2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Original Language Analysis
προαιρεῖται
he purposeth
G4255
προαιρεῖται
he purposeth
Strong's:
G4255
Word #:
3 of 17
to choose for oneself before another thing (prefer), i.e., (by implication) to propose (intend)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
in his heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
in his heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 17
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
μὴ
so let him give not
G3361
μὴ
so let him give not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐξ
grudgingly
G1537
ἐξ
grudgingly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐξ
grudgingly
G1537
ἐξ
grudgingly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἀνάγκης·
necessity
G318
ἀνάγκης·
necessity
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
11 of 17
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
ἱλαρὸν
a cheerful
G2431
ἱλαρὸν
a cheerful
Strong's:
G2431
Word #:
12 of 17
propitious or merry ("hilarious"), i.e., prompt or willing
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.Exodus 25:2Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.Proverbs 11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.Proverbs 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.Romans 12:8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.Exodus 35:5Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,James 5:9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How would you honestly assess the emotional quality of your giving—joyful, neutral, or reluctant?
- What specific aspect of God's grace to you in Christ most motivates cheerful generosity?
- How can you cultivate 'premeditated' giving that flows from heart transformation rather than external pressure or emotional manipulation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.