2 Corinthians 9:7

Context

Second Corinthians 8–9 addresses the collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Paul points to the example of the churches of Macedonia, which gave abundantly even in the midst of affliction (8:1-5), and grounds his appeal in the grace of Christ, who, though he was rich, became poor (8:9). In 9:6 he writes, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully," and in verse 7 he addresses the attitude with which one should give. The phrase "God loveth a cheerful giver" closely resembles the wording of Proverbs 22 in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

Interpretation

• As a principle of voluntary giving: This reading holds that the attitude of the heart matters more than the amount given. "As he purposeth in his heart" refers to each person deliberating and deciding in advance.
• In the context of relief and church unity: Some interpreters emphasize that this collection was not for church operating expenses but was relief for the poor believers of a church in another region, and that it served to demonstrate the unity of Gentile and Jewish churches.

Debates and Issues

This verse is frequently invoked in the tithing debate. Those who do not regard the tithe as obligatory in the New Testament era cite it to argue that the New Testament teaches voluntary and joyful giving rather than a fixed percentage. Those who hold that the tithe should still be observed counter that the call to give cheerfully concerns attitude and does not abolish the tithe as a standard.

In addition, critics of prosperity theology have objected to reading this verse together with the "sowing and reaping" of verse 6 as a basis for so-called "seed offering" teaching, which holds that giving brings greater material blessing. These critics point out that the abundance described in verses 8–11 is given so that believers "may abound to every good work."

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently quoted in offertory prayers, as well as in sermons on thanksgiving offerings and pledged offerings.

Related Passages

• 2 Corinthians 8:9, 12
• Proverbs 22:9
• Exodus 25:2
• Acts 20:35