Psalms 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Study Note
Study Note
The description of the righteous person — 'he has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor' — is quoted in 2 Corinthians 9:9 as a scriptural warrant for generous giving within the collection for Jerusalem. The phrase 'his righteousness endures forever' applies to the human righteous person the same formula used of God in Psalm 111:3, suggesting that the character of the righteous is formed into the image of divine character. The 'horn exalted in honor' is a metaphor from animal strength, signaling that generosity to the poor does not diminish but increases the giver's standing in the eyes of God. The verse contributes to the Psalter's portrait of the righteous person as one whose security is grounded in God rather than in accumulated resources.
Other Translations
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the needy; His righteousness endureth for ever: His horn shall be exalted with honor.
He hath scattered--hath given to the needy, His righteousness is standing for ever, His horn is exalted with honour.
He has given with open hands to the poor; his righteousness is for ever; his horn will be lifted up with honour.
Cross References
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in …
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand …
Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should …
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth …
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay …
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to …
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise …
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out …
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.