2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Original Language Analysis
δαπανήσω
spend
G1159
δαπανήσω
spend
Strong's:
G1159
Word #:
4 of 17
to expend, i.e., (in a good sense) to incur cost, or (in a bad one) to waste
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι
be spent
G1550
ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι
be spent
Strong's:
G1550
Word #:
6 of 17
to expend (wholly), i.e., (figuratively) exhaust
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 17
"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
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχῶν
you
G5590
ψυχῶν
you
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
9 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.2 Corinthians 1:6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.2 Corinthians 7:3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Historical Context
Paul's hurt reflects the emotional reality of ministry among fickle congregations. The Corinthians had turned against him under false teachers' influence (11:3-4, 13-15), yet he continues loving them sacrificially. This demonstrates gospel ministry: loving even when love isn't returned, giving even when gifts are despised, persevering even when congregations prove ungrateful.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "spend and be spent" define total pastoral investment versus maintaining professional boundaries that protect ministers from emotional/spiritual exhaustion?
- What does Paul's continuing love despite diminishing reciprocal affection teach about Christlike ministry—loving because of Christ's love, not others' response?
- How should pastoral leaders balance the reality that "more love produces less love" with avoiding bitterness or withdrawal from difficult congregations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. Paul intensifies: beyond refusing Corinthian money, he'll spend (dapanēsō, δαπανήσω, "expend resources") and be spent (ekdapanēthēsomai, ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι, "be utterly exhausted," "be poured out")—active giving plus passive self-sacrifice. The double verb shows total expenditure: Paul's resources and Paul himself.
The contrast is heartbreaking: though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (ei perissoteros hymas agapōn, hētton agapōmai, εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧττον ἀγαπῶμαι). Paul uses agapaō (ἀγαπάω, self-sacrificial love) not phileō (affectionate friendship)—gospel love, not mere sentiment. His greater love produces less reciprocal affection, inverting normal relational dynamics.
This verse captures pastoral ministry's cost: loving difficult people who respond with suspicion or indifference. Yet Paul continues spending himself, modeling Christ who loved us "while we were yet sinners" (Romans 5:8). Ministry effectiveness isn't measured by congregation's affection but by faithfulness to Christlike love.