King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:15 in the King James Version says “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you ; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. for you:... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you ; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. for you: Gr. for your souls

2 Corinthians 12:15 · KJV


Context

13

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

14

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you ; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. for you: Gr. for your souls

16

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

17

Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. Paul intensifies: beyond refusing Corinthian money, he'll spend (dapanēsō, δαπανήσω, "expend resources") and be spent (ekdapanēthēsomai, ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι, "be utterly exhausted," "be poured out")—active giving plus passive self-sacrifice. The double verb shows total expenditure: Paul's resources and Paul himself.

The contrast is heartbreaking: though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (ei perissoteros hymas agapōn, hētton agapōmai, εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧττον ἀγαπῶμαι). Paul uses agapaō (ἀγαπάω, self-sacrificial love) not phileō (affectionate friendship)—gospel love, not mere sentiment. His greater love produces less reciprocal affection, inverting normal relational dynamics.

This verse captures pastoral ministry's cost: loving difficult people who respond with suspicion or indifference. Yet Paul continues spending himself, modeling Christ who loved us "while we were yet sinners" (Romans 5:8). Ministry effectiveness isn't measured by congregation's affection but by faithfulness to Christlike love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's hurt reflects the emotional reality of ministry among fickle congregations. The Corinthians had turned against him under false teachers' influence (11:3-4, 13-15), yet he continues loving them sacrificially. This demonstrates gospel ministry: loving even when love isn't returned, giving even when gifts are despised, persevering even when congregations prove ungrateful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does "spend and be spent" define total pastoral investment versus maintaining professional boundaries that protect ministers from emotional/spiritual exhaustion?
  2. What does Paul's continuing love despite diminishing reciprocal affection teach about Christlike ministry—loving because of Christ's love, not others' response?
  3. How should pastoral leaders balance the reality that "more love produces less love" with avoiding bitterness or withdrawal from difficult congregations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐγὼ1 of 17

I

G1473

i, me

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἥδιστα3 of 17

will very gladly

G2236

with great pleasure

δαπανήσω4 of 17

spend

G1159

to expend, i.e., (in a good sense) to incur cost, or (in a bad one) to waste

καὶ5 of 17
G2532

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

ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι6 of 17

be spent

G1550

to expend (wholly), i.e., (figuratively) exhaust

ὑπὲρ7 of 17

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

τῶν8 of 17
G3588

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

ψυχῶν9 of 17

you

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ὑμῶν10 of 17
G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰ11 of 17
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ12 of 17
G2532

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

περισσοτέρως13 of 17

the more abundantly

G4056

more superabundantly

ὑμᾶς14 of 17

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀγαπῶμαι15 of 17

I be loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἧττον16 of 17

the less

G2276

worse (as noun); by implication, less (as adverb)

ἀγαπῶμαι17 of 17

I be loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)


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 12:15 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 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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