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 9:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 mean?

2 Corinthians 9:7 says that each person should decide in their own heart how much to give, and then give willingly, not out of reluctance or because they feel forced. God especially values those who give with a cheerful and willing attitude.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth about a collection being taken to help believers in need. He encourages them to give thoughtfully and freely, making it clear that the attitude behind the gift matters just as much as the gift itself. The verse highlights that God cares about the motivation and joy behind generosity, not just the act of giving.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 9:7

  • "purposeth" (προαιρέομαι, proaireomai): This word means to choose or decide beforehand, emphasizing that giving should be a thoughtful, personal decision rather than a reaction to pressure.
  • "grudgingly" (ἐκ λύπης, ek lupēs): This phrase means "out of sorrow" or "reluctantly," showing that giving should not come from a place of regret or sadness.
  • "necessity" (ἀνάγκη, anankē): This word refers to compulsion or obligation, clarifying that giving should not be done because someone feels forced or under pressure.
  • "cheerful" (ἱλαρός, hilaros): This word means joyful or glad, highlighting that God values a spirit of genuine happiness in giving.

Why 2 Corinthians 9:7 matters

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 clears up the idea that giving is only about the amount; it shows that the heart and attitude behind the gift are just as important.
  • This verse emphasizes freedom and personal responsibility in giving, rather than pressure or guilt.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is encouraging generosity for the right reasons, connecting the act of giving to a deeper relationship with God and others.

Where else these words appear

“grudgingly” Greek G3077 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
  • John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

“necessity” Greek G318 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
  • 1 Corinthians 7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
  • Philemon 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“loveth” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.