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 speaks to the generous distribution of resources by the righteous. It affirms that their charitable actions lead to enduring prosperity and righteousness. Their generosity is not fleeting but yields a lasting legacy of fairness and blessing.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 9 focuses on the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of their promise to give and encouraging them to follow through with a generous spirit. He wants them to give not out of compulsion but willingly and abundantly. This specific verse summarizes the principle that drives such giving: a connection between righteous generosity and enduring prosperity and a lasting testimony of fairness. The wider context of 2 Corinthians is Paul defending his apostolic authority and guiding the Corinthian church in spiritual maturity, which includes their responsibility to other believers, especially those in need.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Word Analysis

• ὃς (hos): "who" or "which." This is a relative pronoun.
  • Significance: Introduces the subject performing the action, connecting it to a previous mention or understanding of the righteous person.
• σκόρπισεν (skorpisen): "has scattered." The aorist tense of the verb skorpiZō (to scatter).
  • Meaning: Implies distributing, dispersing, or giving away.
  • Original Context: In ancient agricultural or economic contexts, scattering seeds or goods signified distribution. Here it implies giving generously and widely, not hoarding.
  • Significance: Suggests a broad, unselfish distribution of possessions. It's the opposite of clinging to one's wealth.
• ἔδωκεν (edōken): "has given." The aorist tense of the verb didōmi (to give).
  • Meaning: A simple past action of giving.
  • Significance: Refers to the act of distributing or bestowing gifts or aid.
• τῇ (tē): "to the." A definite article with the feminine dative case.
  • Significance: Specifies that the recipient of the action is particular and identified.
• ἐλεημοσύνῃ (eleēmosynē): "alms," "charity," "mercy." The dative case of the noun eleēmosynē.
  • Meaning: Acts of compassion and generosity, particularly towards the needy.
  • Original Context: This term often referred to gifts given to the poor, rooted in pity and mercy. It was a practice encouraged in Judaism and carried forward in early Christianity.
  • Significance: Highlights the merciful and compassionate motive behind the distribution.
• καὶ (kai): "and." A coordinating conjunction.
  • Significance: Connects the first part of the verse (scattering and giving) with the consequence that follows.
• μένει (menei): "remains," "abides." The present indicative of the verb menō (to remain, abide, continue).
  • Meaning: Continues to exist or endure.
  • Significance: Implies a lasting, permanent state. It's not temporary.
• εἰς (eis): "unto," "into." A preposition.
  • Significance: Indicates the direction or purpose of the state of being.
• τὸν (ton): "the." A definite article with the masculine accusative case.
  • Significance: Specifies the object of the following noun.
• αἰῶνα (aiōna): "age," "eternity." The accusative case of the noun aiōn.
  • Meaning: Can refer to a long period of time, an era, or eternity itself.
  • Original Context: Aiōn is a key concept in Greek thought and biblical theology, referring to ages or periods of time, and in theological contexts, eternity.
  • Significance: In this context, it suggests that the benefit or the fruit of the generous scattering "remains forever" or "for the age," implying a lasting, unending consequence or reward.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
  • Significance: Connects the enduring nature of the prosperity with righteousness.
• ἡ (hē): "the." A definite article with the feminine nominative case.
  • Significance: Introduces the subject "righteousness."
• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē): "righteousness." The nominative case of the noun dikaiosynē.
  • Meaning: The state of being right with God, or acting justly and morally.
  • Significance: It emphasizes that the outcome of such giving is not just material prosperity, but a righteous standing, likely before God and in character.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "ὃς ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τῇ ἐλεημοσύνῃ" (hos eskorpisen, edōken tē eleēmosynē): This phrase vividly describes the act of generosity. The scattering and giving for alms together paint a picture of a person who doesn't hold back but actively and mercifully distributes their resources. It contrasts sharply with avarice or hoarding.
• "μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα" (menei eis ton aiōna): This combination highlights the enduring nature of the blessing received for such giving. It’s not a temporary fix or a one-time gain, but a lasting benefit, often interpreted as spiritual prosperity, good reputation, and ultimately, eternal rewards, alongside temporal blessings.
• "καὶ ἡ δικαιοσύνη" (kai hē dikaiosynē): This connects the lasting benefit to righteousness itself. It suggests that righteous giving is an outflow of a righteous life and, in turn, reinforces and perpetuates that righteousness. The prosperity that "remains" is one aligned with justice and godly living.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Bonus Section

The concept of "scattering" wealth (or resources) is a profound metaphor. In many ancient cultures, including Israelite tradition, hoarded wealth was often seen as sterile or even cursed. True wealth and prosperity were associated with circulation, generosity, and investment in the community and divine service. This verse affirms that such active, merciful distribution is not a loss but a divine investment that yields an eternal return, reinforcing the giver's upright character and divine favor. The "righteousness" that endures is not just legalistic correctness but the practical, active righteousness that flows from a heart devoted to God and compassionate towards others, reflecting the very nature of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9 9 Commentary

The verse encapsulates the principle of sowing and reaping in the realm of charity and godly living. When believers, guided by mercy and the Spirit, distribute their possessions generously, the blessings are twofold: lasting material or spiritual prosperity and an enhanced state of righteousness. This generosity isn't merely about giving money; it's about investing in eternal values. The fruit of this giving is not just a passing comfort but an enduring testimony of a life lived in accordance with God's will, a legacy that continues even into eternity. It mirrors the character of God, who is Himself righteous and generously provides for His creation. Such acts build a strong foundation, not just for the recipients but also for the giver, demonstrating integrity and a commitment to a higher purpose. This act of giving is often an outward expression of an inner transformed life.

Practical Usage Example: A person regularly gives a portion of their income to support those in need and to their local church. The consequence of this action is not only that their own needs are often met in surprising ways, but also that their reputation is one of integrity, and their walk with God feels more solid and blessed. They are investing in what truly lasts.