Ecclesiastes 11:2

“Give a portion to seven, and also to eight, etc.] Or, a “part”f260; not the whole of a man’s substance, for he must have to support himself and his family; he that does not take care of that is worse than an infidel; a man may bestow all his goods on the poor, and not have charity; though no doubt there was true charity, or love, in the poor widow that threw in all her substance into the treasury, which was an extraordinary case, (<540508>1 Timothy 5:8 <461302>1 Corinthians 13:2 <411244>Mark 12:44); but a man is to give of such things that he has, ordinarily, and not all that he has, (<421141>Luke 11:41); he is to give according to his ability, and what he can spare from the service of…”

“portion--of thy bread. seven--the perfect number. eight--even to more than seven; that is, "to many" (so "waters," Ecc 11:1), nay, even to very many in need (Job 5:19; Mic 5:5). evil--The day may be near, when you will need the help of those whom you have bound to you by kindnesses (Luk 16:9). The very argument which covetous men use against liberality (namely, that bad times may come), the wise man uses for it.”

“The verse means: “Let your hospitality and your alms be extensive: for you know not what reverses may befall either that person who by your liberality will be strengthened to meet them, or yourself who may come to need grateful friends.” Compare Luke 16:9. Seven, and also to eight - A definite number for an indefinite (compare marginal reference). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Give - A part of thy estate or provisions. He alludes to the ancient custom, whereby the master of the feast distributed several parts to each guest, and withal sent portions to the poor. To eight - To as many as thou art able. For - Great calamities may come whereby thou mayest be brought to poverty, and so disabled from doing good. Ecclesiastes 11:3”

“a portion: Neh 8:10; Est 9:19, Est 9:22; Psa 112:9; Luk 6:30-35; Ti1 6:18, Ti1 6:19 seven: Job 5:19; Pro 6:16; Mic 5:5; Mat 18:22; Luk 17:4 for: Dan 4:27; Act 11:28-30; Gal 6:1; Eph 5:16; Heb 13:3 Ecclesiastes 11:3”

“"Divide the portion into seven, yea, eight (parts); for thou knowest not what evil shall happen on the earth." With that other interpretation, עליך was to be expected instead of 'al-haarets; for an evil spreading abroad over the earth, a calamity to the land, does not yet fall on every one without exception; and why was not the רעה designated directly as personal? The impression of the words לשׁם ... תּן־, established in this general manner, is certainly this, that on the supposition of the possibility of a universal catastrophe breaking in, they advise a division of our property, so that if we are involved in it, our all may not at once be lost, but only this or that part of it, as Jacob,…”