2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to focus on the "giving" side of this chapter, but Paul's point here is that the true wonder isn't our generosity, but God's gift. This "inexpressible gift" is ultimately Jesus himself, and our giving flows from the overflow of receiving His indescribable love and grace.
Paul is wrapping up his passionate appeal for the Corinthian church to generously contribute to the collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. He's just detailed the practical benefits of their giving, emphasizing how it will bring thanksgiving to God and meet needs. This concluding verse explodes with joy, recognizing that all generosity flows from God's ultimate, indescribable gift to humanity.
Paul bursts with thanks, but what is this gift that leaves him speechless? It's more than just a nice thought.
Paul's exclamation in 2 Corinthians 9:15 is a powerful expression of gratitude, directly linked to the generosity he's been encouraging. This isn't just about money or material things. The 'gift' Paul refers to is the very person of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. It's God's love poured out through Christ, making all other generosity possible and meaningful. This gift is the foundation of our faith and the source of all blessings.
Paul says the gift is 'inexpressible.' What makes something so wonderful that words fail?
The word Paul uses for 'inexpressible' points to something so profound, so vast, that human language simply cannot fully capture its depth and glory. This gift—Jesus—transcends all our understanding and vocabulary. It's the mystery of God becoming man, living a perfect life, dying for our sins, and rising again. This gift offers forgiveness, reconciliation with God, eternal life, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We can only stand in awe, as Paul does, and give thanks.
Understand the original words
ekdiēgētos · Greek Adjective
Something that cannot be adequately described or told; in this context, it refers to the overwhelming and infinite nature of God's gift of salvation in Christ.
This passage echoes 2 Corinthians 9:15 by highlighting God's ultimate gift, His Son, which is so profound it can hardly be put into words.
Romans 8:32Paul connects God's giving of His Son to His willingness to give us all things, reinforcing the idea of an immeasurable and generous gift from God.
Ephesians 2:8-9This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works, mirroring the 'inexpressible gift' as something freely bestowed out of grace.
1 Corinthians 1:18Paul calls the message of the cross 'foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God,' hinting at the profound, almost indescribable nature of God's saving power through Christ.
It's easy to focus on the "giving" side of this chapter, but Paul's point here is that the true wonder isn't our generosity, but God's gift. This "inexpressible gift" is ultimately Jesus himself, and our giving flows from the overflow of receiving His indescribable love and grace.
Paul is wrapping up his passionate appeal for the Corinthian church to generously contribute to the collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. He's just detailed the practical benefits of their giving, emphasizing how it will bring thanksgiving to God and meet needs. This concluding verse explodes with joy, recognizing that all generosity flows from God's ultimate, indescribable gift to humanity.
Paul is wrapping up his passionate appeal for the Corinthian church to generously contribute to the collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. He's just detailed the practical benefits of their giving, emphasizing how it will bring thanksgiving to God and meet needs. This concluding verse explodes with joy, recognizing that all generosity flows from God's ultimate, indescribable gift to humanity.
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"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" — It's easy to focus on the "giving" side of this chapter, but Paul's point here is that the true wonder isn't our generosity, but God's gift. This "inexpressible gift" is ultimately Jesus himself, a…