22:9
In this proverb, the second line gives a specific example of generosity. It also explains why the generous person is blessed.
9a A generous man will be blessed,
9b for he shares his bread with the poor.
22:9a
A generous man: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “a ⌊person⌋ good of eye.” The New Jerusalem Bible keeps part of this idiom. It has:
A kindly eye
Most English versions are similar to the Berean Standard Bible. They translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. If your language has an idiom for a generous person, consider using it here.
will be blessed: This is a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the generous person will receive a blessing or benefit as a result of his generosity. The context does not indicate how he will be blessed or who will bless him.
Most scholars agree that the LORD is the one who will bless him. But it is also possible that poor people will bless him with their words. If possible, try not to specify the source of the blessing.
If it is not natural to use a passive verb in your language, another way to translate this clause is:
A generous person will receive/experience a blessing
If it is necessary to specify the source of the blessing, specify “the LORD.” For example:
⌊The LORD⌋ blesses people who freely give to others
22:9b
for he shares his bread with the poor: This clause gives the reason why the generous person is blessed. The reason is that he takes some of his bread and gives it to the poor. Some other ways to translate this clause are:
because they feed the poor (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
for he gives some of his food to the poor (NET Bible)
General Comment on 22:9a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to describe the person’s generosity before giving the result. For example:
Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it. (Good News Translation)
See also 22:9a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display. Use whatever order expresses the meaning more effectively.
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