Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation regarding their organized financial collection for Jerusalem believers. He issues this instruction during the practical planning phase of the relief effort.
The words — The Greek προῄρηται (proērētai) literally means "he himself has purposed," denoting a settled internal decision. The term λύπης (lupēs) translates to "regret" or "sorrow," marking the emotional state the text explicitly forbids.
The thread — The text states that giving must stem from personal resolve rather than external pressure, which aligns with 2 Corinthians 8:12's acceptance of gifts according to one's means. This pattern of heart-tested willingness also appears in 1 Chronicles 29:17 and the voluntary labor principle of Acts 20:35.
Why it lands — The text commands each person to determine a specific amount internally and deliver it without coercion or remorse. Readers must evaluate their own capacity, commit to a fixed decision, and execute the giving as a conscious act rather than a forced response.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
- Acts 20:35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
- Exodus 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.
- Proverbs 11:25 A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
- Deuteronomy 15:7 If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.
- Proverbs 22:9 A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
- 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
- Romans 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
- Exodus 35:5 Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;