Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:12

What does 2 Corinthians 9:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 9:12 means

This ministry does two things at once: it supplies what the saints lack and it overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Practical mercy and spiritual worship meet in one act. Paul insists that the collection is not merely economic relief; it is a catalyst for widespread praise. As needs are met, hearts rise to bless God, whose grace worked in givers and provided for receivers. The ministry is thus doubly fruitful: it fills empty hands and fills the church with gratitude. The Corinthians’ gift will echo far beyond Corinth in the chorus of thanksgiving it awakens.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this work of giving not only takes care of the needs of the saints, but is the cause of much praise to God;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because the ministration of this service not only is supplying the wants of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Because the administration of this office doth not only supply the want of the saints, but aboundeth also by many thanksgivings in the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Because the ministration of this service is not only filling up the measure of what is lacking to the saints, but also abounding by many thanksgivings toGod;

Context

Following verse 11’s link between enrichment, liberality, and thanksgiving, Paul now states the dual impact of the collection: meeting needs and multiplying praise. Next, verse 13 will explain how this service also proves the reality of the Corinthians’ profession of faith and honors God because of their obedience to the gospel of Christ. Verse 14 then will describe the loving prayers that the recipients offer for the givers, tightening the bond of fellowship. The chapter is showing the ripple effects of a single offering across the church’s worship and unity.

v.11ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

v.12This passage

v.13seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:14

    but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

  • Philemon 1:4

    I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,

  • James 2:14

    What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

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