2 Corinthians 8:9

KJV

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye know {G1097} the grace {G5485} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, that {G3754}, though he was {G5607} rich {G4145}, yet for {G1223} your {G5209} sakes {G1223} he became poor {G4433}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} through his {G1565} poverty {G4432} might be rich {G4147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you know how generous our Lord Yeshua the Messiah was — for your sakes he impoverished himself, even though he was rich, so that he might make you rich by means of his poverty.

Berean Standard Bible

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

American Standard Version

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 8:9 encapsulates the profound theological basis for Christian generosity, revealing the unparalleled self-emptying of Jesus Christ. Paul presents Christ's voluntary descent from divine riches to earthly poverty as the ultimate act of grace, undertaken specifically so that believers might be spiritually enriched through His sacrifice. This verse serves as the supreme motivation for the Corinthians' participation in the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, grounding human giving in the divine pattern of Christ's unparalleled self-giving love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the theological cornerstone of Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church for their contribution to the collection for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. Chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians form a cohesive unit dedicated to the topic of Christian giving. Prior to verse 9, Paul extols the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own severe poverty, gave beyond their means and even pleaded for the privilege of participating in the offering [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Macedonian Churches' Generosity"). He then encourages the Corinthians to complete their previously promised contribution, emphasizing that their giving should be out of willingness and according to what they have, not what they do not have [2 Corinthians 8:6-8](/2_corinthians/8-6-8 "2 Corinthians 8:6-8 - Paul's Encouragement to the Corinthians"). Verse 9 then introduces the ultimate and most compelling motivation for their generosity: the supreme example of Christ Himself, making the human act of charity a reflection of divine grace. Following this, Paul continues to elaborate on the principles of giving, including equality and God's provision [2 Corinthians 8:10-15](/2_corinthians/8-10-15 "2 Corinthians 8:10-15 - Principles of Giving").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the saints in Jerusalem was a significant initiative championed by Paul, mentioned in several of his letters [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem"); [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Instructions for the Collection"). Jerusalem, as the birthplace of the church, faced severe economic hardship, possibly due to famine, persecution, or the communal living arrangements of the early believers. This collection served multiple purposes: it provided essential relief, demonstrated the unity between Gentile and Jewish believers, and affirmed the Gentile churches' indebtedness to Jerusalem, from which the Gospel had originated. The Corinthian church, while having some wealthy members, also had those of modest means. Paul's appeal was not a demand but an encouragement to participate in a tangible expression of fellowship and love, reflecting the early church's commitment to mutual support and care for one another, a practice rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the early apostles.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. It powerfully articulates the theme of **divine grace**, portraying Christ's self-impoverishment as the ultimate expression of God's unmerited favor towards humanity. It delves into the profound concept of **Christ's kenosis** (self-emptying), highlighting His pre-existent divine glory and His voluntary condescension to human form and earthly suffering. The verse also introduces the **divine exchange**, a core theological principle where Christ's poverty leads directly to the spiritual enrichment of believers, a concept foundational to understanding justification and salvation by grace. Finally, 2 Corinthians 8:9 serves as the supreme **motivation for Christian generosity**, presenting Christ's self-sacrificial love as the pattern for believers' own giving, inspiring them to imitate His selfless example in their relationships and stewardship. This echoes the call to imitate Christ found throughout Paul's writings, such as in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term signifies graciousness, favor, goodwill, and kindness, particularly as shown by a superior to an inferior. In this context, it encapsulates the benevolent and unmerited act of Christ, who, out of sheer favor and love, undertook His redemptive work for humanity. It is the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life, including gratitude.
* **rich (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** This adjective describes one who is wealthy or, figuratively, abounding with. When applied to Christ, it refers to His pre-existent divine glory, majesty, power, and inherent abundance as God, emphasizing His exalted status before His incarnation.
* **became poor (Greek, _ptōcheúō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to be a beggar," this verb denotes the act of becoming indigent or impoverished. In the context of Christ, it describes His voluntary condescension from divine glory to the humble, dependent, and materially deprived state of human existence, culminating in His sacrificial death. This "poverty" encompasses not merely a lack of material possessions but a profound self-abasement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ":** Paul begins by appealing to a truth already known and accepted by the Corinthians. This is not new information but a foundational theological premise. The "grace" (Greek: _charis_) of Christ is the unmerited, benevolent favor He extended to humanity, manifested supremely in His redemptive work. This grace is the very essence of His character and actions, the wellspring of salvation.
* **"that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor":** This clause presents the striking antithesis at the heart of Christ's redemptive act. "Though he was rich" refers to Christ's pre-existent divine state, His inherent glory, power, and abundance as God. "Yet for your sakes he became poor" describes His voluntary self-impoverishment. This "poverty" is not merely material but encompasses His incarnation, His taking on human limitations, His suffering, His humble life, and ultimately His death on the cross. The phrase "for your sakes" underscores the substitutionary and benevolent nature of this act – it was entirely for the benefit of humanity.
* **"that ye through his poverty might be rich":** This final clause states the glorious purpose and result of Christ's self-impoverishment. His voluntary "poverty" (Greek: _ptōcheia_, beggary, indigence) is the means by which believers are made "rich" (Greek: _plouteō_, to be or become wealthy). These riches are not material but spiritual: forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, adoption into His family, eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, and an inheritance in glory. It is a divine exchange, where Christ's loss becomes humanity's gain.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is powerfully constructed using several literary devices. Most prominent is **Antithesis**, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas ("rich" vs. "poor," Christ's state vs. believers' state) to highlight a central truth. This creates a stark and memorable image of Christ's immense sacrifice and the profound transformation it brings. The concept itself is a **Paradox**: that one becomes rich through another's poverty, defying conventional logic but revealing divine wisdom. The verse also functions as an **Exemplum**, holding up Christ's self-giving as the supreme example for the Corinthians' own generosity, making His act the ultimate pattern for Christian behavior. Furthermore, the terms "rich" and "poor" are used **Metaphorically** to describe spiritual states rather than merely material ones, emphasizing the profound spiritual wealth believers receive through Christ's material and existential impoverishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 8:9 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's incarnation and atonement, serving as the bedrock for Christian ethics, particularly in the realm of giving. It articulates the concept of **kenosis**, Christ's voluntary self-emptying, not of His divine nature, but of His divine prerogatives and glory, taking on the form of a servant. This act of condescension, from infinite richness to human poverty, underscores the depth of God's love and the radical nature of His grace. The "divine exchange" described here—Christ's poverty leading to our riches—is the very heart of the Gospel, revealing how our spiritual bankruptcy is remedied by His infinite sacrifice. This verse connects the incarnation directly to the cross, showing that His entire earthly life, culminating in His death, was an act of profound self-impoverishment for our ultimate gain. It moves beyond mere financial instruction to reveal the very character of God, who gives Himself away.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 2 Corinthians 8:9 calls believers to a deep and abiding gratitude for the unparalleled grace of Jesus Christ. To truly grasp that the Lord of glory, who possessed all the riches of the universe, chose to become utterly poor for our sakes, should humble us to our core. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our own understanding of "riches" and "poverty," shifting our focus from material accumulation to spiritual abundance. Christ's example is not merely an illustration but a transformative principle for life. It compels us to live lives marked by self-giving, generosity, and compassion, mirroring the one who gave His all for us. If Christ, who had everything, gave up everything for us, how much more should we, who have received so much, be willing to give of our time, talents, and resources for the sake of others and the advancement of His kingdom? This divine exchange should inspire us to participate joyfully in the needs of others, knowing that our giving is a tangible expression of the spiritual riches we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's "poverty" for your sake deepen your appreciation for His grace?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to "become poor" (i.e., sacrifice or humble yourself) for the spiritual enrichment of others?**
* **What are the "riches" you have received through Christ's sacrifice, and how do they compare to any material wealth you might possess?**
* **How does this verse motivate your approach to financial giving and generosity?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Jesus "was rich" and "became poor"?**

Answer: When the verse states that Jesus "was rich," it refers to His pre-existent divine state before His incarnation. As the eternal Son of God, He shared in the glory, power, and infinite abundance of the Godhead [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Equality with God"). He possessed all divine prerogatives and majesty. His "becoming poor" refers to His voluntary condescension and self-abasement in the incarnation. He emptied Himself, not of His divine nature, but of His divine privileges and glory, taking on human form and experiencing the limitations, humility, and suffering of human existence [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). This "poverty" encompasses His humble birth, His lack of material possessions during His ministry (He had "nowhere to lay His head" - [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), His reliance on others, and ultimately His sacrificial death on the cross, where He bore the ultimate spiritual poverty of sin for humanity.

**How does this verse relate to Christian giving and generosity?**

Answer: 2 Corinthians 8:9 serves as the ultimate theological motivation and pattern for Christian giving. Paul presents Christ's unparalleled act of self-giving as the supreme example for believers. Just as Christ, though rich, became poor for our sakes, believers are called to give generously, even sacrificially, for the benefit of others, particularly those in need. The "grace" of Christ is not just something to be received but something to be emulated. Our giving is not merely an obligation but a joyful response to the immeasurable gift we have received. It transforms giving from a duty into an act of worship and an expression of Christ-like love, reflecting the divine exchange where Christ's poverty led to our spiritual riches. It encourages cheerful and willing giving, as described later in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 8:9 is a profound Christological statement that encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel. It reveals the ultimate act of divine love and self-sacrifice, where the pre-existent, eternally "rich" Son of God, who was "in the form of God" [Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Equality with God"), voluntarily "became poor" through His incarnation. This "poverty" was not merely a lack of material possessions, but a profound act of kenosis—a self-emptying that involved taking on human flesh, enduring the limitations of a created being, submitting to the Law, and ultimately suffering the ignominy and spiritual desolation of the cross, bearing the sin of the world [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins"). This unparalleled descent was entirely "for your sakes," demonstrating the substitutionary nature of His work, so that through His profound "poverty"—His death and all it entailed—believers "might be rich." These riches are the spiritual treasures of salvation: forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, adoption as children of God, eternal life, and an inheritance in glory [Ephesians 1:7-14](/ephesians/1-7-14 "Ephesians 1:7-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"); [Colossians 1:12-14](/colossians/1-12-14 "Colossians 1:12-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness"). Thus, Christ's act of becoming poor is the foundational act of redemption, fulfilling God's plan to restore humanity and providing the ultimate pattern for all Christian life and generosity, compelling us to live lives of self-giving love because He first gave Himself for us [1 John 4:10-11](/1_john/4-10-11 "1 John 4:10-11 - God's Love for Us").

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 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.