King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 9:14 in the King James Version says “And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.”

2 Corinthians 9:14 · KJV

PrayerGrace

Context

12

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

13

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

14

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

15

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Read 2 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by their prayer for you (καὶ αὐτῶν δεήσει ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν)—deēsis (δέησις, "prayer, petition, supplication") indicates earnest, specific intercession. Generosity creates prayer partnership: recipients intercede for givers. This reverses typical patronage where clients flatter patrons seeking favor. Here, spiritual benefit flows to givers through recipients' prayers—blessed reciprocity.

Which long after you (ἐπιποθούντων ὑμᾶς)—epipotheō (ἐπιποθέω, "long for, yearn for") expresses intense affectionate desire. The Jerusalem believers don't merely thank Corinthians but deeply love them, longing for personal relationship. Generosity creates affection between giver and receiver—both recognize shared participation in God's grace. Money becomes relational bridge, not cold transaction.

For the exceeding grace of God in you (διὰ τὴν ὑπερβάλλουσαν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐφ᾽ ὑμῖν)—hyperballousa (ὑπερβάλλουσα, "surpassing, extraordinary, exceeding") modifies grace (charis, χάρις). The Jerusalem believers recognize Corinthian generosity as supernatural—evidence of God's extraordinary grace at work. No one gives sacrificially from natural inclination; generosity proves grace. Recipients don't see donors' virtue but God's grace through them. This keeps both giver and receiver humble, gratefully worshiping the true Source.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Mediterranean culture, benefaction created social debts and hierarchy—clients became obligated to patrons. Paul transforms this dynamic: the 'payment' for generosity is not social power but prayer support and spiritual affection. The impoverished Jerusalem believers have nothing material to offer wealthy Corinthians, but their prayers are invaluable currency in God's economy. This radically equalizes relationships, making generosity genuine fellowship (koinōnia) rather than patronizing charity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does receiving earnest prayer from those you've helped financially enrich you spiritually?
  2. Do recipients of your generosity see your personal virtue or God's extraordinary grace working through you—and which do you want them to see?
  3. How can you structure giving relationships to foster mutual prayer and affection rather than hierarchical patronage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτῶν2 of 15

“by their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δεήσει3 of 15

“prayer”

G1162

a petition

ὑπὲρ4 of 15

“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

ὑμῶν5 of 15

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐπιποθούντων6 of 15

“which long after”

G1971

to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)

ὑμᾶς7 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

διὰ8 of 15

“for”

G1223

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

τὴν9 of 15
G3588

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

ὑπερβάλλουσαν10 of 15

“the exceeding”

G5235

to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)

χάριν11 of 15

“grace”

G5485

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

τοῦ12 of 15
G3588

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

θεοῦ13 of 15

“of God”

G2316

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

ἐφ'14 of 15

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμῖν15 of 15

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:11 Timothy 1:142 Corinthians 8:6-72 Corinthians 8:12 Timothy 1:16-18Philippians 1:8

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