King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:15 in the King James Version says “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory o...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 4:15 · KJV

Grace

Context

13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Read 2 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all things are for your sakes (ta gar panta di' hymas, τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι' ὑμᾶς)—Paul's sufferings, ministry, and even his life are for the Corinthians' benefit. Di' hymas (δι' ὑμᾶς, 'on account of you, for your sake') shows others-centered purpose. This is vicarious existence: living for others' good rather than self-preservation.

That the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God (hina hē charis pleonasasa dia tōn pleionōn tēn eucharistian perisseusē eis tēn doxan tou theou, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ)—pleonazō (πλεονάζω, 'to increase, abound, multiply') and perisseuō (περισσεύω, 'to overflow, abound') create cascading abundance. More grace produces more thanksgiving from more people, resulting in more glory to God. Paul's suffering sets off a chain reaction of grace, gratitude, and glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse captures Paul's missional theology: individual suffering has cosmic, God-glorifying purpose. In a patronage culture where benefactors expected gratitude and honor for themselves, Paul redirects all thanksgiving to God. He's not the source of grace but its conduit. The Corinthians' gratitude should flow through Paul to God, not terminate on Paul.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you view your life and service as genuinely 'for others' sakes,' or is that pious language masking self-interest?
  2. How does the grace-thanksgiving-glory chain reaction work in your community—where does it get interrupted or diverted?
  3. In what ways might your suffering, faithfully endured, multiply grace and thanksgiving in ways you can't yet see?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τὰ1 of 20
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πάντα3 of 20

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

διὰ4 of 20

“are for”

G1223

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

ὑμᾶς5 of 20

“your”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἵνα6 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡ7 of 20
G3588

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

χάρις8 of 20

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

πλεονάσασα9 of 20

“the abundant”

G4121

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

διὰ10 of 20

“are for”

G1223

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

τῶν11 of 20
G3588

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

πλειόνων12 of 20

“of many”

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

τὴν13 of 20
G3588

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

εὐχαριστίαν14 of 20

“the thanksgiving”

G2169

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

περισσεύσῃ15 of 20

“might”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

εἰς16 of 20

“to”

G1519

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

τὴν17 of 20
G3588

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

δόξαν18 of 20

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ19 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 20

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:282 Corinthians 9:11-12Ephesians 3:20-212 Corinthians 1:112 Corinthians 8:19Galatians 1:24

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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