Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:11KJV
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2 Corinthians 1:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 1:11 mean?

2 Corinthians 1:11 describes how the prayers of the Corinthian believers are helping Paul and his companions, so that when God gives them help or deliverance, many people will give thanks to God on their behalf. The verse highlights the shared role of the community in both praying for and giving thanks for God’s help.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining that their prayers are a real way of supporting him and his fellow workers during difficult times. He points out that when many people pray, and God answers, it leads to more people giving thanks—emphasizing a sense of shared participation and gratitude within the Christian community.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 1:11

  • "Together" (συνυπουργούντων, sunupourgountōn): This word means "working together" or "helping together." Paul is stressing that prayer is not a passive act, but an active partnership with him in his ministry and struggles.
  • "Gift" (χάρισμα, charisma): This Greek word refers to a gracious gift or favor from God. Here, it points to the help or deliverance Paul receives, which he sees as something given by God in response to the prayers of many.
  • "Persons" (προσώπων, prosōpōn): Literally "faces" or "people," this word highlights the personal involvement of many individuals in both prayer and thanksgiving.
  • "By many" (ἐκ πολλῶν, ek pollōn): This phrase underlines that the thanksgiving offered to God comes from a large group, not just a few, showing the communal nature of both prayer and gratitude.

Why 2 Corinthians 1:11 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that prayer is just a private or individual act; Paul shows that prayer is a way the whole community can join in supporting others.
  • It emphasizes that when God answers prayer, the result is not just relief for those in trouble, but a wave of gratitude from many people, strengthening the bonds within the church.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how Paul depends on both God and the prayers of others, modeling humility and interdependence in Christian life.

Where else these words appear

“prayer” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

“gift” Greek G5486 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

“be” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“persons” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: