2 Corinthians 4:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} all things {G3956} are for {G1223} your {G5209} sakes {G1223}, that {G2443} the abundant {G4121} grace {G5485} might {G4052} through {G1223} the thanksgiving {G2169} of many {G4119} redound {G4052} to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to God.

Berean Standard Bible

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes a profound reflection on his apostolic ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:15, revealing that all his experiences, particularly his trials and the divine strength sustaining him, ultimately serve a singular, altruistic purpose. These hardships, endured for the sake of the Corinthian believers, are designed to facilitate an overflowing measure of God's grace among many, which in turn elicits widespread thanksgiving, culminating in the magnification of God's inherent glory. This verse beautifully encapsulates the divine economy where suffering, grace, and gratitude converge to exalt the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic summary of Paul's defense and explanation of his apostolic ministry, which began in [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - Paul's Ministry"). In [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Paul's Ministry and Suffering"), Paul contrasts his transparent, Spirit-empowered ministry with the deceptive practices of false apostles. He emphasizes that despite immense suffering, persecution, and weakness, he does not lose heart because his ministry is a display of God's power. He famously describes himself and other believers as "earthen vessels" containing "this treasure" (the gospel and God's power), ensuring that "the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")). He lists his afflictions—troubled, perplexed, persecuted, cast down—but immediately counters each with God's sustaining grace: "not distressed," "not in despair," "not forsaken," "not destroyed" ([2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's Endurance")). The suffering he endures is for the sake of the Corinthians, so that the life of Jesus might be manifested in them ([2 Corinthians 4:10-12](/2_corinthians/4-10-12 "2 Corinthians 4:10-12 - Bearing the Death of Jesus")). Verse 15 then articulates the ultimate, God-centered outcome of this entire process.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including opposition from Jewish leaders, internal divisions within the church, and the emergence of "super-apostles" who questioned his authority, authenticity, and even his physical appearance and rhetorical skill. These opponents often boasted of their own strength, eloquence, and spiritual prowess, contrasting sharply with Paul's humble demeanor and evident suffering. In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was generally viewed as a sign of weakness or divine displeasure, making Paul's embrace of hardship a counter-cultural paradox. By stating that "all things are for your sakes," Paul directly addresses accusations of self-interest, affirming his selfless commitment to the Corinthian church's spiritual well-being. His emphasis on "abundant grace" and "thanksgiving of many" also speaks to the communal nature of early Christian worship and the understanding that God's favor was not merely individual but flowed through the community, fostering corporate gratitude.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Power in Human Weakness**, where Paul's suffering is not a hindrance but a conduit for God's strength and grace ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")). This leads to the theme of **Apostolic Suffering for the Sake of Others**, demonstrating Paul's selfless, pastoral heart, as his trials ultimately benefit the believers. Another crucial theme is the **Overflowing Nature of God's Grace**, which is not merely sufficient but superabundant, enabling a widespread response of **Communal Thanksgiving**. Finally, and most centrally, the entire cycle points to the **Ultimate Glory of God**. All aspects of Paul's ministry, the believers' reception of grace, and their gratitude are directed towards magnifying God's character and worth, establishing God's glory as the supreme end of all things, a concept pervasive throughout Paul's theology, as seen in passages like [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - To God Be the Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abundant (Greek, _pleonázō'_):** G4121. This word means to do, make, or be more; to increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound. In the context of "abundant grace," it emphasizes an overflowing, exceeding, or more-than-sufficient measure of God's favor and empowering presence. It suggests a grace that is not merely adequate but lavishly supplied, exceeding all expectation and need.
* **thanksgiving (Greek, _eucharistía'_):** G2169. Derived from a word meaning "grateful," this term signifies gratitude, specifically grateful language directed towards God as an act of worship. It encompasses both the feeling of thankfulness and its verbal expression. The "thanksgiving of many" highlights a collective, widespread response of gratitude, indicating that the abundant grace is not confined to a few but is experienced and acknowledged by a broad community of believers.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** G1391. From the base of *dokéō* (to seem, to think), this word refers to glory as something very apparent, in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective). It denotes dignity, honor, praise, or worship. In this verse, "the glory of God" signifies the manifestation of God's inherent excellence, splendor, and praiseworthiness. It is the ultimate purpose towards which all divine activity, including the flow of grace and human thanksgiving, is directed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all things are for your sakes":** This opening clause establishes the altruistic and pastoral motivation behind Paul's ministry and suffering. "All things" refers not only to his trials and hardships but also to the divine power and grace that sustain him. Paul asserts that the entire purpose and outcome of his apostolic work are directed towards the spiritual benefit, growth, and salvation of the Corinthian believers. His ministry is not self-serving but entirely focused on their well-being.
* **"that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many":** This phrase explains the mechanism and immediate result of Paul's selfless ministry. "Abundant grace" refers to God's overflowing, superabundant favor and divine enablement, poured out through Paul's ministry and received by the believers. This grace, experienced by an increasing number of people ("of many"), naturally elicits a response of "thanksgiving." The "through" indicates that thanksgiving is the channel or means by which the grace achieves its ultimate purpose. It's a communal, multiplying gratitude.
* **"redound to the glory of God":** This is the ultimate telos, the supreme purpose and destination of the entire process. The word "redound" (from *perisseúō*) implies an overflowing, an accumulation, or a flowing back to a particular end. The abundant grace, received with thanksgiving by many, does not terminate in human benefit or praise, but rather flows back to magnify and manifest the inherent "glory of God." God's glory is the supreme end, the ultimate beneficiary and recipient of all this divine activity and human response.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with power and clarity. The verse functions as a **Purpose Clause**, introduced by "that" (*hína*), clearly articulating the ultimate aim of Paul's ministry and suffering. There is a strong sense of **Cause and Effect**, where Paul's enduring ministry (cause) leads to abundant grace (effect), which in turn prompts thanksgiving (effect), ultimately redounding to God's glory (final effect). The concept of "redound" itself acts as a subtle **Metaphor** of overflowing or flowing back, akin to a river that swells and returns to its source, emphasizing that the benefits of grace and human gratitude ultimately return to their divine origin. The entire verse can also be seen as a concise description of a **Theological Cycle**: Suffering → Grace → Reception → Thanksgiving → Glory. This cyclical structure underscores the interconnectedness of divine action and human response, all orchestrated for God's supreme honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 4:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's sovereign plan and the purpose of human existence and ministry: all things ultimately exist for and return to the glory of God. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of divine grace, human response, and God's ultimate exaltation. It teaches that even suffering can be a conduit for God's lavish grace, which, when received and acknowledged by a growing community of believers, naturally overflows into collective thanksgiving. This gratitude is not an end in itself but serves to magnify God's inherent worth and splendor. It underscores that the Christian life, in its entirety—including its trials and triumphs—is designed to showcase the character and power of God, ensuring that He receives all the praise and honor. This doxological aim is central to biblical theology, reminding us that God is the supreme End of all creation and redemption.

* [Romans 5:20-21](/romans/5-20-21 "Romans 5:20-21 - Grace Abounds Much More")
* [Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - To the Praise of His Glory")
* [Philippians 1:9-11](/philippians/1-9-11 "Philippians 1:9-11 - Fruit of Righteousness to God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 4:15 offers profound encouragement and a transformative perspective for believers navigating the complexities of life and ministry today. It reminds us that our experiences, particularly our difficulties and weaknesses, are not meaningless but are woven into God's grand design. When we endure faithfully, our trials can become channels through which God's "abundant grace" flows not only to us but also through us to others, fostering spiritual growth and leading them to a deeper appreciation of God's goodness. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude, recognizing that every blessing, every moment of strength, and every deliverance is a manifestation of God's unmerited favor. Our thanksgiving, whether expressed individually or corporately, is a vital act of worship that directs honor back to God. Ultimately, our lives are meant to be living testimonies that "redound to the glory of God," aligning our purpose with His. This means intentionally living in a way that reflects His character, proclaims His truth, and magnifies His name, ensuring that He, and not ourselves, receives the ultimate praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "all things are for your sakes" change your perspective on personal challenges or difficulties you might be facing?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's "abundant grace," and how has that experience prompted thanksgiving in your life?**
* **How can your daily life, your work, and your relationships more intentionally "redound to the glory of God"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster a more consistent and communal spirit of thanksgiving within your church or community?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for grace to "redound" to the glory of God?**

Answer: The word "redound" (from the Greek *perisseúō*) means to overflow, to result in, or to contribute greatly. When grace "redounds to the glory of God," it means that God's abundant favor, poured out upon believers, leads to such a widespread and profound experience of gratitude that this collective thanksgiving ultimately flows back to God, magnifying His inherent splendor, honor, and praiseworthiness. It's a cyclical process where God's giving inspires human thanks, and that thanks then serves to further highlight God's greatness. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of all divine activity and human response is the exaltation of God Himself.

**How does Paul's suffering contribute to the "abundant grace" for others?**

Answer: Paul's suffering, as described throughout [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Paul's Ministry and Suffering"), was not in vain but served as a powerful demonstration of God's power working through human weakness. By enduring persecution and hardship with steadfast faith, Paul exemplified the sufficiency of God's grace. His faithfulness in suffering became a visible testament to God's sustaining power, encouraging other believers and demonstrating the truth of the gospel. When the Corinthians saw God's grace enabling Paul to persevere, it strengthened their own faith and showed them the reality of God's abundant grace available to them as well. As Paul states in [2 Corinthians 4:12](/2_corinthians/4-12 "2 Corinthians 4:12 - Life in Us"), "So then death worketh in us, but life in you." His suffering became a conduit for their spiritual life and growth, thus increasing the experience of grace among them.

**What is the significance of the "thanksgiving of many"?**

Answer: The "thanksgiving of many" highlights the communal and multiplying effect of God's grace. It signifies that the experience of God's abundant grace is not limited to a few individuals but is widespread among the community of believers. As more people receive and experience this grace, their gratitude multiplies, creating a collective chorus of praise. This communal thanksgiving is a powerful witness to God's goodness and faithfulness, and it is through this collective response that God's glory is most fully manifested. It underscores that the Christian journey is not solitary but shared, and that our corporate worship and gratitude are essential to bringing honor to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 4:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principle of grace flowing through suffering to God's glory. Jesus, the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")), willingly emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His suffering and sacrifice were "for our sakes," the ultimate act of self-giving love to secure "abundant grace" for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, an overflowing, superabundant grace was unleashed, bringing salvation, forgiveness, and new life to "many" who believe ([John 1:16-17](/john/1-16-17 "John 1:16-17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). This grace, received by faith, evokes profound thanksgiving from countless hearts across generations. Ultimately, Christ's entire life, ministry, and redemptive work were designed to "redound to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess Jesus Christ is Lord")). He is the prototype of the "earthen vessel" through whom divine power and grace are manifested, ensuring that all praise and honor return to the Father, making Him the ultimate demonstration of the truth articulated in this verse.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

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

2 Corinthians 8:19

And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:

2 Corinthians 1:11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.