Texts in Conversation
In 2 Corinthians, Paul encourages generosity by quoting the Greek Septuagint translation of Psalm 111, which describes a righteous person who gives freely to those in need. Paul adapts this image to urge the Corinthians to support struggling believers.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
LXX Psalms 111:9
Septuagint
7 He shall not be afraid of any evil report: his heart is ready to trust in the Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not fear, till he shall see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for evermore: his horn shall be exalted with honor. 10 The sinner shall see and be angry, he shall gnash his teeth, and consume away: the desire of sinners shall perish.
2 Corinthians 9:9
New Testament
7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,
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Notes and References
"... The discussion here is not exhaustive, and certainly other Old Testament texts featured (though perhaps less prominently) in early Christian discourse about atoning almsgiving. Cyprian, e.g., cites LXX Job 1:5 to claim that almsgiving can purge even the sins of one’s children. Mention here should at least be made of the portrayal of the righteous individual in Psalm 112, not least because the apostle Paul cites Psalm 112:9 in 2 Corinthians 9:9 in the context of an appeal for the Corinthians to give generously to needy believers in Jerusalem. The individual in Psalm 112 is described as “merciful and compassionate and righteous”, and among his virtuous practices are a compassionate willingness to lend (verse 5). Psalm 112:9 is particularly pertinent not only because of Paul’s later citation but also because it appears to link generosity with the reward of righteousness ..."
Downs, David J.
Alms: Charity, Reward, and Atonement in Early Christianity
(p. 56) Baylor University Press, 2016
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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Giving is of God's image and his likeness, nobody can out give the LORD but it is a privilege to give cheerfully what we are able whenever we can!
Giving is of God's image and his likeness, nobody can out give the LORD but it is a privilege to give cheerfully what we are able whenever we can!