2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

Extended Explanation

This verse is Paul’s grand conclusion to his teaching on generosity in 2 Corinthians 9. After explaining how giving blesses others, strengthens the church, and glorifies God, Paul shifts the focus back to the greatest gift of all—God’s gift to us.

Paul calls this “indescribable” because no human words can fully capture its greatness. This gift is the grace of God given through Jesus Christ. While Paul has been talking about generosity, he now reminds the Corinthians that all generosity begins with God.

God’s greatest act of generosity was sending His Son to die for our sins. No other gift—whether financial, material, or relational—can compare to the gift of salvation. This verse is a moment of pure praise, as Paul gives thanks to God for what He has done.

Historical Context

Paul had been encouraging the Corinthian believers to complete their financial gift to help suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. He explained how their generosity would meet real needs, strengthen unity in the church, and bring thanksgiving to God.

But Paul does not end with a focus on money. Instead, he shifts the focus to God’s generosity. No matter how much we give, it is nothing compared to what God has already given us. Paul had already written to the Corinthians about the grace of Jesus, saying:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

By ending with this statement of praise, Paul reminds the Corinthians that all giving is a response to what God has already given us.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. God is the ultimate giver. No one can outgive Him, because His generosity is limitless.
2. Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift. Salvation through Christ is beyond human description.
3. All generosity flows from gratitude. When we understand what God has given us, we respond with thanksgiving and generosity toward others.
4. Giving is a form of worship. Paul does not end this section with more instructions—he ends with praise to God, showing that generosity leads to worship and gratitude.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “indescribable” (Greek: anexēgētos) is unique—this is the only place in the Bible where this word is used. It means something so great, so beyond human understanding, that no words can fully explain it.

This verse is also different from the rest of the passage. While most of 2 Corinthians 9 is instructional—teaching about generosity—this final verse is purely a statement of praise. Paul does not try to explain God’s gift, because it cannot be explained—it can only be received and worshiped.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
• James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers to never lose sight of the greatest gift—salvation through Jesus Christ. In a world where people chase money, success, and comfort, Paul reminds us that the most valuable thing we have is what God has freely given us.

It also challenges us to live with gratitude. If we truly understand what God has done for us, we will be naturally moved to praise Him, thank Him, and live generously toward others.

Generosity is not about guilt or obligation—it is a response to the overwhelming goodness of God. When we realize that God has given us everything, our hearts will overflow with thankfulness and a desire to share His love with others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is most clearly shown in His giving.

• He gave us life.
• He gave us salvation through Jesus.
• He gives us grace every day.

Unlike human generosity, which often has limits, God’s giving has no end. He continues to bless, guide, and provide for His people—not because we deserve it, but because His love is that deep.

This verse reminds us that everything we have is because God first gave to us. We do not earn His blessings; we receive them as a gift of grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the “indescribable gift” that Paul is praising in this verse.

• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
• Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
• Titus 3:5-7 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”

Jesus left the riches of heaven, humbled Himself, and took on human form to die in our place. There is no greater gift than that. Paul knows that no words can fully describe the depth of this love, so he simply bursts into praise.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. When you think about God’s gift of salvation, do you respond with deep gratitude, or do you take it for granted?
2. How can you reflect God’s generosity in your own life?
3. Have you ever received a gift that was so great, you struggled to put it into words? How does that compare to God’s gift in Jesus?
4. In what ways can you live a life of thanksgiving for all that God has given you?
5. How can you help others see the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ?

This verse is a powerful conclusion to Paul’s teaching on generosity. It reminds us that every act of giving points back to the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. When we truly understand what God has given us, our natural response should be thanksgiving, worship, and a life of generosity.