Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin to be this, that it is in the first instance ascribed to God. 1606 Now we know how God blesses us efficiently by his simple nod. 1607 When it is from this transferred to men, it retains the same meaning, — improperly, indeed, inasmuch as men have not the same efficacy in blessing, 1608 but yet not unsuitably by transference. 1609
To blessing Paul opposes {πλεονεξίαν}, (grudging,) which term the Greeks employ to denote excessive greediness, as well as fraud and niggardliness. 1610 I have rather preferred the term niggardliness in this contrast; for Paul would have them give, not grudgingly, but. with a liberal spirit, as will appear still more clearly from what follows.
2 Corinthians 9:6-9
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 6. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
6. Hoc autem (est): Qui sementem facit parce, is parce messurus est: et qui sementem facit in benedictionibus, 1611 in benedictionibus 1612 etiam metet.
7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
7. Unusquisque secundum propositum cordis, non ex molestia aut necessitate: nam hilarem datorem diligit Deus.
8. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
8. Potens est autem Deus efficere, ut tota gratia in vos exuberet: ut in omnibus omnem sufficientiam habentes, exuberetis in omne opus bonum.
9. (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
9. Quemadmodum scriptum est (Psalm 112:9): Dispersit, dedit pauperibus, iustitia eius manet in saeculum.
1606"Ie pense que la raison de ceste derniere signification est, pource que ce mot est en premier lieu et proprement attribue a Dieu;" — "I think that the reason of this last signification is — because it is in the first place and properly ascribed to God."
1607"Par la seule et simple volonte;" — "By a mere simple exercise of the will." 1608"Que Dieu ha;" — "That God has." 1609"God's blessing of us, and our blessing of God, differ exceedingly. For God blesseth us efficiently, by exhibiting his mercies to us. We bless God, not by adding any good to him, but declaratively only. God's betedicere is benefacere — his words are works, but our blessing (as Aquinas says) is only recognoscitium, and expressivum — an acknowledgment only and celebration of that goodness.which God hath." — Burgesse on 2 Corinthians 1. — Ed.
1610"Qui signifie tant couuoitise exccssiue, ou auarice, que chichete, et quand on rogne quelque chose de ce qu'il faudroit donner;" — "Which denotes excessive covetousness or avarice, as well as niggardliness, and when one pares off something from what he should give."
1611"En benedictions, c'est a dire, a foison et abondamment, ou liberalement;" — "In blessings, that is to say, in plenty and abundantly, or liberally."
1612"En benedictions, ou liberalement;" — "In blessings, or liberally."