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2 Corinthians 9:7

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “[Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

[Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.
5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
6But this [I say,] He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7[Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:
9as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
10And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:
← 2 Corinthians 9:62 Corinthians 9:8 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, etc..] 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 f79 reckon this the lowest degree of all in giving alms; “when a man gives to anyone” bx[b, “with grief”, to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“according as he purposeth in his heart--Let the full consent of the free will go with the gift [ALFORD]. Opposed to "of necessity," as "grudgingly" is opposed to "a cheerful giver" (Pro 22:9; Pro 11:25; Isa 32:8).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart ... - The main idea in this verse is, that the act of giving should be voluntary and cheerful. It should not seem to be extorted by the importunity of others 2 Corinthians 9:6; nor should it be given from urgent necessity, but it should be given as an offering of the heart. On this part of the verse we may remark: (1) That the heart is usually more concerned in the business of giving than the head. If liberality is evinced, it will be the heart which prompts to it; if it is not evinced, it will be because the heart has some bad passions to gratify, and is under the influence of avarice, or selfishness, or some other improper attachment. Very…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse. 2 Corinthians 9:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:7 It is the spirit of giving that counts, “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Cheerfulness in giving is contrasted with giving reluctantly (literally out of sorrow) or in response to pressure.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“not: Deu 15:7-11, Deu 15:14; Pro 23:6-8; Isa 32:5, Isa 32:8; Jam 5:9; Pe1 4:9 God: Co2 8:12; Exo 25:2, Exo 35:5; Ch1 29:17; Pro 11:25, Pro 22:9; Act 20:35; Rom 12:8 2 Corinthians 9:8”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 9 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification