What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 9:7, from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, emphasizes the attitude and intention behind giving to others, specifically within the context of charitable giving or sharing resources within the Christian community.

The apostle Paul, who is traditionally credited with writing this letter to the church in Corinth, is making the point that when someone decides to give, this decision should be made internally in a person’s heart, and the act of giving should be done freely and generously.

Paul contrasts a cheerful giver with someone who gives "grudgingly" or out of compulsion.

The former gives out of a sense of joy and abundance, while the latter gives reluctantly or because they feel they have to.

The underlying message is that generosity is as much about the giver's attitude as the act itself.

God's approval, according to the verse, is upon those who give cheerfully, as this reflects a gracious and loving nature akin to God’s own character.

Historical Context

The passage from 2 Corinthians 9:7 is part of a letter written by Paul in the mid-50s AD to the Christian community in Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece.

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in which Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to prepare a collection of funds to help fellow Christians in Jerusalem who were facing poverty and persecution.

In the Greco-Roman context, patronage was a common practice, where wealthy patrons would support the less fortunate.

However, this was often done with the expectation of receiving honor or favor in return.

Paul's instructions to give without grudging or necessity were a departure from this cultural practice, urging the believers to give with a different motivation , not for recognition, but out of love and service to God and their brethren.

Theological Insights

This verse provides significant theological insights from various Christian perspectives:

• Evangelical Theology: Many evangelicals would hold that this verse teaches the principle of "stewardship," where everything belongs to God, and Christians are merely caretakers of the resources given to them.

They're to manage these resources responsibly and give freely as they feel led, not under compulsion or reluctantly.

• Catholic Theology: Within the Catholic Church, this verse is often related to the principle of charity, one of the three theological virtues.

It underpins the idea that acts of giving should be infused with love for God and neighbor, echoing the joy that comes from Christian love.

• Prosperity Theology: Some proponents of the prosperity gospel might see this verse as a basis for "seed-faith" giving, where giving generously and cheerfully is believed to lead to financial blessings from God.

However, this interpretation is controversial and widely criticized for misrepresenting biblical teachings on generosity.

• Reformed Theology: The followers of Reformed theology would emphasize that this verse highlights the sovereignty of God in the act of giving. The cheerful inclination to give is seen as an outcome of God's grace working in the heart of the believer.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in various ways in daily life:

• Charitable Giving: Individuals are encouraged to donate to charitable causes joyfully and without resentment.

• Volunteering: When engaging in volunteer work, one should do so because of a genuine desire to serve others, not because of external pressures or for self-promotion.

• Interpersonal Relationships: In interactions with others, individuals can strive to give of their time, attention, and resources without expectation of return, fostering a community of generosity and support.

Cross-References

• 1 Chronicles 29:9: "Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy."

• Proverbs 11:25: "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

• Luke 6:38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

• Deuteronomy 15:10: "Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• Purpose: "Proaireomai," which means to choose or decide before, implying a premeditated and voluntary decision.

• Heart: "Kardia," referencing not just the physical heart but the inner life of a person, including thoughts and intentions.

• Giveth: "Didomi," a common term for giving, which here emphasizes the act of generosity.

• Grudgingly: "Lype," which can be translated as sorrow, grief, or distress, suggesting giving done with a sense of resentment.

• Necessity: "Anagke," meaning compulsion or constraint, indicating giving done out of obligation.

• Cheerful: "Hilaros," which gives us the word "hilarious," here meaning joyous or willing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other cultural and religious interpretations of giving reveal:

• Judaism: The concept of "tzedakah" is central, which denotes righteous giving.

While there is an obligation to give a portion of one's income to the needy, the highest form of tzedakah is to do so anonymously and cheerfully, which aligns with Paul's message.

• Buddhism: The practice of "dana," or generosity, is also a key part of Buddhist teaching, with emphasis on the intention behind giving, as it should be done without expectation of return, akin to the cheerful giver in Corinthians.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, studies in psychology and neuroscience have found that giving can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction, sometimes referred to as the "helper's high." This aligns with the notion of a cheerful giver being one who finds joy in the act of giving, with potential benefits to mental and emotional well-being.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have provided insights into this verse:

• John Calvin: He emphasizes that it's not the amount of the gift that matters to God but the attitude of the heart from which it is offered.

• Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry notes that generosity must be a free will offering, with a cheerful readiness without grudging.

• John Wesley: Wesley pointed out the connection between giving and the grace of God, asserting that the Lord designs to cultivate a giving heart which reflects His own generous character.