And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:15KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:15 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:15 means that Paul is willing to give everything he has and even exhaust himself completely for the good of the people he is writing to, even though the more he loves them, the less they seem to love him in return. Paul is expressing a deep, self-sacrificing love, even when it is not appreciated or returned.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth, explaining his attitude as their spiritual leader. He wants them to know that his care for them is genuine and not based on how they treat him. The verse shows Paul’s willingness to serve and love the Corinthians, even when he faces rejection or misunderstanding from them.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:15

  • The word "spend" (δαπανήσω, dapanēsō) and "be spent" (ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι, ekdapanēthēsomai) both carry the sense of using up resources or oneself completely. Paul is saying he will not only give what he has, but also give himself fully for their benefit.
  • The word "gladly" (ἡδέως, hēdeōs) means doing something with pleasure or willingness. Paul’s attitude is not grudging or reluctant; he is happy to make these sacrifices.
  • The word "love" (ἀγαπῶ, agapō) and "loved" (ἀγαπῶμαι, agapōmai) come from the Greek word for selfless, unconditional love. Paul is describing a love that keeps giving, even if it is not returned.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul’s ministry was motivated by personal gain or approval from others. He is showing that true leadership and care are not based on being loved in return.
  • The verse highlights the kind of love Paul believes Christian leaders should have: one that is willing to give everything, even when it is not appreciated.
  • In the wider context of the letter, this verse helps explain why Paul sometimes seems defensive or emotional—he is deeply invested in the well-being of the Corinthians, even when they misunderstand or criticize him.

Where else these words appear

“gladly” Greek G2236 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

“less” Greek G2276 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

“spend” Greek G1159 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
  • Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
  • Acts 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

“abundantly” Greek G4056 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
  • Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.