2 Corinthians 9:9
What does 2 Corinthians 9:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 9:9 means
Paul quotes Scripture: “He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.” The righteous person’s openhanded giving is not a loss; it reflects a life rooted in God, whose righteousness endures. Generosity toward the poor flows from and displays true piety. By using this citation, Paul shows that his teaching is not novel. God’s people have always been marked by compassionate distribution. The permanence of righteousness contrasts with the passing nature of possessions. What is scattered in mercy endures in God’s sight, bearing fruit that outlasts this life and commending God’s faithfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As it is said in the Writings, He has sent out far and wide, he has given to the poor; his righteousness is for ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862(according as it hath been written, `He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness doth remain to the age,')
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890according as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever.
Context
After asserting that God can make grace abound (v. 8), Paul roots generous living in Scripture (v. 9). This biblical witness validates his appeal and provides a pattern for believers. The next verse (10) will return to God’s role as ongoing Supplier and Multiplier—both bread for today and seed for tomorrow—while verse 11 will connect God’s enrichment with increased liberality and thanksgiving to God. The thread is consistent: Scripture commends generosity, and God Himself sustains it, ensuring that the righteous life is both generous and enduring.
v.8And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:
v.9This passage
v.10And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
- Isaiah 51:8
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation unto all generations.
- Psalms 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the needy; His righteousness endureth for ever: His horn shall be exalted with honor.
- Psalms 112:3
Wealth and riches are in his house; And his righteousness endureth for ever.
- Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
- Proverbs 8:18
Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.
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