King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 6:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 6:10 in the King James Version says “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

2 Corinthians 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9

As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11

O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

Read 2 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing (ὡς λυπούμενοι ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες, hōs lypoumenoi aei de chairontes)—Lypeō (sorrow/grief) acknowledges real pain—Paul wasn't Stoically indifferent to suffering. Yet chairō (rejoice) modified by aei ('always,' 'continually') indicates simultaneous, constant joy. This isn't emotional denial but spiritual depth: joy rooted in God's presence and promises coexists with sorrow over sin, suffering, and unbelief (cf. Phil 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16).

As poor, yet making many rich (ὡς πτωχοὶ πολλοὺς δὲ πλουτίζοντες, hōs ptōchoi pollous de ploutizontes)—Ptōchos denotes abject poverty, beggarly destitution (not mere lack of luxury). Paul possessed little materially (Phil 4:11-12; 1 Cor 4:11) yet enriched countless souls with gospel wealth. Ploutizō (to make rich) refers primarily to spiritual enrichment (1 Cor 1:5; Eph 3:8; Col 1:27), though it may also include the practical generosity Paul taught (2 Cor 8-9). This inverts worldly values: spiritual wealth infinitely surpasses material prosperity.

As having nothing, and yet possessing all things (ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες, hōs mēden echontes kai panta katechontes)—Mēden ('nothing,' emphatic form) expresses absolute material poverty. Yet panta ('all things') modified by katechō (possess, hold fast) indicates comprehensive spiritual wealth. Believers own nothing yet inherit everything in Christ (1 Cor 3:21-23; Rom 8:32)—the entire created order becomes their possession through union with the heir of all things.

This final triad climaxes the paradox series with three contrasts that define Christian existence: simultaneous sorrow and joy, poverty and enrichment, nothingness and all-ness. Paul's catalogue (vv.4-10) demolishes worldly metrics of success, replacing them with cruciform values where weakness becomes strength, death becomes life, and loss becomes gain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians prized wealth, status, wisdom, and power—typical Greco-Roman values. Paul's poverty and sufferings appeared to discredit him in their eyes. His opponents likely boasted of their social standing and material success. Paul radically subverts these values, showing that apostolic credibility lies precisely in suffering that produces spiritual fruitfulness, not in worldly impressiveness that produces empty pride.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate the spiritual maturity to experience 'sorrow yet always rejoicing'—genuine lament coexisting with deep-rooted joy?
  2. In what ways are you 'poor yet making many rich' through spiritual rather than material investment in others?
  3. How does Paul's claim to possess 'all things' in Christ challenge materialistic definitions of security, success, and satisfaction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὡς1 of 16

“As”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

λυπούμενοι2 of 16

“sorrowful”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ἀεὶ3 of 16

“alway”

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

δὲ4 of 16

“yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

χαίροντες5 of 16

“rejoicing”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ὡς6 of 16

“As”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πτωχοὶ7 of 16

“poor”

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

πολλοὺς8 of 16

“many”

G4183

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

δὲ9 of 16

“yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

πλουτίζοντες10 of 16

“making”

G4148

to make wealthy (figuratively)

ὡς11 of 16

“As”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μηδὲν12 of 16

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ἔχοντες13 of 16

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ14 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

πάντα15 of 16

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κατέχοντες16 of 16

“yet possessing”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 16:222 Corinthians 8:9Revelation 2:9James 2:5Hebrews 10:34Philippians 4:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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