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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/9-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/47_2Co_09_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. 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And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> each as he purposes in the heart, not out of regret or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn't be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Each one should give what he decides in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Each person should give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or by constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves." <a href="/web/2_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> each one, according as he purposes in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver, <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> each as he purposes in the heart, not out of regret or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> each one, according as he doth purpose in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for a cheerful giver doth God love, <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Each as he chooses in the heart; not of grief, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> each one giving, just as he has determined in his heart, neither out of sadness, nor out of obligation. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So let every man give according to what he has decided in his mind, not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Every man according to what he is in his mind and not according to grief or of compulsion, for God loves the joyful giver.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let each one give, as he purposes in his heart; not with grief, nor from necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious giver. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let every man, as he hath purposed in heart, give, not with reluctance or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves." <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let each one do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let every one give as he chuses in his own heart; not with reluctance, or constraint: for God loveth a chearful giver. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1602" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/9.htm">God Loves a Cheerful Giver</a> …6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7<a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastos (Adj-NMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">Each one</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">should give what</a> <a href="/greek/4255.htm" title="4255: proērētai (V-RIM-3S) -- From pro and haireomai; to choose for oneself before another thing, i.e. to propose.">he has decided</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in his</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart to give,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3077.htm" title="3077: lypēs (N-GFS) -- Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness.">regret</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out."></a> <a href="/greek/318.htm" title="318: anankēs (N-GFS) -- From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.">compulsion.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapa (V-PIA-3S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">loves</a> <a href="/greek/2431.htm" title="2431: hilaron (Adj-AMS) -- Joyous, cheerful, not grudging. From the same as hileos; propitious or merry, i.e. Prompt or willing.">a cheerful</a> <a href="/greek/1395.htm" title="1395: dotēn (N-AMS) -- A giver. From the base of didomi; a giver.">giver.</a> 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1-4</a> “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ... <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a> Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a> In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a> A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a> if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-10</a> Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ... <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Philippians 4:18</a> I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a> Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. <a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a> And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a> If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a> “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-10.htm">Deuteronomy 15:10</a> Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. <a href="/1_chronicles/29-9.htm">1 Chronicles 29:9</a> And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly. <a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">1 Chronicles 29:17</a> I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.not.<a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11,14</a> If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: … <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Proverbs 23:6-8</a> Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: … <a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Isaiah 32:5,8</a> The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful… God.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a> For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.<a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.<a href="/exodus/35-5.htm">Exodus 35:5</a> Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Compulsion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Constraint</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Contribute</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Force</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Giver</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-3.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-19.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Purposeth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Reluctantly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/5-13.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Compulsion</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Constraint</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Contribute</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Force</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Giver</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/galatians/1-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-17.htm">Purposeth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Reluctantly</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 9</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-1.htm">He yields the reason why he sent Titus and his brothers beforehand.</a> 6. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">And he proceeds in stirring them up to a bountiful alms, as being but a kind of sowing of seed,</a> 10. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">which shall return a great increase to them,</a> 13. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">and occasion a great sacrifice of thanksgivings unto God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of voluntary and heartfelt contributions. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. This aligns with the Old Testament principle found in <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a>, where God instructs Moses to collect offerings from those whose hearts prompt them to give. The decision to give should be a deliberate act, reflecting one's relationship with God and understanding of stewardship.not out of regret or compulsion Paul contrasts the ideal of voluntary giving with giving that is done reluctantly or under pressure. Regret implies a sense of loss or sorrow after giving, which can occur if the act is not done willingly. Compulsion suggests external pressure or obligation, which can lead to resentment. In the cultural context of Corinth, where patronage and social status were significant, giving could be manipulated for personal gain or social standing. Paul encourages believers to rise above these societal norms and give freely, as seen in the example of the Macedonian churches in <a href="/2_corinthians/8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:1-5</a>, who gave generously despite their poverty.For God loves a cheerful giver This phrase underscores the attitude God desires in those who give. The Greek word for "cheerful" is "hilaros," which conveys a sense of joy and readiness. This reflects the character of God, who is generous and delights in giving, as seen in <a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a>, where every good and perfect gift is described as coming from above. The cheerful giver mirrors God's own nature, and this attitude is celebrated throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a>, which states that a generous person will be blessed. This principle also points to the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself willingly and joyfully for the salvation of humanity, as described in <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, writing to the church in Corinth to encourage generosity and proper attitudes towards giving. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, where the early Christian church faced various challenges, including issues related to giving and generosity. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, who were being encouraged to contribute to a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem_church.htm">Jerusalem Church</a> The early Christian community in Jerusalem, which was experiencing financial hardship and was the intended beneficiary of the collection. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate recipient of our giving, who values the heart and attitude behind the act of giving.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_giving.htm">The Heart of Giving</a> Our giving should be a reflection of our heart's decision, not influenced by external pressures or guilt. It should be a voluntary and joyful act. <a href="/topical/c/cheerfulness_in_giving.htm">Cheerfulness in Giving</a> God values the attitude behind our giving. A cheerful giver reflects trust in God's provision and a desire to bless others. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_from_compulsion.htm">Freedom from Compulsion</a> True generosity is not coerced. It flows from a heart that understands the grace of God and responds in kind. <a href="/topical/p/purposeful_giving.htm">Purposeful Giving</a> Decide in advance what to give, allowing for thoughtful and intentional generosity that aligns with one's values and resources. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a> As we give cheerfully, we mirror God's own generous nature, becoming conduits of His love and provision to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 9</a> <a href="/q/how_does_generosity_affect_relationships.htm">What is the impact of generosity on relationships?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_giving_show_your_generosity.htm">How does giving reflect your heart's generosity?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_libertarianism_defined.htm">How is libertarianism defined?</a> <a href="/q/is_santa_claus_from_christian_roots.htm">Does Santa Claus have Christian origins?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Every man according as he purposeth.--The verb, which does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, is used in its full ethical significance as indicating, not a passing impulse nor a vague wish, but a deliberate resolve, deciding both on the end and on the means for its attainment (Aristotle, Eth. Nicom. iii., c. 2). Such, St. Paul teaches, should be the purpose of the giver--not the outcome of a spent emotion, or a promise half-regretted, but formed with a clear well-defined perception of all attendant circumstances, and therefore neither "grudgingly," as regards amount, nor with reluctance, as giving under pressure.God loveth a cheerful giver.--As in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm" title="Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.">2Corinthians 8:21</a>, so here, we have a distinct echo from the Book of Proverbs (<a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm" title="He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.">Proverbs 22:8</a>) as it stands in the Greek version. In that version we find the following: "He that soweth wicked things shall reap evils, and shall complete the penalty of his deed. God blesseth a cheerful man and a giver, and shall complete" (in a good sense) "the incompleteness of his works." It is obvious that this differs much from the Hebrew, which is represented in the English version, and it is interesting as showing that St. Paul used the LXX., and habitually quoted from it, and not from the Hebrew. As coming so soon after the quotation from <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm" title="So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.">Proverbs 3:4</a> in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm" title="Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.">2Corinthians 8:21</a>, it seems to suggest that the Apostle had recently been studying that book, and that his mind was full of its teaching. As a law of action, it may be noted that the principle has a far wider range of application than that of simple alms-giving. Cheerfulness in visits of sympathy, in the daily offices of kindness, in the life of home, in giving instruction or advice--all come under the head of that which God approves and loves. So the greatest of Greek ethical teachers had refused the title of "liberal" to the man who gave without pleasure in the act of giving. The pain he feels proves that if he could he would rather have the money than do the noble action (Aristotle, Eth. Nicom. iv., c. 1).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - In his heart. The heart must not only go with but anticipate the hand. Grudgingly; literally, from grief (<a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a>; <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a>). A cheerful giver. The phrase is from the addition to <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Proverbs 22:8</a>, which is found in the LXX.; except that "loveth" is substituted for "blesseth." Compare "He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness" (<a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a>). The rabbis said that cheerful kindness, even if nothing was given, was better than a morose gift. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Each one ἕκαστος (hekastos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. [ should give ] what καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. he has decided προῄρηται (proērētai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4255.htm">Strong's 4255: </a> From pro and haireomai; to choose for oneself before another thing, i.e. to propose. in [his] τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heart [to give ], καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. regret λύπης (lypēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3077.htm">Strong's 3077: </a> Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. compulsion. ἀνάγκης (anankēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_318.htm">Strong's 318: </a> From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. God Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. loves ἀγαπᾷ (agapa) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. a cheerful ἱλαρὸν (hilaron) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2431.htm">Strong's 2431: </a> Joyous, cheerful, not grudging. From the same as hileos; propitious or merry, i.e. Prompt or willing. giver. δότην (dotēn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1395.htm">Strong's 1395: </a> A giver. From the base of didomi; a giver. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each man give according as he (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 9:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 9:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 9:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 9:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>