Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
NIV · New International Version
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.
WEB · World English Bible
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,.... Which is not to be understood of the quantity, or any set sum he has fixed upon in his mind to give; but of the quality or nature of giving; or of the manner in which he is to give: so let him give; of his own will and free choice, from his very heart; not as directed and forced by others, but according to his own counsel and determination: not grudgingly; or not of grief; with pain and uneasiness of mind, grieving at parting with what is given, reflecting on the persons that move him to it, or on the objects moved for. The Jews (g) reckon this the lowest degree of all in giving alms; "when a man gives to anyone" "with grief", to which…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
For, (1.) God loveth a cheerful giver (Co2 9:7), and what may not those hope to receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer?
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 2 Corinthians 9:6–9
7. Unusquisque secundum propositum cordis, non ex molestia aut necessitate: nam hilarem datorem diligit Deus. 8. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 8. Potens est autem Deus efficere, ut tota gratia in vos exuberet: ut in omnibus omnem sufficientiam habentes, exuberetis in omne opus bonum. 9.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Corinthians 9:4–10 (WEB)
4lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. 6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” 10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
- 1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that you try the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now I have seen with joy your people, who are present here, offer willingly to you.
- Exodus 25:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take my offering.
- Proverbs 11:25
The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.
- Deuteronomy 15:7–11
If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother;
- Proverbs 22:9
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
- 1 Peter 4:9
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.