Bible Strands
Psalms 112:9
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — An anonymous psalmist in an acrostic wisdom psalm (Psalms 112:1–10), portraying the righteous man between his fearlessness before foes (v. 8) and the wasting of the wicked (v. 10). No specific audience or occasion is named.
The words — פִּזַּ֤ר (pizzar) is the verb of the first clause: literally "he scatters," an image of tossing gifts outward without counting, not a measured handout. קַ֝רְנ֗/וֹ (qarnô, "his horn") carries the final clause, a stock image for power and elevation (cf. Psalms 75:10).
The thread — Paul quotes the first two clauses verbatim in 2 Corinthians 9:9 as the warrant for generous giving. The horn-exaltation motif recurs in Psalms 75:10, where the horns of the righteous are exalted against the horns of the wicked.
Why it lands — The verse ties generosity not to a single act of charity but to a righteousness that "endures forever," making the scattered gifts the visible proof of a life that outlasts its enemies. It asks the reader to see giving as the signature of endurance, not a cost.
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 Hebrew words
King James Version
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- Psalms 75:10 “All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
- James 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Isaiah 58:10 and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.
- Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 1 John 3:16 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.