2 Corinthians 9 9

2 Corinthians 9:9 kjv

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

2 Corinthians 9:9 nkjv

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

2 Corinthians 9:9 niv

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

2 Corinthians 9:9 esv

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

2 Corinthians 9:9 nlt

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

2 Corinthians 9 verses

2 Corinthians 9 9 Meaning

This verse quotes Psalm 112:9 to provide divine backing for the call to generous giving. It highlights God's intrinsic character as the ultimate giver who "scatters abroad His gifts to the poor," demonstrating an active and abundant benevolence. The core message is that such liberality flows directly from "His righteousness," which is not just an attribute but an enduring, benevolent principle. Therefore, generous giving to the needy is an imitation of God's own nature and participates in an eternal act of divine justice and love, reinforcing the eternal value and impact of giving.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Context

This verse is situated in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, where Paul is earnestly exhorting the Corinthian believers to complete their collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul emphasizes not just the act of giving, but the principles behind it: willing generosity, joy, faith, and the desire to emulate God's grace. Chapter 9 specifically focuses on the blessings associated with cheerful and abundant giving (9:6-8), reassuring them that God will enable them to be even more generous. Verse 9 then serves as a profound biblical justification, drawn from Psalm 112:9 (LXX), elevating the act of giving to the poor as a reflection of God's own divine nature. Paul uses this scripture to remind the Corinthians that generosity is not a mere human virtue but an expression of divine righteousness, ensuring that their selfless giving is eternally significant and fully aligned with God's character. The cultural context involves Jewish tradition where charity (tzedakah) was deeply intertwined with righteousness and justice.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Word analysis

• As it is written (καθώς γέγραπται - kathōs gegraptai):

  • This is a standard formula Paul uses, signalling that he is quoting authoritative Old Testament Scripture.
  • It immediately confers divine weight and unchallengeable truth to the following statement, grounding his exhortation in God's eternal word.

• He has scattered abroad (ἐσκόρπισεν - eskorpisen):

  • From the Greek verb σκορπίζω (skorpizō), meaning "to scatter," "to disperse widely," "to distribute."
  • It implies a generous, unreserved, and extensive distribution, without holding back or focusing on just a few recipients. It speaks of abundance and wide reach.
  • This term directly echoes the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Psalm 112:9 (διεσκόρπισεν - dieskorpisen).

• His gifts:

  • While not explicitly present as a separate Greek word in Paul's citation of Ps 112:9 (the LXX simply states "he scattered, he gave to the poor"), the action of scattering to the poor inherently means giving "gifts."
  • Many translations appropriately insert "His gifts" to clarify what is being scattered, emphasizing the benevolent nature of the distribution. It denotes grace-filled provisions.

• to the poor (τοῖς πένησιν - tois penēsin):

  • Refers to those in need, the indigent, the economically disadvantaged.
  • This specific targeting highlights God's particular concern and active provision for the most vulnerable in society, underscoring that true generosity includes reaching out to those lacking basic necessities.

• His righteousness (ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ - hē dikaiosynē autou):

  • Greek dikaiosynē refers to righteousness, justice, uprightness.
  • Here, in the context of divine generosity, it's not merely forensic (judicial declaration of righteousness) but active, benevolent, and distributive righteousness. It's God's character of acting rightly, which includes His care for the poor.
  • It connects closely with the Hebrew concept of tzedakah (צדקה), which encompasses both justice and charity, often manifested in acts of giving to the needy.

• endures forever (μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα - menei eis ton aiōna):

  • Greek menei means "remains," "abides," "endures"; eis ton aiōna means "unto the age," "forever," "eternally."
  • This signifies the permanent, consistent, and unchanging nature of God's character and His righteous acts.
  • It offers assurance that God's benevolent acts, and by extension the acts of those who imitate Him, have eternal value and will not fade away or be forgotten.

Words-group analysis:

• "He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor": This phrase portrays God as the exemplary model of giving. It highlights the divine attribute of boundless generosity, suggesting a distribution that is both expansive and specifically directed toward the vulnerable. The act is not measured or grudging, but extravagant and intentional, establishing the standard for Christian giving.

• "His righteousness endures forever": This declaration firmly ties divine generosity to God's immutable character. It communicates that active benevolence is not an incidental action but a perpetual outflow of God's very nature—His justice and moral perfection. This provides a deep theological basis for giving, showing it to be an alignment with God's eternal principles, thereby granting enduring significance and heavenly reward to the givers.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Bonus section

• Continuity of Covenant: Paul's use of an Old Testament Psalm in a New Testament context underscores the unchanging character of God and the timeless principles of His kingdom, transcending dispensational boundaries in matters of ethics and benevolence. It illustrates how the teachings of Christ deepen and empower the fulfillment of ancient commands concerning justice and mercy.
• Theological Foundation for Generosity: This verse provides a robust theological foundation that elevates generosity from a mere ethical guideline to a fundamental aspect of reflecting God's nature. It refutes any notion that generous giving depletes spiritual capital; instead, it promises an enduring increase and alignment with divine principles.
• Empowerment for Giving: By linking giving to God's eternal righteousness, Paul subtly assures the Corinthians that their resources, when used for God's purposes (like aiding the poor), will also be blessed by God's enduring power and provision (as detailed in 2 Cor 9:10-11). This instils confidence in the giver regarding God's ability to multiply what is given.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Commentary

Paul employs Psalm 112:9 to ground his instruction on cheerful giving firmly in the character of God Himself. God is the ultimate pattern of lavish generosity, scattering His provisions widely, especially to the poor. This act is not an occasional good deed but a profound expression of His dikaiosynē, His benevolent and active righteousness, which continually seeks to right wrongs and care for the needy. The enduring nature of this righteousness implies that God's character is steadfast and unfailing, making selfless giving an act that aligns with an eternal, divine purpose. Consequently, believers who generously contribute to the needs of others are not simply performing a humanitarian act, but they are mirroring God's own enduring nature, contributing to a lasting righteousness that has eternal returns and strengthens their identity as children of a generous God. It moves giving beyond mere duty to an outflow of Christ-like character, bringing spiritual fulfillment and a continuous experience of God's enabling grace.

• Examples:
  • Supporting the global church's relief efforts during natural disasters, reflecting God's compassionate scattering of aid.
  • Contributing regularly to ministries that specifically serve the marginalized and poor in one's community, demonstrating active righteousness.
  • Sharing personal resources to assist a family struggling with medical bills, an enduring act of love.