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;

For {G3754} the administration {G1248} of this {G5026} service {G3009} not {G3756} only {G3440} supplieth {G2076}{G4322} the want {G5303} of the saints {G40}, but {G235} is abundant {G4052} also {G2532} by {G1223} many {G4183} thanksgivings {G2169} unto God {G2316};

because rendering this holy service not only provides for the needs of God’s people, but it also overflows in the many thanks people will be giving to God.

For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

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;

Commentary

Context

This verse concludes Paul's extensive teaching on Christian giving, spanning 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. The "service" or "ministration" refers specifically to the collection being gathered from the Gentile churches (like Corinth) for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This was not merely an act of charity but a significant demonstration of unity and fellowship between different segments of the early Christian community. Paul emphasizes that this act of benevolence is a spiritual ministry, not just a financial transaction.

Key Themes

  • Dual Impact of Generosity: The verse highlights the two primary benefits of Christian giving. Firstly, it directly addresses the material "want" or need of the saints. Secondly, and equally important, it generates "many thanksgivings unto God" from both the recipients and those who witness the generosity. This underscores that true giving is an act of worship and a catalyst for praise.
  • Divine Provision and Human Partnership: While God is the ultimate provider, He often works through the generosity of His people to meet the needs of others. The Corinthians' contribution was a tangible expression of God's care, facilitated by their obedience and love.
  • Fostering Gratitude: The act of giving elicits profound gratitude towards God. When needs are met through the sacrificial giving of others, it testifies to God's faithfulness and kindness, prompting praise and thanksgiving from all involved. This spiritual return on investment is a major theme throughout Paul's exhortation on cheerful and bountiful giving.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "administration of this service" translates the Greek word leitourgia (λειτουργία), from which we get 'liturgy'. It denotes a public service or ministry, often with a religious or spiritual connotation. Here, it elevates the act of financial support to a sacred duty and an act of worship. The word "supplieth" (prosanampleroo - προσαναπληρόω) means "to fill up in addition" or "to complete," suggesting that the offering fully and adequately meets the needs, going beyond mere supplementation to truly make up for what is lacking. The "thanksgivings" (eucharistia - εὐχαριστία) signifies deep gratitude, often expressed as praise to God, reinforcing the spiritual outcome of this material aid.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for believers today regarding the nature and impact of generosity. Our giving, whether financial, time, or talent, should not be seen merely as fulfilling an obligation but as a vital spiritual "service" that yields spiritual fruit. It reminds us that when we meet the needs of others, especially fellow believers, we are not just helping them but also creating opportunities for God to be glorified. Every act of Christian benevolence has the potential to become a catalyst for praise and worship, testifying to God's goodness through His people. It encourages a perspective where God's provision is channeled through human hands, resulting in a cycle of blessing and thanksgiving.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 8:14

    But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:15

    As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.

  • Philemon 1:4

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

  • Philemon 1:7

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

  • Philippians 2:25

    Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
← Back