2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
are for
G1223
διὰ
are for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
grace
G5485
χάρις
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
8 of 20
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
πλεονάσασα
the abundant
G4121
πλεονάσασα
the abundant
Strong's:
G4121
Word #:
9 of 20
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
διὰ
are for
G1223
διὰ
are for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλειόνων
of many
G4119
πλειόνων
of many
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
12 of 20
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐχαριστίαν
the thanksgiving
G2169
εὐχαριστίαν
the thanksgiving
Strong's:
G2169
Word #:
14 of 20
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)
περισσεύσῃ
might
G4052
περισσεύσῃ
might
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
15 of 20
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
18 of 20
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.2 Corinthians 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.2 Corinthians 8:19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:Psalms 50:14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Galatians 1:24And they glorified God in me.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: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.
Historical Context
This verse captures Paul's missional theology: individual suffering has cosmic, God-glorifying purpose. In a patronage culture where benefactors expected gratitude and honor for themselves, Paul redirects all thanksgiving to God. He's not the source of grace but its conduit. The Corinthians' gratitude should flow through Paul to God, not terminate on Paul.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view your life and service as genuinely 'for others' sakes,' or is that pious language masking self-interest?
- How does the grace-thanksgiving-glory chain reaction work in your community—where does it get interrupted or diverted?
- In what ways might your suffering, faithfully endured, multiply grace and thanksgiving in ways you can't yet see?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For all things are for your sakes (ta gar panta di' hymas, τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι' ὑμᾶς)—Paul's sufferings, ministry, and even his life are for the Corinthians' benefit. Di' hymas (δι' ὑμᾶς, 'on account of you, for your sake') shows others-centered purpose. This is vicarious existence: living for others' good rather than self-preservation.
That the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God (hina hē charis pleonasasa dia tōn pleionōn tēn eucharistian perisseusē eis tēn doxan tou theou, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ)—pleonazō (πλεονάζω, 'to increase, abound, multiply') and perisseuō (περισσεύω, 'to overflow, abound') create cascading abundance. More grace produces more thanksgiving from more people, resulting in more glory to God. Paul's suffering sets off a chain reaction of grace, gratitude, and glory.