9:14 9:14

2 Corinthians 9:15

10:1 10:1

Bible Versions

Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.
{G1161} Thanks {G5485} be unto God {G2316} for {G1909} his {G846} unspeakable {G411} gift {G1431}.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15 concludes a significant passage on generous giving, serving as a powerful doxology that encapsulates the apostle Paul's profound gratitude to God. After detailing the blessings and spiritual benefits of the Corinthians' promised contribution to the poor saints in Jerusalem, Paul bursts forth with this exclamation of praise.

Context

This verse acts as the climax of Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 regarding the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. Paul has encouraged the Corinthians to complete their pledge, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver and that generosity leads to abundant blessings, both for the giver and the recipient. The "unspeakable gift" is the ultimate reason for thanks, transcending the immediate context of their financial contribution and pointing to God's supreme benevolence.

Key Themes

  • Profound Gratitude: The verse is a direct expression of overflowing thanksgiving to God. It highlights that all good things, especially the greatest blessings, originate from Him.
  • God's Supreme Gift: While the immediate context is financial giving, the "unspeakable gift" primarily refers to God's ultimate act of generosity: the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. This divine gift enables and inspires all human acts of generosity and is truly beyond human words to describe its value. John 3:16 famously articulates this ultimate gift.
  • Inexpressible Value: The term "unspeakable" underscores the immeasurable worth and profound nature of God's gift. Its depth, breadth, and eternal implications are so vast that human language cannot fully capture or articulate them.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "unspeakable" is anekdiegetos (ἀνεκδιήγητος). It means "indescribable," "inexpressible," or "too great to be narrated or fully told." This term emphasizes the infinite value and profound mystery of God's gift, suggesting that its greatness surpasses all human ability to comprehend or articulate fully. It's a gift that leaves one speechless in awe and gratitude.

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 9:15 calls believers to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and His ultimate provision. Recognizing this "unspeakable gift" should:

  • Inspire Continuous Gratitude: It serves as a reminder to always be thankful for God's overwhelming generosity, particularly the gift of salvation.
  • Motivate Generous Living: Our ability and desire to give generously to others are a direct response to God's prior and ultimate giving to us. Just as He has given to us in an unspeakable way, we are called to give back and to others.
  • Foster Awe and Worship: Reflecting on a gift so profound it cannot be fully described should lead us into worship and adoration of the Giver. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, as noted in James 1:17.

This verse encourages us to live lives marked by thanksgiving, acknowledging that all true blessings flow from the boundless love and grace of God.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14

    Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

  • Ephesians 5:20

    Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  • 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?

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:57

    But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Revelation 4:9

    And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
 Back

Search Scripture