Psalms 112:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, often considered a companion to Psalm 111. While Psalm 111 praises the greatness and works of the Lord, Psalm 112 describes the character and blessings of the man who fears the Lord. It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 9 serves as a powerful summary, highlighting the lasting impact and divine recognition of a righteous individual's life, particularly focusing on their generosity and integrity.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Compassion: The opening phrase, "He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor," emphasizes the active and widespread charity of the righteous. This is not a sporadic act but a consistent practice of distributing resources to those in need, reflecting a heart aligned with God's own compassion for the vulnerable.
  • Enduring Righteousness: "His righteousness endureth for ever" underscores that the actions stemming from a genuine fear of the Lord have eternal significance. This righteousness is not merely outward conformity but an integral part of his character, mirroring the everlasting righteousness of God Himself. It speaks to the lasting legacy and divine approval of a life lived in integrity.
  • Divine Exaltation and Honour: "His horn shall be exalted with honour" uses the potent imagery of the "horn," a common biblical symbol for strength, power, and dignity. This signifies that God will elevate and honor the righteous person, granting them respect and influence. This exaltation is not achieved through worldly ambition but as a result of their faithfulness and generosity, demonstrating that true honor comes from God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "dispersed" (*pizzar*) implies scattering widely or distributing broadly, suggesting a liberal and extensive practice of charity, not just isolated acts of giving.
  • "Horn" (*qeren*) symbolically represents power, dignity, and authority. To have one's horn "exalted" means to be honored, strengthened, and given prominence, often implying divine favor and vindication.

Practical Application

Psalms 112:9 serves as a profound encouragement for believers to live lives marked by active compassion and generosity. It teaches us that true wealth and lasting impact are found in sharing with others and prioritizing the needs of the poor, reflecting God's own character. The verse assures us that genuine, enduring honor and influence come from God, not from human striving, and are a direct result of living a righteous life characterized by giving. The promise that "his righteousness endureth for ever" offers comfort and motivation, reminding us that acts of faith and kindness have eternal impact and are remembered by God. It calls us to consider our legacy not in material terms, but in terms of treasures stored in heaven.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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