2 Corinthians 12 15

2 Corinthians 12:15 kjv

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

2 Corinthians 12:15 nkjv

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

2 Corinthians 12:15 niv

So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?

2 Corinthians 12:15 esv

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

2 Corinthians 12:15 nlt

I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 15 Meaning

Paul declares his profound and unwavering commitment to the Corinthians, stating his willingness to completely exhaust himself and his resources for their spiritual benefit and well-being. This self-sacrificial dedication persists even in the painful reality that his abundant and affectionate love for them is met with lesser, or even unreciprocated, affection in return. It embodies selfless service and love in the face of ingratitude.

2 Corinthians 12 15 Context

This verse is situated within Paul's vigorous defense of his apostleship and the integrity of his ministry to the Corinthian church (2 Cor 10-13). He is countering the accusations and influence of "super-apostles" who discredited his authority, appearance, and his refusal of financial support. Chapter 12 directly precedes this verse with Paul discussing his profound heavenly revelations, swiftly followed by his "thorn in the flesh" and God's assurance that His "power is made perfect in weakness." Paul consistently emphasizes his willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and the Corinthians. The verse serves as a culmination of his self-vindication, reiterating his selfless commitment to their spiritual well-being, contrasting with his detractors' self-serving motives, and expressing his unwavering love despite their perceived lack of reciprocation.

2 Corinthians 12 15 Word analysis

• And I: Establishes a personal commitment from Paul, contrasting his genuine concern with others' self-interest.
• will very gladly (μάλιστα ἡδέως - malista hēdeōs): Not merely "gladly," but "most gladly" or "with utmost joy." It emphasizes his enthusiastic and willing dedication to the sacrifice, revealing a profound and joyful spiritual motivation beyond mere duty.
• spend (δαπανήσω - dapanēsō): "To expend," "to use up resources," "to incur costs." Refers to Paul's active and intentional investment of his time, energy, strength, and any material possession for their benefit. It implies a conscious act of pouring out.
• and be spent (ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι - ekdapanēthēsomai): Future passive, "to be utterly consumed," "completely used up," "exhausted to the maximum." The "ek-" prefix intensifies the verb dapanēsō, indicating an absolute and total self-expenditure, even to the point of complete physical and mental exhaustion, or life's end, on behalf of others. It conveys being fully offered.
• for your souls (ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν - hyper tōn psychōn hymōn): "For your lives" or "on behalf of your whole beings." The objective of Paul's sacrifice is the complete spiritual and existential well-being of the Corinthians, signifying a deep, holistic concern for their entire person and eternal destiny.
• though (εἰ δὲ - ei de): Introduces a strong contrast or an ironic observation, linking his selfless love to their insufficient response.
• the more abundantly (περισσοτέρως - perissotérōs): "More exceedingly," "in greater measure." Paul indicates his love for them is not minimal but overflowing, profound, and far-reaching.
• I love you (φιλῶ ὑμᾶς - philō hymas): Uses phileō-love, denoting personal affection, fondness, and brotherly love. This choice underscores the deep, relational warmth and intimate bond Paul feels for them, highlighting his personal investment in their lives.
• the less (ἧσσον - hēsson): "Less," "to a lesser degree." Directly indicates a deficiency, lack, or inadequacy in their reciprocal affection towards him.
• I be loved (ἀγαπῶμαι - agapōmai): Passive voice of agapaō-love, referring to a higher, unconditional, selfless love. Paul uses agapaō here, implying their love for him is deficient even at this highest standard, highlighting their ingratitude and perhaps a failure to appreciate his self-sacrificing ministry for their spiritual growth.

• "spend and be spent": This powerful rhetorical pair underscores the completeness of Paul's commitment. He will not only actively give of himself but is ready to be entirely consumed and exhausted in service. It reflects a complete and unreserved dedication.
• "for your souls": The ultimate target of Paul's entire ministry. His efforts and sacrifice are directed towards the spiritual, eternal, and holistic well-being of the people, signifying that he prioritizes their profound transformation over any personal gain or superficial aspects.
• "though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved": This antithetical statement highlights the bittersweet and often painful reality of sacrificial ministry. Despite his overwhelming, personal affection for the Corinthians, they fail to reciprocate an equivalent level of deep, valuing love. It reveals Paul's awareness of their ingratitude but also his unshakeable resolve to love them nonetheless.

2 Corinthians 12 15 Bonus section

Paul's financial metaphor, "spend and be spent," is significant in the context of the "super-apostles" who likely benefited financially from the Corinthians. Paul explicitly contrasts his spiritual investment in their "souls" with others' focus on material gain. This also ties into Paul's general stance of not being a financial burden, even laboring with his hands, to preach the Gospel without charge, thus demonstrating the purity of his motives. The willingness to be "spent" suggests not just active service but also allowing oneself to be a target for the hardship and persecution that naturally accompany ministry. This passive voice indicates surrender to the divine process of being consumed for God's glory through the benefit of others. His love, even in its unreciprocated state, embodies the divine standard where love gives without demanding return.

2 Corinthians 12 15 Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:15 beautifully encapsulates the heart of truly apostolic and pastoral ministry: total self-expenditure driven by unconditional love for souls, even when met with ingratitude. Paul's commitment is not a reluctant obligation but a "most gladly" offering of his very life, utterly consumed for the Corinthians' eternal good. This contrasts sharply with self-serving spiritual leaders. While acknowledging the pain of unrequited love—his overflowing phileō affection receiving less agapē in return—he remains undeterred. This verse is a powerful declaration of Christ-like, persevering love, where the servant pours out all for the benefit of others, mirroring the very gospel he preaches.

• Practical examples: A parent relentlessly provides for their children even when those children seem to ignore their efforts; a missionary remains in a challenging field despite slow progress and lack of recognition from those they serve; a spiritual leader continues faithful guidance even amidst personal attacks and lukewarm responses from the flock.