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2 Corinthians 12:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
2 Corinthians 12:15 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.
13For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except [it be] that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
16But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?
18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?
← 2 Corinthians 12:142 Corinthians 12:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I will gladly spend, etc..] Meaning all his time, talents, and strength, which God had bestowed upon him for their spiritual profit and advantage; yea, all that small pittance of worldly goods that he enjoyed: he not only determined to take nothing from them, but was willing to communicate his little substance to them, or spend it in their service; and not only so, but be spent for them: and be spent for you, or “for your souls”: for the good of them; his sense is, either that he was willing to have his whole substance expended, if it would be of any use to them; or his whole strength exhausted, in laborious preaching to them; or even his life to be laid down for them, was it necessary;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will . . . spend--all I have. be spent--all that I am. This is more than even natural parents do. They "lay up treasures for their children." But I spend not merely my treasures, but myself. for you--Greek, "for your souls"; not for your mere bodies. the less I be loved--Love rather descends than ascends [BENGEL]. Love him as a true friend who seeks your good more than your good will.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And I will very gladly spend - I am willing to spend my strength, and time, and life, and all that I have, for your welfare, as a father cheerfully does for his children. Any expense which may be necessary to promote your salvation I am willing to submit to. The labor of a father for his children is cheerful and pleasant. Such is his love for them that he delights in toil for their sake, and that he may make them happy. The toil of a pastor for his flock should be cheerful. He should be willing to engage in unremitted efforts for their welfare; and if he has any right feeling he will find a pleasure in that toil He will not grudge the time demanded; he will not be grieved that it exhausts…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will gladly spend - All I have. And be spent - Myself. 2 Corinthians 12:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“will: Co2 12:9, Co2 1:6, Co2 1:14, Co2 2:3, Co2 7:3; Joh 10:10, Joh 10:11; Gal 4:10; Phi 2:17; Col 1:24; Th1 2:8; Ti2 2:10 you: Gr. your souls, Co2 12:14; Heb 13:17 though: Co2 6:12, Co2 6:13; Sa2 13:39, Sa2 17:1-4, Sa2 18:33; Co1 4:8-18 2 Corinthians 12:16”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification