“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
Question:
What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:9, which says He became poor so that we might become rich through His poverty?
Scripture (2 Corinthians 8:9, NIV):
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.
The Context
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthian believers about the ministry of giving to help the poor among the saints in other churches far away. He encourages them to give generously by pointing to Christ’s own example of grace.
Paul reminds them how Jesus willingly became poor—not because He lacked divinity or worth, but because He left behind His heavenly glory, power, and authority to take on the lowly form of humanity. He humbled Himself, living a simple earthly life, and ultimately endured the cross for our redemption.
If Christ had not humbled Himself, accepting rejection, humiliation, and even crucifixion (naked and despised), then we would not have received forgiveness of sins.
Supporting Scripture
Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Through His humility, we have now received grace and every spiritual blessing.
Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
The Example of the Macedonian Churches
Paul also uses the Macedonian believers as an example. Even though they were very poor and suffering under many trials, they still gave generously and joyfully to support the saints in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:1–3 (NIV):
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own…
This teaches us that we too are called to serve and support one another in Christ—even when we ourselves are facing challenges.
A Common Misunderstanding
One mistake some people make is to interpret this verse as meaning that Jesus became poor so that we would become financially wealthy. While it is true that God blesses His people in many ways, this verse is not primarily about money.
Paul is talking about spiritual riches—the wealth of salvation, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life that we receive through Christ. The poverty of Jesus was about leaving heaven’s glory to give us the riches of His Spirit and the promise of the world to come.
Conclusion
Christ’s humility is both our salvation and our example. Just as He gave Himself for us, we are called to give freely, generously, and joyfully, especially to those in need.
May the Lord bless you as you live out this truth.