Proverbs 22:9
Proverbs 22:9 in Multiple Translations
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
He who is kind will have a blessing, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.
He that hath a good eye, he shalbe blessed: for he giueth of his bread vnto the poore.
The good of eye — he is blessed, For he hath given of his bread to the poor.
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
He that is inclined to mercy shall be blessed: for of his bread he hath given to the poor. He that maketh presents shall purchase victory and honour: but he carrieth away the souls of the receivers.
God will bless those who are generous [IDM], those who give some of their food to poor people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טֽוֹב
עַ֭יִן
ה֣וּא
יְבֹרָ֑ךְ
כִּֽי
נָתַ֖ן
מִ/לַּחְמ֣/וֹ
לַ/דָּֽל
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
עַ֭יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יְבֹרָ֑ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָתַ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/לַּחְמ֣/וֹ
lechem
H3899
food
Prep | N-cs | Suff
לַ/דָּֽל
dal
H1800
poor
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:9
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
עַ֭יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יְבֹרָ֑ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָתַ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מִ/לַּחְמ֣/וֹ
lechem
H3899
"food"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לַ/דָּֽל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:9
Context — A Good Name
7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease. 11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:18–19 | 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. |
| 4 | 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.’” |
| 5 | 1 Peter 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without complaining. |
| 6 | Hebrews 13:16 | And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. |
| 7 | Matthew 25:34–40 | Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 11:1–2 | Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 8:1–2 | Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 | Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And 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. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. |
Proverbs 22:9 Summary
Proverbs 22:9 teaches that when we are generous and share what we have with those in need, God will bless us. This doesn't mean we will always get rich or have everything we want, but it means God will take care of us and provide for our needs, as promised in Matthew 6:33. Being generous is a way of showing love and kindness to others, just like God shows love and kindness to us (Psalms 103:1-5). By trusting God and sharing what we have, we can experience the joy of giving and the blessing that comes from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a generous man in Proverbs 22:9?
Being a generous man in Proverbs 22:9 means willingly sharing one's resources, such as food, with those in need, as seen in the act of sharing bread with the poor, which reflects the heart of God as described in Psalms 112:9 and Matthew 25:31-46.
How does generosity lead to blessing according to this verse?
The verse suggests that generosity leads to blessing because it demonstrates a willingness to trust God with one's resources, much like the widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16 who gave her last meal to Elijah, and was subsequently blessed with an endless supply of flour and oil.
Is this verse saying that only those who give to the poor will be blessed?
While Proverbs 22:9 highlights the importance of giving to the poor, the Bible teaches that blessing comes from a variety of sources, including obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, and a heart that seeks after Him, as described in Matthew 5:3-12.
How can I apply the principle of generosity in my own life?
Applying the principle of generosity in your own life can start with small acts of kindness, such as sharing a meal with a neighbor or volunteering at a local food bank, and trusting that God will provide for your own needs, as promised in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate generosity in my daily life, and how might this impact my relationship with God and others?
- How does the command to share with the poor reflect the character of God, and what does this say about His heart for those in need?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my own needs as I seek to be generous with others, and what promises in Scripture can I cling to in this process?
- What are some potential barriers that might prevent me from being generous, and how can I overcome these obstacles to live out the principle of Proverbs 22:9?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed,.... Or "a good eye" (y); who looks about him for proper objects to do good unto; looks pleasantly on them, and deals out cheerfully and bountifully to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye, Heb. a good eye, he who looks upon the wants and miseries of others with compassion and kindness, as this phrase is used, ; as an evil eye is put for one that beholds others with envy and unmercifulness, 28:22 Shall be blessed, both by God and men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.Ver. 9. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed.] How Amalek, the licking people, as the name imports, I mean, the nation of usurers and proud lenders, shall speed, hath been spoken already. Now, on the other side, the bountiful eye, the cheerful giver (as the Septuagint, and after them St Paul, render, or rather expound, this text), shall be abundantly blessed, for he gives with all his heart; he "draws out" not his sheaf only but "his soul to the hungry." Dat bene, dat multum, quia dat cum munere vulture: He spares it out of his own belly to give to the hungry, as some have here gathered from the words "his bread," that which was appointed for his own eating - he voluntarily fasteth from a meal now and then that he may bestow it upon the needy, and he shall not lose his reward. Aνδραιλαρονκαιδοτηναγαπαο Yεος. - Sept.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
Verse 9. A bountiful eye] One that disposes him to help all that he sees to be in want; the bountiful eye means the bountiful heart; for the heart looks through the eye. The merciful heart, even when the hand has little or nothing to give, shall be blessed of the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:9
9. bountiful] Lit. good, in contrast with an evil or grudging eye, Proverbs 23:6-7.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye - literally, as in the margin, contrasted with the “evil eye” of Proverbs 28:22.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:9
9. A bountiful eye — ωׂ ?εαςιο, (tobh-‘hayin,) a good eye, that is, a kindly, compassionate eye, one that has pity for those in distress. Shall be blessed — Both of God and man.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Useful for the Master - Part 4 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reac |
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(Proverbs) ch.21:9 - 22:11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a good reputation and testimony in one's locality. He states that it is better to be known for righteousness, humil |
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Isaiah 58:7-8 by Samuel Johnson | Samuel Johnson preaches about the importance of charity and compassion towards the needy and distressed, emphasizing that God requires us to help those in need as a tribute of grat |
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William Tiptaft by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the remarkable life of William Tiptaft, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to self-denial, stewardship, and practical godliness. Tiptaft's dedication to |
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Dearly Beloved by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of God's promises and the importance of anchoring our faith in His Word. He encourages believers to listen to the Holy Spirit and to trust in s |
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Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in |
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For Bedding Let This Suffice by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of communal living and the eradication of private ownership among the monks. He instructs the Abbot to regularly inspect the monks' |