‏ 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

6. I say--Ellicott and others supply the ellipsis thus: "But remember this."

bountifully--literally, "with," or "in blessings." The word itself implies a beneficent spirit in the giver (compare 2Co 9:7, end), and the plural implies the abundance and liberality of the gifts. "The reaping shall correspond to the proportions and spirit of the sowing" [Bengel]. Compare Eze 34:26, "Showers of blessing."

7. according as he purposeth in his heart--Let the full consent of the free will go with the gift [Alford]. Opposed to "of necessity," as "grudgingly" is opposed to "a cheerful giver" (Pr 22:9; 11:25; Is 32:8).

8. all grace--even in external goods, and even while ye bestow on others [Bengel].

that--"in order that." God's gifts are bestowed on us, not that we may have them to ourselves, but that we may the more "abound in good works" to others.

sufficiency--so as not to need the help of others, having yourselves from God "bread for your food" (2Co 9:10).

in all things--Greek, "in everything."

every good work--of charity to others, which will be "your seed sown" (2Co 9:10).

9. As it is written--realizing the highly blessed character portrayed in Psa 112:9.

He--the "good man" (Psa 112:5).

dispersed--as seed sown with full and open hand, without anxious thought in what direction each grain may fall. It is implied also that he has always what he may disperse [Bengel]. So in Psa 112:9.

the poor--The Greek word is found here only in New Testament, "one in straitened circumstances, who earns his bread by labor." The word usually employed means "one so poor as to live by begging."

his righteousness--Here "beneficence": the evidence of his being righteous before God and man. Compare De 24:13; Mt 6:1, "alms"; Greek, "righteousness."

remaineth--unexhausted and unfailing.

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