2 Corinthians 9:12

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡ

G3588

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

διακονία

G1248

the administration

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

τῆς

G3588

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

λειτουργίας

G3009

service

public function (as priest ("liturgy") or almsgiver)

ταύτης

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

ἐστὶν

G2076

supplieth

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#10

προσαναπληροῦσα

G4322

to fill up further, i.e., furnish fully

#11

τὰ

G3588

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

#12

ὑστερήματα

G5303

the want

a deficit; specially, poverty

#13

τῶν

G3588

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

#14

ἁγίων

G40

of the saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#15

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#17

περισσεύουσα

G4052

is abundant

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

#18

διὰ

G1223

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

#19

πολλῶν

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#20

εὐχαριστιῶν

G2169

thanksgivings

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

#21

τῷ

G3588

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

#22

θεῷ

G2316

unto God

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?