What does 2 Corinthians 9:15 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 9:15 is a doxological statement, where the apostle Paul is offering praise and gratitude to God.

The word "Thanks" indicates a joyful expression of gratitude, often used in a liturgical or worship setting.

The phrase "unspeakable gift" refers to something so great and marvelous that it defies complete description or full articulation.

The verse functions as the climax of Paul's thoughts on the generosity of the Corinthian church in their giving and sharing with other believers.

While this specific gift could allude to the contributions collected for the Jerusalem church, on a deeper level, it speaks to the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation he provides, which is the ultimate source of spiritual generosity and giving.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians written approximately in A.D. 55–57.

The Corinthian church was situated in a strategic port city that was affluent but also known for its moral corruption.

In this context, Paul is addressing concerns about a collection he was organizing for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem.

He commends the generous actions of the Macedonian churches despite their own poverty and encourages the Corinthian church to fulfill their earlier promise of support.

This call to material generosity extends to encapsulate the heart of Christian giving, rooted in the graciousness of God's own gift to humanity.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians often refer to 2 Corinthians 9:15 when discussing the doctrine of grace. The "unspeakable gift" is seen as a reference to the grace of God, ultimately embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

From an evangelical perspective, this gift is salvation and the resulting transformation in the life of a believer, which cannot be earned but is freely given.

Reformist doctrine also upholds the idea of 'sola gratia,' implying that grace alone is the means of salvation, an idea strongly supported by this verse.

In contrast, liberation theology might view the "unspeakable gift" as a call to social justice, the embodiment of Christ's work in acts of charity and liberation for the oppressed.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, 2 Corinthians 9:15 can serve as a call to recognize and be thankful for God's gifts, primarily the gift of salvation in Christ.

It also challenges individuals to respond to these spiritual blessings with generosity in their own lives, extending charity and support to others willingly and joyously.

Practically, this could manifest in giving to church, supporting charitable causes, or offering time and resources to help those in need, out of gratitude for God's grace.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:8 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
• Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
• 1 Peter 1:8 - "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"

Language Study

The original Greek phrase used by Paul is "ἀνεκδιήγητον αὐτοῦ δῶρον" (anekdiēgēton autou dōron).

The term "anekdiēgēton" is a compound word that means "indescribable," "inexpressible," or "beyond telling." "Dōron" is a common Greek word for "gift" and refers here to something given generously.

The use of "anekdiēgēton" is critical because it underscores the idea that the gift – the grace of God or the person of Christ – is so remarkable that it cannot fully be explained or captured with words.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

2 Corinthians 9:15 can be compared to several ancient religious texts where deities bestow gifts upon humanity. For instance, in some Greek myths, gods give heroes gifts to assist them on their quests.

However, these gifts often come with expectations or burdens, contrasting the Christian perspective where the gift of salvation is free and unmerited.

In Buddhism, while there is no god giving gifts, the concept of dana (generosity) is important, and the greatest gift one can offer is the teaching of Dharma, which is somewhat akin to Paul's emphasis on spiritual gifts.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the concept of gratitude which Paul expresses in the verse is widely regarded as beneficial for mental and physical well-being.

Studies in the field of positive psychology have shown that gratitude can improve happiness, reduce depression, and enhance social cohesion.

While science does not engage with the theological implications of the "unspeakable gift," it does recognize the human benefits of experiencing and expressing gratitude.

Commentaries

Commentators note that 2 Corinthians 9:15 encapsulates Paul's doxology or expression of praise, which serves as the conclusion to his discourse on Christian giving.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the "unspeakable" character of the gift as it relates to salvation through Jesus Christ.

The MacArthur Study Bible also points out that Paul uses the term "unspeakable" to convey that the gift God has given in Christ is so profound that it surpasses the power of words to fully describe.

Other scholars propose that the immediate context suggests Paul could also be including the generous disposition given by God to the Corinthians as part of the "unspeakable gift," linking divine grace to the grace expressed by human beings in acts of giving.