2 Corinthians 9 7

2 Corinthians 9:7 kjv

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 nkjv

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 niv

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 esv

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 nlt

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 7 Meaning

This verse instructs each individual to make a personal, intentional decision in their heart regarding their giving. It strongly discourages giving that stems from sorrow, regret, or external pressure, emphasizing instead that God finds joy and pleasure in a giver whose contribution is offered with genuine cheerfulness and willingness. It underscores that the manner and attitude of giving are paramount, reflecting a deeper relationship and trust in God rather than mere duty.

2 Corinthians 9 7 Context

2 Corinthians 9:7 is nestled within Paul's detailed instructions and encouragement regarding a specific collection being gathered from the Gentile churches, primarily Corinth, for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem. Chapters 8 and 9 serve as Paul's appeal for this offering. In Chapter 8, Paul highlights the sacrificial and joyful generosity of the Macedonian churches, not as a command, but as an example to stir the Corinthians' love. He establishes the principle that giving should flow from grace and a willing spirit, motivated by Christ's own self-emptying act (2 Cor 8:9). Chapter 9 builds upon these principles, moving towards practical exhortations, promising that bountiful giving leads to bountiful blessings. The historical backdrop involves significant hardship faced by the Jerusalem church, possibly due to famine, and the collection aimed to express the unity and love between the Jewish and Gentile factions of the nascent Christian faith, cementing their spiritual solidarity through practical aid. Thus, verse 7 stands as a cornerstone principle for how this, and all, giving should be approached: as a deliberate, joyful act from the heart.

2 Corinthians 9 7 Word analysis

• Each one (Greek: ἕκαστος - hekastos): This highlights individual responsibility and volition. Giving is not a corporate decree but a personal act. There is no coercion or peer pressure implied at this level; it's a direct address to every single believer to consider their own action.
• must give (Greek: διδότω - didotō): An imperative verb, indicating a command or strong exhortation. However, its force here is not external legalism but a call to act consistent with the preceding exhortation of personal decision. It's an obligation arising from spiritual principle rather than compulsion.
• as he has decided (Greek: προῄρηται - proairetai): Derived from proaireō, meaning to choose beforehand, to determine, to intend. This emphasizes intentionality and forethought. Giving should not be spontaneous or impulsive in the sense of lacking consideration, but rather a deliberate choice made after personal reflection and prayer.
• in his heart (Greek: τῇ καρδίᾳ - tē kardia): In biblical usage, the "heart" (καρδία) is the center of a person's being – encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. Giving "in the heart" signifies a deeply internal, sincere, and spiritually motivated decision, not merely an external action or superficial duty.
• not reluctantly (Greek: μὴ ἐκ λύπης - mē ek lupēs): Literally, "not out of sorrow" or "grief." This implies an attitude of regret, grudging, or distress when giving. Such giving lacks joy and demonstrates a lack of trust in God's provision or generosity. It speaks to a heart that begrudges the act rather than embraces it.
• or under compulsion (Greek: ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης - ē ex anankēs): Meaning "not out of necessity" or "duress." This refers to giving that is coerced by external pressure, social obligation, fear, or a sense of legalistic duty, rather than being a free act of love and faith. Such giving is devoid of genuine spiritual merit.
• for God loves (Greek: γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς ἀγαπᾷ - gar ho Theos agapa): "For" (γὰρ) introduces the reason or justification for the preceding instruction. God's character and disposition are the ultimate motivators. "Agapa" (ἀγαπᾷ) refers to unconditional, self-sacrificial love, implying that God's love for the giver is contingent on the attitude of the giving.
• a cheerful giver (Greek: ἱλαρὸν δότην - hilaron dotēn): "Cheerful" comes from hilaros (where we get "hilarious"), meaning joyful, eager, ready, propitious, happy. It denotes someone whose giving springs from inner gladness and good spirits. "Giver" (δότης - dotēs) is simply one who gives. God delights not just in the gift, but profoundly in the joyful, willing spirit of the one giving.

• "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart": This phrase combines personal responsibility ("each one"), intentional planning ("decided"), and deep inner conviction ("in his heart"). It underscores that spiritual giving is an individualized act of worship that flows from one's innermost being and is born out of deliberate spiritual reflection. It positions giving as an expression of personal faith rather than rote obedience.
• "not reluctantly or under compulsion": This explicitly rules out two primary negative motivations for giving: inner reluctance/grudging ("reluctantly") and external pressure/obligation ("compulsion"). Both attitudes devalue the act in God's eyes because they strip away the heart's freedom and joy, transforming a potential blessing into a burden. This stands in contrast to common societal expectations where donations might be extracted through guilt or social pressure.
• "for God loves a cheerful giver": This provides the powerful divine motivation. It frames the principle not as a human rule, but as a reflection of God's character and desire. God doesn't just tolerate but actively "loves" (takes pleasure in, desires to bless) the one who gives with genuine gladness. This transforms giving from a duty to an opportunity for spiritual joy and connection with God's heart. The quality of cheerfulness reflects a giver who trusts God, sees the act as a privilege, and participates in God's generosity.

2 Corinthians 9 7 Bonus section

The concept of a "cheerful giver" contrasts sharply with forms of giving common in the ancient world, such as Roman patronage, where giving was often public and driven by a desire for social status, influence, or reciprocity. Paul's emphasis here steers Christian giving away from self-glorification towards God-glorification and genuine love. This verse also implicitly highlights God's sovereignty over all resources, teaching that while we are called to give, it is always "of your own have we given you" (1 Chr 29:14), reminding believers that stewardship, not ownership, is their role. The focus on the heart aligns with other New Testament teachings that value internal righteousness and genuine motivation over external religious acts, as seen in Jesus' teachings on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Matt 6:1-18). It encourages introspection: is our giving an act of faith and love, or is it begrudged and externally imposed?

2 Corinthians 9 7 Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:7 is a seminal verse on the theology of Christian giving, prioritizing the heart over the amount. It champions a model of giving rooted in grace and joy, fundamentally distinguishing it from mere philanthropy, tithing out of legalistic obligation, or contributions made under duress. The "cheerful giver" embodies trust in God's provision, recognizing all possessions as ultimately from Him. Such an individual sees giving as a privilege and an expression of worship, reflecting God's own nature as the ultimate joyful giver. This approach transforms giving from a burden into a spiritual delight, drawing the giver closer to the heart of God, who delights in such generosity of spirit. Giving should be proactive, joyful, and deeply personal, emanating from a sincere desire to honor God and bless others, rather than to fulfill a quota or alleviate guilt. It mirrors the spirit of Christ's own giving – voluntary and out of love.