King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:11 in the King James Version says “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.”

2 Corinthians 1:11 · KJV

Prayer

Context

9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves , but in God which raiseth the dead: sentence: or, answer

10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

13

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye also helping together by prayer for us (συνυπουργούντων ὑμῶν)—synhypourgountōn (συνυπουργούντων, "working together alongside") portrays prayer as collaborative labor, not passive. Deēsis (δεήσει, "petition/supplication") is specific request.

That for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many—charisma (χάρισμα, "gift of grace") connects to charis (v. 2); eucharistēthē (εὐχαριστηθῇ, "thanks be given") shares the root. Many pray, many give thanks—corporate intercession yields corporate gratitude.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I view prayer as 'working together' with God and others, or solitary spiritual activity?
  2. How would my prayer life change if I expected prayers to produce gifts requiring public thanksgiving?
  3. Who am I praying for whose deliverance would result in 'many' giving thanks?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
συνυπουργούντων1 of 20

“helping together”

G4943

to be a co-auxiliary, i.e., assist

καὶ2 of 20

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμῶν3 of 20

“Ye”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑπὲρ4 of 20

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν5 of 20

“on our behalf”

G2257

of (or from) us

τῇ6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεήσει7 of 20

“by prayer”

G1162

a petition

ἵνα8 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐκ9 of 20

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πολλῶν10 of 20

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

προσώπων11 of 20

“persons”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τὸ12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰς13 of 20

“bestowed upon”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἡμᾶς14 of 20

“us”

G2248

us

χάρισμα15 of 20

“for the gift”

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

διὰ16 of 20

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

πολλῶν17 of 20

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

εὐχαριστηθῇ18 of 20

“thanks may be”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

ὑπὲρ19 of 20

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν20 of 20

“on our behalf”

G2257

of (or from) us

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:192 Corinthians 4:15Acts 12:5Colossians 4:32 Thessalonians 3:1Philemon 1:22

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2 Corinthians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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