Proverbs 22:9 Meaning and Explanation
“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The generous person looks at others with kindness and shares what they have; God blesses such abundance of heart.
The Context of Proverbs 22:9
The rewards of generous vision and sharing with the poor.
What Does Proverbs 22:9 Mean?
A generous eye sees the poor and responds with compassion. It is not eye disease but the opposite—a clear, open gaze that recognizes need and feels moved to meet it by sharing bread.
Generosity brings blessing. Not because God is a vending machine, but because a person who sees others' hunger and acts develops character, connection, and peace. Their own cup becomes fuller because they pour out.
Proverbs 22:9 in the Original Language
ʿayin ṭobâ (עַיִן טוֹבָה), 'bountiful eye' — literally 'good eye,' the opposite of the stingy glance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 22:9
What does Proverbs 22:9 mean?
The generous person looks at others with kindness and shares what they have; God blesses such abundance of heart.
What is the context of Proverbs 22:9?
The rewards of generous vision and sharing with the poor.