2 Corinthians 9:14

Authorized King James Version

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὐτῶν
G846
by their
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
δεήσει
G1162
prayer
a petition
#4
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
#5
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#6
ἐπιποθούντων
G1971
which long after
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
#7
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#8
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#9
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ὑπερβάλλουσαν
G5235
the exceeding
to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)
#11
χάριν
G5485
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#14
ἐφ'
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#15
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you

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 grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation 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