Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:15

What does 2 Corinthians 4:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:15 means

Paul interprets all his trials and labors as serving the Corinthians’ good. The aim is that grace might reach more and more people, resulting in a cascade of thanksgiving that redounds to God’s glory. When God’s favor multiplies through the many, the proper response is worship. This reframes suffering in missional and doxological terms: the cost paid by the messenger becomes profit for the church and praise to God. Paul’s horizon is not self-preservation but the spread of grace and the increase of gratitude. The verse shows his God-centered motive—every gain in the saints’ lives is meant to amplify the glory given to God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we go through all things on account of you, because the greater the number to whom the grace is given, the greater is the praise to the glory of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the all things <FI>are<Fi> because of you, that the grace having been multiplied, because of the thanksgiving of the more, may abound to the glory of God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For all things [are] for your sakes, that the grace abounding through the many may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory ofGod.

Context

Having grounded endurance in resurrection hope (verse 14), Paul now states the practical purpose driving his perseverance: the good of the church and the glory of God through multiplied thanksgiving. This sets up a return to the theme of not losing heart in verse 16, as Paul contrasts outward decay with inward renewal. The flow moves from motive (others’ benefit, God’s glory) to mindset (how he views present and future realities), preparing for the climactic perspective on affliction and eternal glory (verses 17–18).

v.14knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.

v.15This passage

v.16Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Colossians 1:24

    Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church;

  • Galatians 1:24

    and they glorified God in me.

  • Revelation 4:8

    And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, isthe Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:11

    ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.

  • Revelation 19:4

    And the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God that sitteth on the throne, saying, Amen; Hallelujah.

  • Hebrews 13:15

    Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

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