2 Corinthians 12:9

Translations

Modern

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Traditional

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Literal

And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Latin

…et dixit mihi: Sufficit tibi gratia mea: nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur. Libenter igitur gloriabor in infirmitatibus meis, ut inhabitet in me virtus Christi.

Original

Greek

English

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Notes

2 Corinthians 12:7–10

We do not know what Paul's thorn in the flesh was (see Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6). We only know it was meant to keep him humble, to burst his pride.
It was a messenger from Satan, meaning something or someone evil, so Paul asked the Lord to remove it. The Lord replied each time, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Paul's weakness allowed Christ's power to work through him by God's grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ's strength showed through his weakness.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.
These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:
1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).
2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.
3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God or Satan? Passing On Authority and Responsibility to a New Leader Paul’s Role as an Apostle The Grace of God Visions

Related verses

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.
Ephesians 3:16
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
2 Corinthians 3:5–6
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 12:5
I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Corinthians 2:5
…so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Paul the Apostle Power Pride Promise Second Letter to the Corinthians Spirit of God

Topics

Adult Children Adversity Affliction Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Answers To Prayer: Granted: Sometimes Differently from Our Desire Assisted Suicide Becoming Weak Being Vindictive Broken Hearts Christ is God: As the Object of Divine Worship Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted Crisis Difficult Times Disabled People Discouragement Emotional Healing Empowerment Failure Failures Faith in Christ, Exemplified Family Rejection Feeling Sad Follow Through Football Forgetting the Past Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Hardships Healing a Broken Heart Helping the Helpless Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Illness Isolation Jesus, the Christ: Worship of Joy in Sufferings Losing Friends Loss Martyrs Mental Abuse

2 Corinthians 12:9

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