2 Corinthians 9:14
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
by their
G846
αὐτῶν
by their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 15
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
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 15
"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
ἐπιποθούντων
which long after
G1971
ἐπιποθούντων
which long after
Strong's:
G1971
Word #:
6 of 15
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπερβάλλουσαν
the exceeding
G5235
ὑπερβάλλουσαν
the exceeding
Strong's:
G5235
Word #:
10 of 15
to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
11 of 15
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 #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.2 Corinthians 8:1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;Philippians 1:8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
In ancient Mediterranean culture, benefaction created social debts and hierarchy—clients became obligated to patrons. Paul transforms this dynamic: the 'payment' for generosity is not social power but prayer support and spiritual affection. The impoverished Jerusalem believers have nothing material to offer wealthy Corinthians, but their prayers are invaluable currency in God's economy. This radically equalizes relationships, making generosity genuine fellowship (koinōnia) rather than patronizing charity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does receiving earnest prayer from those you've helped financially enrich you spiritually?
- Do recipients of your generosity see your personal virtue or God's extraordinary grace working through you—and which do you want them to see?
- How can you structure giving relationships to foster mutual prayer and affection rather than hierarchical patronage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And by their prayer for you (καὶ αὐτῶν δεήσει ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν)—deēsis (δέησις, "prayer, petition, supplication") indicates earnest, specific intercession. Generosity creates prayer partnership: recipients intercede for givers. This reverses typical patronage where clients flatter patrons seeking favor. Here, spiritual benefit flows to givers through recipients' prayers—blessed reciprocity.
Which long after you (ἐπιποθούντων ὑμᾶς)—epipotheō (ἐπιποθέω, "long for, yearn for") expresses intense affectionate desire. The Jerusalem believers don't merely thank Corinthians but deeply love them, longing for personal relationship. Generosity creates affection between giver and receiver—both recognize shared participation in God's grace. Money becomes relational bridge, not cold transaction.
For the exceeding grace of God in you (διὰ τὴν ὑπερβάλλουσαν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐφ᾽ ὑμῖν)—hyperballousa (ὑπερβάλλουσα, "surpassing, extraordinary, exceeding") modifies grace (charis, χάρις). The Jerusalem believers recognize Corinthian generosity as supernatural—evidence of God's extraordinary grace at work. No one gives sacrificially from natural inclination; generosity proves grace. Recipients don't see donors' virtue but God's grace through them. This keeps both giver and receiver humble, gratefully worshiping the true Source.