For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:9KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:9 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:9 says that Jesus Christ, though he was rich, chose to become poor for the sake of others, so that through his poverty, others could become rich. This verse highlights the generous and self-giving nature of Jesus as an example of grace.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to be generous in supporting fellow believers in need. He points to Jesus’ own choice to give up his heavenly riches and take on poverty as the ultimate model of sacrificial giving. The verse uses the language of wealth and poverty to describe spiritual realities—Jesus gave up his privileges so that believers could share in the riches of God’s grace.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:9

  • χάρις (charis, "grace"): This word means favor, kindness, or gift. Paul uses it to describe the generous attitude and action of Jesus, setting the tone for what Christian generosity should look like.
  • πλούσιος (plousios, "rich") and πτωχεύω (ptōcheuō, "became poor"): These terms are often understood as referring to Jesus’ pre-existence and his choice to take on a humble human life. The contrast sharpens the sense of what Jesus gave up and what believers gain.
  • πτωχεία (ptōcheia, "poverty") and πλουτέω (plouteō, "be rich"): The Greek here carries the sense of a complete reversal—Jesus’ poverty is not just material but involves giving up status and privilege, so that believers might gain spiritual riches.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:9 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian generosity is just about money; it roots giving in the example of Jesus’ self-sacrifice.
  • Paul’s use of wealth and poverty language ties the practical act of giving to deep spiritual truths, showing that generosity reflects God’s character.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is a turning point, reminding the Corinthians that their giving should be motivated by gratitude for what Jesus has already done for them.

Where else these words appear

“poverty” Greek G4432 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
  • Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty,(but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

“rich” Greek G4147 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
  • Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

“rich” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.