Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 12:15
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers as he prepares for a third visit, explicitly rejecting any expectation that he will extract financial support from them. He anticipates their potential suspicion that his greater love for them should logically demand a greater return of affection.
The words — The Greek terms ἥδιστα (hēdista, "most gladly") and ἐκδαπανηθὴσομαι (ekdapanēthēsomai, "I will be utterly spent") mark the verse's core claim: voluntary, exhaustive financial and personal expenditure for their spiritual benefit.
The thread — This pattern of self-giving runs parallel to 1 Thessalonians 2:8, where Paul shares his own life alongside the gospel, and aligns with the sacrificial offering language of Philippians 2:17.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers evaluate whether their relationships operate on transactional reciprocity or on a willingness to exhaust resources without calculating the return.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
- 2 Corinthians 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
- 2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
- 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
- 2 Corinthians 6:12 It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
- 1 Corinthians 4:8 Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!