Isaiah 32:8
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.
Original Language Analysis
נְדִיב֥וֹת
But the liberal
H5081
נְדִיב֥וֹת
But the liberal
Strong's:
H5081
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
נְדִיב֥וֹת
But the liberal
H5081
נְדִיב֥וֹת
But the liberal
Strong's:
H5081
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
וְה֖וּא
H1931
וְה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient patronage systems expected wealthy individuals to show generosity—funding public works, feeding the poor. The truly noble fulfilled this; the churlish (v. 7) exploited position for gain. Christianity transformed generosity from patronage (expecting honor/reciprocity) to charity (expecting nothing back)—Jesus commanded, 'lend, hoping for nothing again' (Luke 6:35). Early Christians' radical generosity attracted pagans (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35).
Questions for Reflection
- How does planning generous acts differ from occasional spontaneous giving?
- What does it mean that generosity causes you to 'stand'—to be established and endure?
- In what areas is God calling you to move from churl (hoarding) to noble (generous planning)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the liberal deviseth liberal things (וְנָדִיב נְדִיבוֹת יָעָץ, venadiv nedivot ya'ats)—the נָדִיב (nadiv, noble, generous person) plans נְדִיבוֹת (nedivot, noble things, generous acts). And by liberal things shall he stand (וְהוּא עַל־נְדִיבוֹת יָקוּם, vehu al-nedivot yaqum)—by נְדִיבוֹת (nedivot, nobility, generosity) he will קוּם (qum, stand, endure, be established).
The contrast with verses 6-7 is stark: vile person schemes evil, noble person plans good. The repetition emphasizes character consistency—the נָדִיב (nadiv) doesn't just perform occasional generous acts but fundamentally orients life toward נְדִיבוֹת (nedivot, generosity). The promise 'he shall stand' (יָקוּם, yaqum) means endure, be established, succeed. Proverbs 11:25 echoes: 'The liberal soul shall be made fat.' Generosity isn't financial loss but Kingdom investment. Jesus promised: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). Second Corinthians 9:6-11 develops the principle—generous sowing yields generous reaping.