Lexical Summary proaireó: To choose beforehand, to prefer, to purpose Original Word: προαιρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance purpose. From pro and haireomai; to choose for oneself before another thing (prefer), i.e. (by implication) to propose (intend) -- purpose. see GREEK pro see GREEK haireomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and haireó Definition to bring forth or forward NASB Translation purposed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4255: προαιρέωπροαιρέω, προαίρω: by prose writings from Herodotus (rather, from Thucydides 8, 90 at the end (in poetry, from Aristophanes Thesm. 419)) down, to bring forward, bring forth from one's stores; middle to bring forth for oneself, to choose for oneself before another i. e. to prefer; to purpose: καθώς προαιρεῖται (L T Tr WH the perfect προῄρηται) τῇ καρδία, 2 Corinthians 9:7. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4255 marks a single verb appearing only in 2 Corinthians 9:7. It describes a deliberate, advance choice of the heart. Paul employs the term to underscore intentional, willing stewardship rather than impulsive or coerced action. Context in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Paul writes to Corinth during the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8–9). By using this verb he places the responsibility squarely upon the conscience of each believer. The gift is to be: 1. Pre-meditated (“decided in his heart”) Thus the verse becomes a watershed text on Christian giving: grace precedes decision, decision precedes action, and joy crowns the process. Purposeful Volition in Scripture Though the verb itself is unique to 2 Corinthians 9:7, its theological theme runs throughout the canon: • Exodus 25:2 – “from every man whose heart compels him.” These passages together illustrate that willing, planned generosity is a timeless, God-honoring pattern. Relationship to Cheerful Giving The decision of the heart (Strong’s 4255) is linked to the character of the giver. A heart that has settled the matter beforehand is released from the tug-of-war between avarice and obligation. Joy becomes the natural overflow. Paul’s phrase “God loves a cheerful giver” quotes Proverbs 22:9 (Septuagint), drawing on a wisdom tradition that prizes glad-hearted generosity. Implications for Christian Stewardship 1. Giving is an act of worship, not a financial transaction. Historical Usage in the Early Church Early Christian writers echoed Paul’s principle. The Didache (4.5) exhorts believers to give “according to the commandment, after having first decided.” By the late second century, many congregations set aside a weekly collection, mirroring Paul’s instructions and ensuring that generosity remained purposeful rather than sporadic. Practical Ministry Applications • Budgeting: Families and churches plan ahead so generosity is embedded, not occasional. Theological Reflections The verb pictures a synergy of divine grace and human will. God supplies the resources and the willingness (2 Corinthians 9:8-10; Philippians 2:13); believers exercise choice by predetermining their response. This balance upholds both God’s sovereignty in provision and the believer’s responsibility in obedience. Homiletical Notes A sermon outline might proceed: 1. The Grace that Gives (2 Corinthians 8:1-9) Summary Strong’s Greek 4255 highlights the indispensable role of deliberate, grace-motivated choice in Christian giving. Paul’s single use of the term in 2 Corinthians 9:7 anchors a broader biblical principle: Godly generosity begins long before the offering plate is passed, in a heart that has already resolved to reflect the generosity of its Savior. Forms and Transliterations προαιρείται προαιρούνται προείλετο προελέσθαι προηρηται προῄρηται proḗiretai proḗirētai proeretai proērētaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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