2 Corinthians 12:15

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἥδιστα

G2236

will very gladly

with great pleasure

δαπανήσω

G1159

spend

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

καὶ

G2532

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

ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι

G1550

be spent

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

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"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

τῶν

G3588

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

ψυχῶν

G5590

you

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

#10

ὑμῶν

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

#11

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#12

καὶ

G2532

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

#13

περισσοτέρως

G4056

the more abundantly

more superabundantly

#14

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#15

ἀγαπῶμαι

G25

I be loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#16

ἧττον

G2276

the less

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

#17

ἀγαπῶμαι

G25

I be loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?