2 Corinthians 9:9

9 according as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever.

2 Corinthians 9:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:9

As it is written
In ( Psalms 112:9 ) where it is said of the good and righteous man,

he hath dispersed
(hynwmm) , "his riches", his substance, as the Chaldee paraphrase adds by way of explanation; not in a profuse extravagant manner, but with wisdom and prudence, and yet largely and liberally, according to his ability. Just as the sower scatters his seed here, and there, and in every place, with an open and wide hand, to the good man distributes to all in necessity, and makes them all partakers of his bounty; he gives not only to one, but to many, and not to all without distinction he meets with, whether necessitous or not:

he hath given to the poor.
This explains the former phrase, and points out the persons, the objects of the good man's bounty and compassion:

his righteousness remaineth for ever.
This is not to be understood of his justifying righteousness, as if that consisted of, and was established upon his works of bounty and charity to the poor; nor of his fame among men on account of his liberality; nor of any reward in another world; but of his beneficence itself, it being common with the Jews to call alms (hqdu) , "righteousness": (See Gill on Matthew 6:1) and the sense is, that what such a man bestows in charity on the poor shall not be lost, but shall be like the seed cast into the earth, shall spring up again, and bring forth fruit with increase, according to what follows.

2 Corinthians 9:9 In-Context

7 each according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 But God is able to make every gracious gift abound towards you, that, having in every way always all-sufficiency, ye may abound to every good work:
9 according as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever.
10 Now he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:
11 enriched in every way unto all free-hearted liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.

Footnotes 1

The Darby Translation is in the public domain.