2 Corinthians 8:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
γινώσκετε
ye know
G1097
γινώσκετε
ye know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 21
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the grace
G5485
χάριν
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 21
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δι'
sakes
G1223
δι'
sakes
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐπτώχευσεν
he became poor
G4433
ἐπτώχευσεν
he became poor
Strong's:
G4433
Word #:
13 of 21
to be a beggar, i.e., (by implication) to become indigent (figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνου
through his
G1565
ἐκείνου
through his
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
19 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Cross References
Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Ephesians 2:7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?1 Timothy 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does meditation on Christ's self-impoverishment affect your attitude toward possessions?
- In what specific ways has Christ's 'poverty' made you 'rich' spiritually?
- What material comforts might God be calling you to surrender to enrich others, imitating Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.