King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 8:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 8:9 in the King James Version says “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye thr...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 · KJV

Grace

Context

7

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

10

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. forward: Gr. willing

11

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Read 2 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich—This verse contains one of Paul's most profound Christological statements, the theological foundation for all Christian giving. Ginōskete gar tēn charin ('you know the grace') points to familiar gospel truth: Christ's voluntary self-impoverishment. Plousios ōn (πλούσιος ὤν, 'being rich') refers to Christ's pre-incarnate glory (Philippians 2:6-8, John 17:5); eptōcheusen (ἐπτώχευσεν, 'he became poor') describes the incarnation, cross, and burial.

The phrase dia hymās (δι' ὑμᾶς, 'because of you/for your sake') establishes substitutionary motive: Christ's poverty was vicarious, undertaken specifically for Corinthian (and universal) benefit. The purpose clause hina hymeis... ploutēsēte ('that you might become rich') refers primarily to spiritual wealth—justification, adoption, sanctification, glorification—though not excluding material blessing where it serves kingdom purposes. This is Paul's ultimate argument: if the infinite Son impoverished himself for rebels, how can redeemed saints withhold finite resources from fellow believers? The incarnation, not mere human need, grounds Christian generosity. All giving imitates Christ's self-giving, making generosity central to Christian discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse encapsulates the gospel in economic metaphor, connecting Christ's redemptive work to practical stewardship. Early Christians understood that following Christ meant embracing his pattern of self-emptying love (Philippians 2:5-11). The Jerusalem collection thus became a concrete expression of imitating Christ—Gentile believers enriching impoverished Jewish believers just as the Jewish Messiah had enriched Gentile believers through his poverty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does meditation on Christ's self-impoverishment affect your attitude toward possessions?
  2. In what specific ways has Christ's 'poverty' made you 'rich' spiritually?
  3. What material comforts might God be calling you to surrender to enrich others, imitating Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
γινώσκετε1 of 21

“ye know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

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

τὴν3 of 21
G3588

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

χάριν4 of 21

“the grace”

G5485

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

τοῦ5 of 21
G3588

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

κυρίου6 of 21

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν7 of 21

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ8 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ9 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ὅτι10 of 21

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δι'11 of 21

“sakes”

G1223

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

ὑμᾶς12 of 21

“your”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐπτώχευσεν13 of 21

“he became poor”

G4433

to be a beggar, i.e., (by implication) to become indigent (figuratively)

πλούσιος14 of 21

“rich”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ὤν15 of 21

“though he was”

G5607

being

ἵνα16 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑμεῖς17 of 21

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

τῇ18 of 21
G3588

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

ἐκείνου19 of 21

“through his”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

πτωχείᾳ20 of 21

“poverty”

G4432

beggary, i.e., indigence (literally or figuratively)

πλουτήσητε21 of 21

“might be rich”

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:32Philippians 2:6-8Matthew 20:28Romans 5:82 Corinthians 6:10John 1:14

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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