lib´ẽr-al, lib-ẽr-al´i-ti, lib´ẽr-al-i: The different forms of the word all refer to one who is generous, bountiful, willing and ready to give and to help. Both the Hebrew words of the Old Testament and the Greek words of the New Testament translated into the English word “liberal” have a deeper and nobler meaning than is generally conveyed by the English word. In [Pro 11:25], the liberal soul (nephesh berākhāh) means a soul that carries a blessing. In [Isa 32:5], the American Standard Revised Version has “bountiful” where the King James Version has “liberal,” and in [Isa 32:8] “noble” takes the place of “liberal” (nādhı̄bh). The principal Greek words are ἀπλότης, haplótēs literally, “simplicity,” “sincerity,” and χάρις, cháris, “grace,” “favor.” In [1Co 16:3], “bounty” substitutes “liberality.” It is well to bear in mind that a Biblical liberality can spring only out of a noble soul, and is Godlike in its genesis and spirit.
