For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

2 CORINTHIANS 9:12KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 9:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:12 mean?

2 Corinthians 9:12 says that the act of providing for the needs of fellow believers does more than just meet their material needs; it also results in many people giving thanks to God. Paul is highlighting that generosity not only helps others but also leads to greater gratitude and praise directed toward God.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, encouraging them to support believers in need, especially those in Jerusalem. He explains that their financial gift (“the administration of this service”) is important not just because it supplies what the saints lack, but because it causes many to thank God, multiplying the impact of their generosity beyond the immediate help.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 9:12

  • διακονία (diakonia, “administration”): This word means service or ministry, emphasizing that giving is a form of serving others, not just a financial transaction.
  • λειτουργία (leitourgia, “service”): This term often referred to public service or religious duty, suggesting that the act of giving is seen as a sacred responsibility.
  • εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, “thanksgivings”): The Greek word for thanksgiving here points to gratitude expressed to God, showing that the outcome of generosity is spiritual as well as practical.

Why 2 Corinthians 9:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian giving is not only about meeting physical needs but is also deeply spiritual, resulting in praise and thanksgiving to God.
  • Paul’s words connect personal generosity to a wider community response, showing that acts of kindness ripple outward and inspire others to worship God.
  • The verse helps the reader see that practical help and spiritual encouragement are both important outcomes of serving others, tying together material support and spiritual blessing.

Where else these words appear

“supplieth” Greek G4322 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

“service” Greek G3009 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
  • Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
  • Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

“want” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“thanksgivings” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;