2 Corinthians 9:14

KJV

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} by their {G846} prayer {G1162} for {G5228} you {G5216}, which long after {G1971} you {G5209} for {G1223} the exceeding {G5235} grace {G5485} of God {G2316} in {G1909} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And in their prayers for you they will feel a strong affection for you because of how gracious God has been to you.

Berean Standard Bible

And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

American Standard Version

while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse beautifully encapsulates the spiritual reciprocity inherent in Christian generosity, revealing that the material aid provided by the Corinthian believers to the impoverished saints in Jerusalem would evoke not only profound gratitude but also fervent prayers and deep affection from the recipients. It highlights how acts of giving, empowered by the "exceeding grace of God," transcend mere material transactions, fostering genuine spiritual bonds and mutual intercession within the global body of Christ, ultimately redounding to God's glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Corinthians 9:14 serves as a powerful concluding statement in Paul's extensive appeal for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, which spans chapters 8 and 9. Following detailed exhortations on the principles of generous, cheerful, and proportionate giving (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6-7 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Principles of Giving")), Paul describes the abundant blessings that flow from such liberality. He assures the Corinthians that God will provide for their needs so they can continue to be generous ([2 Corinthians 9:8-10](/2_corinthians/9-8-10 "2 Corinthians 9:8-10 - God's Provision for Givers")), and that their giving will result in "thanksgiving to God" ([2 Corinthians 9:11](/2_corinthians/9-11 "2 Corinthians 9:11 - Result of Generosity")). Verse 14 specifies *how* this thanksgiving manifests: through the prayers and profound affection of the recipients, who recognize the divine source of the Corinthians' generosity. This verse thus completes the theological argument, demonstrating that Christian giving is not just about meeting material needs but about glorifying God and forging deep spiritual unity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the Jerusalem saints was a significant undertaking for Paul, mentioned in several of his letters (e.g., [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem")). Jerusalem and Judea had experienced periods of severe famine (as recorded in [Acts 11:27-30](/acts/11-27-30 "Acts 11:27-30 - Famine Relief")), leaving many believers in dire poverty. The early church, though geographically dispersed, understood itself as one body. For Gentile churches like Corinth to contribute financially to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem was a profound act of unity and reconciliation, bridging deep-seated ethnic and religious divides. It symbolized the spiritual debt Gentile believers owed to Jewish believers, from whom the gospel had come ([Romans 15:27](/romans/15-27 "Romans 15:27 - Spiritual Debt")). This act of charity was therefore far more than mere philanthropy; it was a tangible expression of gospel-driven solidarity and a powerful testimony to the unifying power of Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Grace as the Source of Generosity**, emphasizing that the Corinthians' ability and willingness to give stems from God's "exceeding grace" working within them. This highlights that true Christian giving is not a human effort but a divine enablement. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Mutual Blessing and Reciprocity** in the body of Christ; material aid from one group elicits spiritual blessings (prayer, affection) from another, demonstrating that Christian charity is a two-way street of divine blessing. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Unity and Fellowship in the Body of Christ**, showing how practical acts of love can transcend geographical and cultural barriers, fostering deep spiritual bonds and intercession among believers, thereby glorifying God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayer (Greek, _déēsis'_):** From the verb meaning "to beg" or "to implore," this word signifies a petition or supplication, often implying earnestness and a sense of need. In this context, it describes the heartfelt, earnest requests made by the Jerusalem believers on behalf of the Corinthians, born out of gratitude and spiritual connection.
* **long after (Greek, _epipothéō'_):** This strong verb conveys an intense craving, a deep desire, or a yearning. It goes beyond mere affection to describe a profound emotional attachment and longing for the presence or fellowship of another. Here, it indicates the deep spiritual affection and yearning the Jerusalem saints would feel for the Corinthians, a bond forged through the tangible expression of God's grace.
* **exceeding grace (Greek, _hyperbállō cháris'_):** This phrase combines _hyperbállō_, meaning "to throw beyond the usual mark," "to surpass," or "to excel," with _cháris_, which means "graciousness," "favor," or "divine influence." Together, they describe an extraordinary, superabundant, or surpassing grace of God. It highlights that the Corinthians' generosity was not ordinary human kindness but an exceptional manifestation of God's divine favor and enabling power at work within them, making their giving truly remarkable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by their prayer for you,"**: This clause indicates the primary response of the recipients (the Jerusalem saints) to the Corinthians' generous gift. Their gratitude would manifest in fervent prayer directed toward the Corinthians. This underscores the spiritual nature of the transaction, where material aid generates spiritual intercession.
* **"which long after you"**: This phrase further describes the nature of the recipients' response, adding a layer of deep affection and yearning. Their prayers are not perfunctory but are accompanied by a profound emotional and spiritual bond, indicating a genuine desire for fellowship and connection with the givers. This "longing" is a direct result of witnessing the tangible expression of God's love through the Corinthians.
* **"for the exceeding grace of God in you."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate reason for the Jerusalem saints' prayers and longing: their recognition of God's extraordinary, overflowing grace at work *in* the Corinthian believers. They perceive that the Corinthians' generosity is not merely human effort but a divine enablement, a powerful demonstration of God's transforming power within their lives. This recognition leads them to praise God and intercede for those through whom such grace is manifested.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Cause and Effect** is prominent, where the Corinthians' generosity (the cause) directly leads to the Jerusalem saints' prayer and longing (the effect). This highlights the reciprocal nature of Christian giving. The phrase "exceeding grace" utilizes **Emphasis** or even **Hyperbole**, as the Greek word _hyperbállō_ suggests a grace that surpasses all expectation or norm, underscoring the extraordinary nature of God's work in the Corinthians. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Reciprocity** or **Mutualism**, illustrating a beautiful exchange: material blessing from the givers evokes spiritual blessing (prayer and affection) from the receivers, creating a unified and interdependent body of believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 9:14 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that Christian giving is far more than a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act that glorifies God and builds up His church. The "exceeding grace of God" is presented as the wellspring of all true generosity, reminding us that our ability to give comes from Him, and our willingness to do so is a manifestation of His work within us. This divine enablement transforms acts of charity into powerful testimonies of God's active presence among His people, fostering deep spiritual bonds and mutual intercession across geographical and cultural divides. It reinforces the idea that the body of Christ is interconnected, where the material provision of some elicits spiritual blessings from others, creating a cycle of grace, gratitude, and glory to God.

* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering") - Paul describes the Philippians' gift as "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God," echoing the idea that material giving is a spiritual act of worship.
* [Acts 11:29-30](/acts/11-29-30 "Acts 11:29-30 - Relief for Judea") - This passage recounts the Antioch church sending relief to Judea, demonstrating the early church's practical expression of unity and mutual care, which 2 Corinthians 9:14 further elaborates on the spiritual impact of.
* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Gentile Debt to Jewish Believers") - Paul explains the theological rationale for the collection, stating that if Gentiles have shared in the spiritual blessings of Jewish believers, they ought to minister to them in material things, highlighting the spiritual-for-material exchange.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound perspective on generosity, elevating it from a mere philanthropic act to a deeply spiritual endeavor that fosters profound relationships and glorifies God. It challenges us to view our resources not as our own, but as channels through which God's "exceeding grace" can flow, transforming lives and building His kingdom. When we give, empowered by this divine grace, we become instruments through whom others not only receive material aid but also witness the tangible reality of God's love. This witnessing then inspires them to pray for us and to feel a deep, genuine affection, creating a beautiful cycle of spiritual blessing and unity within the body of Christ. It reminds us that our giving has far-reaching spiritual consequences, extending beyond the immediate recipients to impact the spiritual landscape of the church and bring glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my approach to giving reflect the "exceeding grace of God" at work in my life?**
* **In what ways can my acts of generosity foster deeper spiritual connections and mutual prayer within the body of Christ, both locally and globally?**
* **Am I aware of the spiritual impact my material contributions can have on others, beyond merely meeting their physical needs?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Jerusalem believers "longing after" the Corinthians?**

Answer: The phrase "long after you" (Greek: _epipothéō_) signifies a deep, heartfelt affection and spiritual bond, far beyond mere polite gratitude. It indicates a genuine yearning for fellowship and connection with the Corinthians, born out of witnessing God's "exceeding grace" in action through their generosity. This longing underscores the relational aspect of Christian giving, demonstrating that it transcends a transactional exchange of goods for thanks. Instead, it builds profound spiritual unity and mutual affection within the body of Christ, showing that acts of love can forge deep, lasting bonds between believers, even across great distances.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of thanksgiving in 2 Corinthians 9?**

Answer: This verse is a direct consequence and a powerful example of the thanksgiving Paul describes throughout [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - The Collection for the Saints"). Paul states in [2 Corinthians 9:11](/2_corinthians/9-11 "2 Corinthians 9:11 - Rich in Generosity") that generosity leads to "thanksgiving to God." Verse 14 specifies *how* this thanksgiving manifests: it is through the prayers and deep affection of the recipients, who recognize the "exceeding grace of God" in the givers. Thus, the Corinthians' generosity not only meets physical needs but also generates spiritual praise and unity, culminating in glory to God. It completes the cycle of grace: God's grace enables giving, giving meets needs, meeting needs elicits thanksgiving and prayer, and all of this brings glory back to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "exceeding grace of God" highlighted in [2 Corinthians 9:14](/2_corinthians/9-14 "2 Corinthians 9:14 - Mutual Prayer and Affection") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's surpassing grace, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Christ's life, death, and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of divine generosity, for "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Our capacity to give, to long for others, and to pray for them, is not an inherent human virtue but a direct outflow of the grace we have received through Him. When believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, act in generosity, they are reflecting the very character of Christ, who freely gave Himself for us. The mutual prayer and affection described in this verse are a foretaste of the perfect communion and unity that believers share in Christ, where all barriers are broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and all are united as one body, bringing glory to God the Father through Him ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Thus, every act of Christian generosity, rooted in God's exceeding grace, ultimately points back to the unparalleled grace of Christ and His redemptive work.

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

2 Corinthians 8:6

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:7

¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

Philippians 4:1

¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:16

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:18

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.