King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:7 in the King James Version says “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity: for God loveth a ch...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 · KJV

Context

5

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. bounty: Gr. blessing whereof: or, which hath been so much spoken of before

6

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully .

7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

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:

9

(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Read 2 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart (ἕκαστος καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ)—The verb proaireō (προαιρέω) means "choose beforehand, decide in advance." Giving should be deliberate, premeditated, not impulsive. The heart (kardia, καρδία) represents the seat of will and affection, not mere emotion. God desires giving that flows from transformed desires, not external compliance.

Not grudgingly, or of necessity (μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης)—lypē (λύπη, "grief, sorrow, reluctance") describes the pain of parting with money. Anankē (ἀνάγκη, "necessity, compulsion") indicates external pressure. Both corrupt giving. God rejects offerings given with resentment or coercion (see Cain's grudging sacrifice, Gen 4:5; Ananias and Sapphira's false generosity, Acts 5:1-11).

For God loveth a cheerful giver (ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός)—hilaron (ἱλαρόν, "cheerful, joyful") gives us "hilarious." This quotes Proverbs 22:8 LXX: "God blesses a cheerful and giving man." The present tense agapaō (ἀγαπᾷ, "loves") indicates God's continuous delight in joyful generosity. Cheerfulness reveals that the giver has grasped grace: "You can't out-give God." This is the heart of the gospel applied to money.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman patronage systems compelled giving through social obligation—clients gave tribute to patrons to maintain favor and protection. Jewish tithing was legally mandated. Paul revolutionizes giving: Christian generosity is voluntary, joyful, and grace-motivated. This countercultural approach puzzled ancient audiences accustomed to compulsory religious taxes and socially coerced donations. True worship requires freedom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you honestly assess the emotional quality of your giving—joyful, neutral, or reluctant?
  2. What specific aspect of God's grace to you in Christ most motivates cheerful generosity?
  3. How can you cultivate 'premeditated' giving that flows from heart transformation rather than external pressure or emotional manipulation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἕκαστος1 of 17

“Every man”

G1538

each or every

καθὼς2 of 17

“according as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

προαιρεῖται3 of 17

“he purposeth”

G4255

to choose for oneself before another thing (prefer), i.e., (by implication) to propose (intend)

τῇ4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίᾳ5 of 17

“in his heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

μὴ6 of 17

“so let him give not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐξ7 of 17

“grudgingly”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

λύπης8 of 17
G3077

sadness

ἢ9 of 17

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐξ10 of 17

“grudgingly”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀνάγκης·11 of 17

“necessity”

G318

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

ἱλαρὸν12 of 17

“a cheerful”

G2431

propitious or merry ("hilarious"), i.e., prompt or willing

γὰρ13 of 17

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

δότην14 of 17

“giver”

G1395

a giver

ἀγαπᾷ15 of 17

“loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὁ16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός17 of 17

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 9:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:12Acts 20:351 Chronicles 29:17Proverbs 11:25Exodus 25:2Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 9 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes