2 Corinthians 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Word-by-Word Analysis

δυνατὸς

G1415

is able

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

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

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

χάριν

G5485

grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

περισσεύητε

G4052

abound

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

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#13

πάντοτε

G3842

ye always

every when, i.e., at all times

#14

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#15

αὐτάρκειαν

G841

sufficiency

self-satisfaction, i.e., (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence

#16

ἔχοντες

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#17

περισσεύητε

G4052

abound

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

#18

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#19

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#20

ἔργον

G2041

work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#21

ἀγαθόν

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of grace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?