2 Corinthians 9:8
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:
Original Language Analysis
δυνατὸς
is able
G1415
δυνατὸς
is able
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
1 of 21
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
6 of 21
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
περισσεύητε
abound
G4052
περισσεύητε
abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
7 of 21
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 #:
8 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτάρκειαν
sufficiency
G841
αὐτάρκειαν
sufficiency
Strong's:
G841
Word #:
15 of 21
self-satisfaction, i.e., (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
περισσεύητε
abound
G4052
περισσεύητε
abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
17 of 21
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 #:
18 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Proverbs 10:22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.Malachi 3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.Haggai 2:8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.Proverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Proverbs 3:9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.2 Corinthians 8:7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Historical Context
In subsistence economies, scarcity mentality dominated. Most people lived one failed harvest from starvation. The idea that giving wouldn't create destitution but rather abundance seemed fantastical. Paul promises supernatural provision—a radical claim requiring faith in God's covenant faithfulness. The early church's dramatic generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37) demonstrated this principle's reality, creating a countercultural economic community.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's provision enabling continued or increased generosity?
- What fears about future scarcity currently hinder present generosity—and how does this verse address those fears?
- How does viewing your resources as God-given 'sufficiency for every good work' rather than private property affect your financial decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And God is able (δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ θεός)—The verb dynateō (δυνατέω, "is powerful, able") assures anxious givers that generosity never outstrips God's provision. This addresses the fear beneath stinginess: "If I give, will I have enough?" To make all grace abound toward you (πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς) uses perisseuō (περισσεύω, "overflow, exceed, abound") with all grace (πᾶσαν χάριν)—comprehensive, abundant supply. Grace isn't merely spiritual; it includes material provision for generous living.
That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things (ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες)—the threefold "all" (πᾶς) emphasizes totality: every circumstance, every time, every kind of sufficiency. Autarkeia (αὐτάρκεια, "self-sufficiency, contentment") was a Stoic virtue—independence from external circumstances. Paul baptizes this concept: Christian contentment comes not from self-sufficiency but God-sufficiency (Phil 4:11-13, 19).
May abound to every good work (περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν)—the verb perisseuō appears again. God's provision creates a cycle: He gives abundantly, we have sufficiency, therefore we can give abundantly, bringing glory to Him. The purpose of God's grace isn't hoarding but overflow into good works. Generosity begets generosity.