so it is often greatly for the advantage of the rich.
Lastly, The apostle concludes this whole matter with this doxology, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Co2 9:15. Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means the gift of grace bestowed on the churches, in making them able and willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers. It should seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the unspeakable gift of God unto this world, a gift we have all reason to be very thankful for.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Also in the same place: "As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever."
If the righteousness of a man who gives to the poor endures forever, how much more will this be true of a man who gives to the saints. For the poor are obvious to all, but the saints are known only to those who can discern them, for they are servants of God who are constant in prayer and fasting and who lead a pure life.
Then he brings forward unto them the prophet for a counsellor, having sought out a testimony inviting them to bountifulness, and says, "As it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever." This is the import of "abound;" for the words, "he hath dispersed abroad," signify nothing else but the giving plentifully. For if the things themselves abide not, yet their results abide. For this is the thing to be admired, that when they are kept they are lost; but when dispersed abroad they abide, yea, abide for ever. Now by "righteousness," here, he means love towards men. For this maketh righteous, consuming sins like a fire when it is plentifully poured out.
Paul adds the prophetic testimony which shows that indifference to money is the beginning of eternal life.
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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. Having encouraged the Corinthians by citing the Macedonian churches' exemplary generosity in 2 Corinthians 8, Paul shifts in 2 Corinthians 9 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. Verse 9, a direct quotation from Psalm 112:9, 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 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, where spiritual and material blessings are linked to the measure of one's giving.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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, 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, 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). 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.
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
FAQ
What is the source of the quote in 2 Corinthians 9:9?
The quote in 2 Corinthians 9:9 is a direct citation from Psalm 112:9. 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?
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?
2 Corinthians 9:9 complements and reinforces the principle of cheerful giving found in 2 Corinthians 9:7. While 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasizes the attitude of the giver (not reluctantly or under compulsion), 2 Corinthians 9:9 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). 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). 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). 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).