Psalms 112:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath dispersed {H6340}, he hath given {H5414} to the poor {H34}; his righteousness {H6666} endureth {H5975} for ever {H5703}; his horn {H7161} shall be exalted {H7311} with honour {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He distributes freely, he gives to the poor; his righteousness stands forever. His power will be increased honorably.

Berean Standard Bible

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.

American Standard Version

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the needy; His righteousness endureth for ever: His horn shall be exalted with honor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 112:9 masterfully articulates the profound character and ultimate destiny of the righteous individual, presenting a life defined by radical generosity and unwavering integrity. It proclaims that the one who liberally distributes their resources to the needy establishes an enduring legacy of righteousness, a quality eternally recognized and affirmed by God, culminating in divine exaltation and lasting honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, often regarded as a thematic counterpart to Psalm 111. While Psalm 111 celebrates the magnificent deeds and righteous character of Yahweh, Psalm 112 delineates the blessedness and distinguishing marks of the person who reveres the Lord. Structured as an acrostic psalm, with each successive verse (or half-verse) commencing with a new letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it signifies completeness and divine order in the life it portrays. Verse 9 functions as a powerful climax, offering a succinct yet comprehensive portrait of the righteous individual's actions and their ultimate divine reward, resonating with the theme of God's enduring righteousness found throughout [Psalm 111:3](/psalms/111-3 "Psalm 111:3 - God's Enduring Righteousness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Israelite wisdom literature, which frequently contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked, a theme extensively explored in books like [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs"). The profound emphasis on "giving to the poor" reflects a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law and Israelite societal ethics, where compassionate care for the vulnerable was not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative and a hallmark of covenant faithfulness, as detailed in passages such as [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Laws Concerning the Poor"). The potent imagery of the "horn" as a symbol of strength, power, and dignity was pervasive in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying honor, authority, and often divine favor, a concept vividly illustrated in [1 Samuel 2:1](/1_samuel/2-1 "1 Samuel 2:1 - Hannah's Prayer of Exaltation").
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalm 112 is the blessedness enjoyed by the righteous, a state that originates from "fearing the Lord" as introduced in [Psalm 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalm 112:1 - The Blessedness of Fearing the Lord"). This reverential fear manifests practically through generosity and compassion towards the poor, which is prominently highlighted in verse 9. The psalm also underscores the theme of enduring righteousness, implying that a life lived in accordance with God's will leaves a lasting impact and possesses eternal significance, mirroring God's own eternal justice. Finally, the psalm presents the theme of divine vindication and exaltation, providing assurance that God Himself will honor and elevate those who walk in His ways, a stark contrast to the ultimate despair and demise of the wicked described in [Psalm 112:10](/psalms/112-10 "Psalm 112:10 - The Despair of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dispersed (Hebrew, _pâzar'_):** This verb, derived from H6340, signifies scattering widely, distributing broadly, or spreading out. In the context of bounty, it suggests a liberal, ungrudging, and extensive practice of charity. It implies a consistent and generous lifestyle of sharing resources with those in need, conveying a sense of unreserved benevolence that flows from an open-handed and non-hoarding heart.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, _tsedâqâh_ encompasses more than mere adherence to rules; it denotes justice, integrity, ethical conduct, and right relationship with both God and humanity. Here, it specifically includes the social dimension of justice, particularly the active care for the poor and marginalized. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes that this righteousness is not transient but possesses eternal significance, being perpetually recognized and valued by God.
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** From H7161, the horn is a powerful metaphor in the biblical world, symbolizing strength, power, dignity, and honor. Just as animals use their horns for defense and assertion, so too does the "horn" represent authority and prominence. To have one's "horn" "exalted" (H7311, _rûwm_) means to be elevated, strengthened, honored, and given prominence. This exaltation is a divine act, signifying God's vindication and public recognition of the righteous person's character and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor":** This opening clause immediately establishes the primary, defining characteristic of the righteous individual: active, widespread, and consistent generosity. The use of two verbs ("dispersed," "given") emphasizes the liberal and habitual nature of this giving. It is not a reluctant or occasional act, but a defining aspect of their character, reflecting a heart aligned with God's profound compassion for the vulnerable and needy (H34, _ʼebyôwn_).
* **"his righteousness endureth for ever":** This phrase declares the lasting impact and eternal quality of the righteous person's life and actions. The generosity described in the first clause is a tangible expression of this internal righteousness (H6666, _tsᵉdâqâh_). It signifies that the integrity, justice, and benevolent acts of the righteous are not forgotten but have an enduring legacy, standing in God's eternal memory and receiving His everlasting approval (H5703, _ʻad_).
* **"his horn shall be exalted with honour":** This climactic statement promises divine vindication and elevation. Because the righteous person has lived a life of integrity and generosity, God Himself will grant them strength, dignity, and public honor (H3519, _kâbôwd_). This exaltation (H7311, _rûwm_) is not a result of human ambition or worldly striving, but a supernatural bestowal of respect and prominence by God, demonstrating that true honor comes from Him alone.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 112:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with depth and impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly **synthetic parallelism**, where the subsequent clauses expand upon and complete the thought introduced in the first. The initial action of "dispersing" and "giving to the poor" forms the foundation upon which the enduring nature of "his righteousness" and the divine exaltation of "his horn" are built. The phrase "his horn shall be exalted with honour" is a powerful **metaphor**, using the physical attribute of an animal's horn to symbolize strength, dignity, and authority. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the divine elevation and respect bestowed upon the righteous. Furthermore, the phrase "endureth for ever" serves as an **emphasis** or a form of **hyperbole**, underscoring the eternal significance and lasting impact of a life lived in genuine righteousness, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly achievements and recognition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 112:9 profoundly connects to several core theological truths. It reveals God's deep heart for the poor and vulnerable, establishing generosity not merely as an ethical ideal but as a fundamental expression of true righteousness. This righteousness is not self-generated but flows from a reverential fear of the Lord, making it enduring and eternally significant, mirroring the everlasting nature of God's own justice and faithfulness. The promise of divine exaltation underscores God's unwavering commitment to vindicate and honor those who faithfully serve Him, demonstrating that true dignity and lasting influence are divinely bestowed, not humanly achieved. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, particularly those motivated by compassion and integrity, have eternal resonance and are deeply valued by our Creator, contributing to a legacy that transcends earthly recognition.
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")
* [Matthew 6:3-4](/matthew/6-3-4 "Matthew 6:3-4 - Giving in Secret")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - God Raises Up and Brings Low")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 112:9 calls believers to a life of radical, open-handed generosity, not as a means to earn divine favor, but as a natural outflow of a heart transformed by the fear of the Lord. It challenges us to critically examine how our resources are being utilized and whether our lives genuinely reflect God's profound compassion for the marginalized. The assurance that "his righteousness endureth for ever" offers profound comfort and motivation, reminding us that acts of kindness, integrity, and justice have an eternal impact, building a legacy that transcends fleeting earthly recognition and is eternally remembered and valued by God. Furthermore, the promise of divine exaltation encourages us to seek honor not from human praise or worldly ambition, but from God alone, trusting that He will ultimately vindicate and elevate those who faithfully serve Him. This verse invites us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and trusting God for all true honor and dignity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current practice of giving reflect the "dispersed" generosity described in this verse?**
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate a righteousness that "endureth for ever," and how might I cultivate this quality more deeply?**
* **Am I seeking honor and recognition from worldly sources, or am I trusting God to exalt my "horn with honour" in His perfect timing?**
* **What kind of legacy, rooted in righteousness and generosity, am I actively building for the glory of God?**

### FAQ
**What does "his horn shall be exalted with honour" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: The phrase "his horn shall be exalted with honour" uses a powerful biblical metaphor where the "horn" symbolizes strength, dignity, and authority. For believers today, it means that God Himself will ultimately vindicate, strengthen, and honor those who live righteously and generously. This honor is not necessarily worldly fame or material wealth, but rather a divine recognition and elevation that can manifest in various ways: increased spiritual authority, respect within the community, divine protection, or a profound sense of inner dignity and peace that comes from God's approval. It assures us that our acts of faith and kindness are seen by God, and He will ensure that our integrity is ultimately recognized and rewarded, often in ways that transcend human understanding or worldly ambition, fulfilling the promise that those who humble themselves will be exalted ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")).

**How can a person's "righteousness endure for ever" when all humans are imperfect and sinful?**

Answer: The "righteousness" spoken of here refers not to sinless perfection, but to a consistent character and pattern of life marked by integrity, justice, and obedience to God's commands, particularly as expressed through generosity and compassion. It describes a life direction and a heart attitude that is genuinely aligned with God's will. The phrase "endureth for ever" signifies that such a life has lasting impact and eternal significance in God's eyes. While human beings are indeed imperfect, the psalm highlights the enduring *legacy* and *divine remembrance* of a life lived in the fear of the Lord. It implies that God records and values these acts of righteousness eternally, and they are not forgotten. For Christians, this enduring righteousness is ultimately rooted in Christ's perfect righteousness, which is imputed to us by faith, enabling us to live out a practical righteousness that, though imperfect, is empowered by the Holy Spirit and eternally recognized by God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:9 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the archetypal righteous man. He is the one who perfectly "dispersed" and "gave to the poor," not merely of material possessions, but of His very life, emptying Himself for the sake of humanity ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by boundless compassion, healing, feeding the multitudes, and teaching the way of truth, demonstrating a radical generosity that far surpasses any human capacity or expectation. Furthermore, His "righteousness endureth for ever" in an absolute and unparalleled sense; He is the only truly righteous one whose perfect obedience and sacrificial death established an eternal righteousness for all who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). This divine righteousness is not only His inherent character but is also freely imputed to believers, enabling them to stand justified before God. Finally, Jesus' "horn was exalted with honour" in His resurrection and ascension, where God the Father highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philipians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the blessings promised to the righteous in Psalm 112:9 are supremely realized in Christ and, by grace, extended to all who are united with Him.

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 75:10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

James 2:15

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

James 2:16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.