2 Corinthians 9:7
New International Version
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

New Living Translation
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

English Standard Version
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Literal Bible
each as he purposes in the heart, not out of regret or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver.

King James Bible
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

New King James Version
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

New American Standard Bible
Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

NASB 1995
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

NASB 1977
Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Legacy Standard Bible
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Amplified Bible
Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

Christian Standard Bible
Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

American Standard Version
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Contemporary English Version
Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give.

English Revised Version
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn't be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver.

Good News Translation
You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.

International Standard Version
Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
Each person should give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Webster's Bible Translation
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or by constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Weymouth New Testament
Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves."

World English Bible
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
each one, according as he purposes in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver,

Berean Literal Bible
each as he purposes in the heart, not out of regret or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Young's Literal Translation
each one, according as he doth purpose in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for a cheerful giver doth God love,

Smith's Literal Translation
Each as he chooses in the heart; not of grief, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Catholic Public Domain Version
each one giving, just as he has determined in his heart, neither out of sadness, nor out of obligation. For God loves a cheerful giver.

New American Bible
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

New Revised Standard Version
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So let every man give according to what he has decided in his mind, not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Every man according to what he is in his mind and not according to grief or of compulsion, for God loves the joyful giver.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Let each one give, as he purposes in his heart; not with grief, nor from necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

Godbey New Testament
As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious giver.

Haweis New Testament
Let every man, as he hath purposed in heart, give, not with reluctance or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Mace New Testament
let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor.

Weymouth New Testament
Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves."

Worrell New Testament
Let each one do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Worsley New Testament
Let every one give as he chuses in his own heart; not with reluctance, or constraint: for God loveth a chearful giver.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ...

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

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.’”

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

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.

Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ...

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Exodus 25:2
“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.

Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.

1 Chronicles 29:9
And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

not.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11,14
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: …

Proverbs 23:6-8
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: …

Isaiah 32:5,8
The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful…

God.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Exodus 25:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

Exodus 35:5
Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

Jump to Previous
Cheerful Compulsion Constraint Contribute Decided Determined Force Giver Grief Heart Loves Mind Necessity Pleasure Purpose Purposeth Ready Reluctantly
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Cheerful Compulsion Constraint Contribute Decided Determined Force Giver Grief Heart Loves Mind Necessity Pleasure Purpose Purposeth Ready Reluctantly
2 Corinthians 9
1. He yields the reason why he sent Titus and his brothers beforehand.
6. And he proceeds in stirring them up to a bountiful alms, as being but a kind of sowing of seed,
10. which shall return a great increase to them,
13. and occasion a great sacrifice of thanksgivings unto God.














Each one
This phrase emphasizes the individual responsibility of every believer. In the Greek, "hekastos" refers to each person distinctly, highlighting that giving is a personal act of worship and obedience. It underscores the idea that generosity is not just a corporate duty but a personal calling for every Christian, reflecting the unique relationship between the giver and God.

should give
The Greek word "didōmi" is used here, which means to give or to bestow. This implies an active choice and a deliberate action. Giving is not merely a passive response but an intentional act of faith and love. It reflects the believer's understanding of stewardship, recognizing that all resources are ultimately God's and are to be used for His glory.

what he has decided
The phrase "proaireomai" in Greek suggests a premeditated decision. This indicates that giving should be thoughtful and planned, not impulsive or haphazard. It reflects a heart that is aligned with God's purposes, where decisions are made prayerfully and with discernment, ensuring that the act of giving is meaningful and purposeful.

in his heart
The heart, "kardia" in Greek, is often seen as the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. This phrase suggests that giving is not just a financial transaction but a deeply spiritual act that involves one's innermost being. It is a reflection of one's love for God and others, demonstrating sincerity and authenticity in the act of giving.

to give
This reiterates the action of giving, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the act. It is a reminder that giving is a privilege and an opportunity to participate in God's work, rather than a burdensome obligation. It calls believers to approach giving with a sense of joy and gratitude.

not reluctantly
The Greek word "lupē" means sorrow or grief. This suggests that giving should not be done with a sense of regret or sadness. Instead, it should be a joyful expression of faith and trust in God's provision. It challenges believers to examine their motives and attitudes, ensuring that their giving is free from negativity or hesitation.

or under compulsion
"Anagkē" in Greek refers to necessity or pressure. This phrase warns against giving out of a sense of duty or external pressure. True Christian giving is motivated by love and gratitude, not by guilt or coercion. It encourages believers to give freely and willingly, as an act of worship and devotion.

for God loves
The Greek word "agapaō" is used here, which denotes a deep, unconditional love. This phrase assures believers that God takes delight in those who give with the right heart. It is a reminder of the relational aspect of giving, where the act is not just about the gift itself but about the love and devotion it represents.

a cheerful giver
The word "hilaros" in Greek means cheerful or joyous. This phrase encapsulates the ideal attitude of giving—one that is filled with joy and enthusiasm. It reflects a heart that is aligned with God's own generous nature, mirroring His love and grace. It inspires believers to give with a spirit of joy, knowing that such giving is pleasing to God and reflects His character to the world.

(7) Every man according as he purposeth.--The verb, which does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, is used in its full ethical significance as indicating, not a passing impulse nor a vague wish, but a deliberate resolve, deciding both on the end and on the means for its attainment (Aristotle, Eth. Nicom. iii., c. 2). Such, St. Paul teaches, should be the purpose of the giver--not the outcome of a spent emotion, or a promise half-regretted, but formed with a clear well-defined perception of all attendant circumstances, and therefore neither "grudgingly," as regards amount, nor with reluctance, as giving under pressure.

God loveth a cheerful giver.--As in 2Corinthians 8:21, so here, we have a distinct echo from the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 22:8) as it stands in the Greek version. In that version we find the following: "He that soweth wicked things shall reap evils, and shall complete the penalty of his deed. God blesseth a cheerful man and a giver, and shall complete" (in a good sense) "the incompleteness of his works." It is obvious that this differs much from the Hebrew, which is represented in the English version, and it is interesting as showing that St. Paul used the LXX., and habitually quoted from it, and not from the Hebrew. As coming so soon after the quotation from Proverbs 3:4 in 2Corinthians 8:21, it seems to suggest that the Apostle had recently been studying that book, and that his mind was full of its teaching. As a law of action, it may be noted that the principle has a far wider range of application than that of simple alms-giving. Cheerfulness in visits of sympathy, in the daily offices of kindness, in the life of home, in giving instruction or advice--all come under the head of that which God approves and loves. So the greatest of Greek ethical teachers had refused the title of "liberal" to the man who gave without pleasure in the act of giving. The pain he feels proves that if he could he would rather have the money than do the noble action (Aristotle, Eth. Nicom. iv., c. 1).

Verse 7. - In his heart. The heart must not only go with but anticipate the hand. Grudgingly; literally, from grief (Exodus 25:2; Romans 12:8). A cheerful giver. The phrase is from the addition to Proverbs 22:8, which is found in the LXX.; except that "loveth" is substituted for "blesseth." Compare "He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:8). The rabbis said that cheerful kindness, even if nothing was given, was better than a morose gift.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Each one
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

[ should give ] what
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

he has decided
προῄρηται (proērētai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4255: From pro and haireomai; to choose for oneself before another thing, i.e. to propose.

in [his]
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heart [to give ],
καρδίᾳ (kardia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

out of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

regret
λύπης (lypēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3077: Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

compulsion.
ἀνάγκης (anankēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 318: From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

loves
ἀγαπᾷ (agapa)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

a cheerful
ἱλαρὸν (hilaron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2431: Joyous, cheerful, not grudging. From the same as hileos; propitious or merry, i.e. Prompt or willing.

giver.
δότην (dotēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1395: A giver. From the base of didomi; a giver.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each man give according as he (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 9:6
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