Strong’s Greek 3993 designates those who are materially destitute, the economically vulnerable who rely on the compassion of others. Although the word itself appears only once in the Greek New Testament, the biblical concern for such people permeates both Testaments. Through this single occurrence the apostle Paul anchors Christian generosity in a long-standing divine priority: care for the needy.

Old Testament Foundations

Long before Paul quoted Psalm 112, covenant texts mandated open-handedness toward the poor:

• “There will never cease to be poor people in the land; therefore I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11
• “He scatters abroad, He gives to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 112:9
• “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.” Proverbs 19:17

Prophets condemned any neglect of the disadvantaged (Isaiah 1:16-17; Amos 5:11-12), presenting mercy to the poor as evidence of authentic covenant loyalty.

Use in 2 Corinthians 9:9

Paul is exhorting the Corinthian believers to complete their promised contribution for the saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8–9). To motivate them he cites Psalm 112:9 (LXX 111:9), inserting the single New-Testament use of Strong’s 3993:

“As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’” 2 Corinthians 9:9

Key emphases in this citation:

1. Giving to the poor is inseparable from enduring righteousness.
2. God supplies both seed and bread (9:10); therefore believers can give without fear of lack.
3. Generosity results in thanksgiving to God (9:11-12), transforming material aid into doxology.

Poverty and Generosity in Second Temple Judaism

By Paul’s era, Jewish communities practiced systematic almsgiving. Synagogues maintained “poor boxes,” and festivals included special collections. The Septuagint usage of the same root in Psalms, Proverbs, and Prophets framed benevolence as a divine imperative. Paul taps into this heritage to unify Gentile and Jewish believers around tangible mercy (Romans 15:25-27).

Paul’s Theology of Giving

2 Corinthians 8–9 develops several principles:

• Grace precedes giving (8:1).
• Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sake became poor” (8:9), supplies the pattern.
• Equality is sought, not enforced uniformity (8:13-15).
• Cheerful giving is essential (9:7).

Thus the single term for “poor” becomes the focal point of an integrated theology that reveals God’s gracious economy.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Local congregations should set aside regular funds for benevolence (compare Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 5:3-16).
2. Stewardship teaching must connect generosity with eternal reward, not mere philanthropy.
3. Relief efforts are opportunities for gospel witness: “This ministry…is overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12

The Character of God Reflected

The Psalm Paul quotes depicts God as the ultimate Giver; human generosity mirrors His abundant kindness. When believers meet the needs of the poor, they display God’s righteousness that “endures forever.”

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus, identifying Himself with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), embodies divine compassion. His earthly ministry prioritized the marginalized (Luke 4:18). Paul’s appeal in 2 Corinthians 9:9 thus points beyond financial aid to participation in the very life of Christ.

Eschatological Perspective

Scripture anticipates a kingdom in which poverty is abolished (Isaiah 65:17-25). Present generosity serves as a signpost of that future: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Every gift to the poor proclaims the coming reversal of want and the permanence of righteousness.

Key Related Passages

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Psalm 112:9; Psalm 41:1

Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 22:9

Isaiah 58:6-10

Matthew 6:1-4; Matthew 25:31-46

Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:34-35

Galatians 2:10

1 John 3:17

Together these texts reinforce the singular New-Testament occurrence of Strong’s 3993, weaving it into a consistent biblical tapestry that calls the people of God to imitate their generous Lord in word and deed.