Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:15KJV
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2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 9:15 mean?

2 Corinthians 9:15 is Paul’s expression of thanks to God for a gift so great that words cannot adequately describe it. Paul’s closing words lift the reader’s attention from the giving he has been discussing to the generosity of God.

Paul writes to the believers in Corinth as he discusses their collection for people in need. Coming after his description of the recipients’ prayers in verse 14, his brief outburst of thanks gives the passage a personal and joyful ending.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 9:15

  • “unspeakable” — ἀνεκδιήγητος (anekdiēgētos): This word carries the sense of something beyond full description. Here, “unspeakable” points to the greatness of the gift, not to something that must not be spoken about.
  • “gift” — δωρεά (dōrea): This word refers to something given freely. In this verse, Paul presents the gift as coming from God.

Why 2 Corinthians 9:15 matters

  • God’s generosity stands behind Paul’s discussion of human generosity. The collection is meant to meet needs and also lead people to thank God, as Paul says in verse 12.
  • The gift’s greatness is Paul’s emphasis, rather than a detailed explanation of what the gift is. Readers often understand the gift to refer to Jesus Christ, though Paul does not name the gift in this sentence.

Where else these words appear

“gift” Greek G1431 · used in 11 verses

  • John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
  • Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  • Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

“Thanks” 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.