Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Original Language Analysis
טֽוֹב
He that hath a bountiful
H2896
טֽוֹב
He that hath a bountiful
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
עַ֭יִן
eye
H5869
עַ֭יִן
eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 8
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
יְבֹרָ֑ךְ
shall be blessed
H1288
יְבֹרָ֑ךְ
shall be blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
4 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָתַ֖ן
for he giveth
H5414
נָתַ֖ן
for he giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.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 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Isaiah 32:8But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Luke 14:13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Matthew 20:15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Historical Context
Israelite law mandated provision for the poor through gleaning, debt forgiveness, and prohibitions against exploitation. Generosity was covenant obligation, not optional charity.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you have a 'bountiful eye' that sees opportunities to help, or a stingy spirit that hoards?
- How can you grow in generous giving that reflects God's abundant provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The person with a 'bountiful eye' (generous spirit) sees abundance where others see scarcity, giving freely to the poor. Such generosity receives divine blessing. This connects economic behavior to spiritual condition: the generous person has been transformed by God's grace and reflects His character. Giving to the poor is lending to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17); God repays with both temporal and eternal rewards. Generosity demonstrates faith that God provides abundantly and will not leave the giver destitute. By contrast, the stingy person who hoards reveals distrust of God's provision. Believers should cultivate generous hearts that delight in meeting others' needs.