Psalm 112 9

Psalm 112:9 kjv

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

Psalm 112:9 nkjv

He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor.

Psalm 112:9 niv

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.

Psalm 112:9 esv

He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.

Psalm 112:9 nlt

They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.

Psalm 112 verses

Psalm 112 9 Meaning

Psalm 112:9 articulates the lasting impact and divine favor upon the person who lives righteously and generously. It portrays such an individual as someone who liberally distributes their resources, particularly to the needy, demonstrating true compassion. As a result, their character and benevolent deeds acquire an enduring legacy, and they are ultimately honored and elevated, not through self-assertion, but by the LORD's commendation. This verse encapsulates the principle that selfless giving leads to spiritual and lasting renown, transcending earthly recognition.

Psalm 112 9 Context

Psalm 112 belongs to a pair with Psalm 111; Psalm 111 extols the great works of the LORD, while Psalm 112 details the blessedness of the individual who reveres and follows Him. The entire psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, signifying a comprehensive and complete description. The psalmist systematically outlines the characteristics of this righteous individual: their awe of God (v. 1), the blessing upon their descendants (v. 2), their integrity and financial well-being (v. 3), their compassion and grace (v. 4), their fair dealings (v. 5), and their stability amidst adversity (v. 6-8). Verse 9 serves as a climactic summary, highlighting the outward manifestation of their righteousness through liberal generosity and the resultant lasting honor and stability they receive. Historically, in ancient Israel, the care for the poor was a cornerstone of God's law, a measure of communal piety, and a mark of true justice. The actions described in this verse directly align with and embody the covenant responsibilities of God's people.

Psalm 112 9 Word Analysis

• He has dispersed abroad (פִּזַּר - pizzar): This Hebrew word signifies to scatter or spread widely, often in an unhesitant and unreserved manner. It implies a liberal and abundant generosity, not merely giving small amounts, but truly distributing resources without hoarding. This highlights the proactive and expansive nature of the righteous person's charitable acts, moving beyond basic provision to a genuine overflowing of kindness.
• he has given (נָתַן - natan): The fundamental verb "to give." In this context, it confirms the concrete action of transferring resources, reinforcing the active and tangible nature of their benevolence, not merely good intentions.
• to the poor (לָאֶבְיוֹנִים - la’evyōnîm): Refers specifically to the destitute, the needy, those in want or lacking resources. The emphasis is on compassion for the truly vulnerable and marginalized, a recurring theme in biblical law and wisdom literature.
• his righteousness (צִדְקָתוֹ - tzidqātō): This is a rich theological term meaning moral uprightness, justice, and adherence to divine law. It implies integrity in all dealings, especially in the sphere of social justice and caring for the vulnerable. The verse ties the acts of generosity directly to the individual's inherent righteous character, emphasizing that their giving flows from a deeper moral core.
• endures forever (עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד - ōmeḏeṯ lā‘aḏ): This phrase means "stands eternally" or "stands forever." It emphasizes the permanence and lasting impact of the righteous person's actions and character. Unlike fleeting earthly wealth or reputation, the impact of genuine righteousness and generosity has an enduring quality, indicating a legacy that transcends temporal limitations and possibly hints at a remembrance before God.
• his horn (קַרְנוֹ - qarnō): "Horn" is a potent symbol in biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing strength, power, dignity, and honor. It is often associated with victory, triumph, and sovereign authority (e.g., in animals, kings, or divine figures). This metaphorical reference signifies a divinely bestowed position of influence and respect.
• is exalted (תָּרוּם - tārum): Literally "is lifted up" or "is made high." This passive verb implies that the exaltation is not self-proclaimed or sought, but rather bestowed or granted, underscoring that it is God who honors the righteous.
• in honor (בְּכָבוֹד - bekāvōḏ): "Honor" (Hebrew: kāvōḏ) implies glory, weight, dignity, and respect. It points to a deep, profound recognition of worth and value.

Words-group Analysis:

• "He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor": This tandem highlights the practical, active, and broad nature of the righteous individual's generosity. It speaks to a commitment to helping the less fortunate not just casually, but as a lifestyle, distributing resources far and wide without constraint. This reflects a heart aligned with divine principles of care for all humanity.
• "his righteousness endures forever": This phrase directly connects the visible acts of charity to the internal moral fabric of the individual. It suggests that such actions are not isolated deeds but manifestations of a foundational righteousness that will last beyond the person's earthly life, carrying an eternal quality in the eyes of God. It implies an everlasting testimony to their faithfulness.
• "his horn is exalted in honor": This concluding declaration speaks to the ultimate vindication and glorification of the righteous. It symbolizes that the true strength, dignity, and power of this person—not built on worldly accumulation or self-aggrandizement—will be openly recognized and lifted up by God Himself, resulting in profound and enduring respect. This serves as a divine counter-balance to the perceived weakness of self-sacrifice.

Psalm 112 9 Bonus section

The structure of Psalm 112 as an acrostic (along with Psalm 111) is significant. It implies a comprehensive and perfect description of the blessed person, mirroring the completeness of God's attributes in Psalm 111. This intricate design suggests that the characteristics described are exhaustive and fully capture what it means to fear the LORD and walk in His ways. The "horn" as a symbol of power finds particular resonance in the Messiah, often referred to as a "horn of salvation" (Luke 1:69), demonstrating that ultimate strength and salvation come through a compassionate and humble savior, embodying the very generosity described here. The promise of enduring righteousness provides comfort against the fleeting nature of worldly achievements and fame, assuring believers that their good deeds done in faith have eternal weight and meaning before the LORD.

Psalm 112 9 Commentary

Psalm 112:9 stands as a powerful testament to the spiritual economy of God's kingdom. It paints a picture of the blessed individual whose life of uprightness manifests most strikingly in selfless generosity. The scattering of resources to the poor is not merely a philanthropic act, but an overflow of genuine righteousness that delights in God's will. Such giving is shown to have an enduring spiritual value; it is not forgotten but permanently stamped in divine remembrance. The result is an exaltation of honor, not through human acclaim or striving, but through God's own vindication. This verse emphasizes that true power and dignity in God's eyes are found in compassionately serving others, which ultimately leads to an everlasting legacy and divinely bestowed renown. It counters the worldly view that strength lies in hoarding or self-preservation, demonstrating that real, enduring power and honor come from radical benevolence.