2 Corinthians 9:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

NIV: As it is written: "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever."

NASB: as it is written: 'HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.'

CSB: As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

NLT: As the Scriptures say, 'They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.'

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

NKJV: As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Within the context of Christians giving freely to meet the needs of others, Paul wrote that God is able to make grace abound (2 Corinthians 9:8). He wants to reassure the Corinthians they can count on God to provide whatever is needed, so they can excel in the good works God has planned for them.

As this passage continues, Paul will make the connection between generous giving to others and God's abundant provision. The purpose of this is not to make the giver more prosperous—God is not promising to offer a material "return on investment." Rather, the point is that God will enable the giver to continue in the good works He has prepared for them to do.

Here, Paul quotes from Psalm 112:9 to make the point that God has always been in the business of meeting the needs of the poor. The writer of the psalm declares that God has distributed freely, including his gifts to the poor. One indication of God's eternal righteousness is His generosity. His people should follow His example in giving to those in need, as well.

Second Corinthians 9:6–15 contains Paul's explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. God does not intend giving to be done as an obligation, or under a cloud of legalism. Rather, it should be inspired and driven by a willing and cheerful heart. Giving is an opportunity for believers to participate with God in meeting the needs of the poor. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more. This results in increasing His righteousness on earth, as well as in causing thankfulness to Him to overflow. He will be glorified by those who receive the gift and pray for those who give.

Paul continues to urge the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment. They had agreed to contribute to a collection for suffering Christians in Jerusalem. They should give willingly, even cheerfully, according to what they had agreed earlier. Not only will they participate with God in meeting the physical needs of others, they will contribute to an overflowing thankfulness to God. They will build a connection with their suffering siblings in Christ that will also bring glory to God. This chapter points out that God expects Christian giving to be faith-based, voluntary, and cheerful—not legalistic, oppressive, or mandatory.

Second Corinthians chapter 9 continues an appeal begun earlier in the letter. Paul urges the Corinthians to participate in the gift to the Jerusalem Christians. Paul is concerned their earlier enthusiasm might have waned. Everyone should give what he or she previously decided to give and do so willingly and cheerfully. God makes those who give generously abound so that they will be able to give even more. The result goes beyond meeting physical needs to increasing God's righteousness on earth, causing thankfulness to Him to overflow, and bringing glory to Him as connections are forged between the givers and those whose needs are met. After this, Paul will return to a defense of his spiritual legitimacy.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 12/18/2024 8:13:55 AM