“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
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 — Paul cites Proverbs 22:8 LXX: *ho theos agapā hilaron dótēn*, God loves the *hilaron*, cheerful or hilarious giver. The word *hilaron* (from which English *hilarious* derives) suggests joy, not grudging obligation. The donor's *internal disposition* matters absolutely; God judges *prohairésis*, deliberate will, not mere external conformity.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Let each man do according as he has purposed in his heart.” For a man when left to himself, does a thing more readily than when compelled. Wherefore also he dwells upon this: for having said, “according as he is disposed,” he added, “Not grudgingly, nor of necessity.” And neither was he content with this, but he adds a testimony from Scripture also, saying, “For God loves a cheerful giver.” Do you see how frequently he lays this down? “I speak not by commandment:” and,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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