2 Corinthians 12:10
New International Version
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

New Living Translation
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

English Standard Version
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and difficulties for Christ; for when I might be weak, then I am strong.

King James Bible
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

New King James Version
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

NASB 1995
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

NASB 1977
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Amplified Bible
So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

Christian Standard Bible
So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

American Standard Version
Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Contemporary English Version
Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

English Revised Version
Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. It's clear that when I'm weak, I'm strong.

Good News Translation
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

International Standard Version
That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Weymouth New Testament
In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

World English Bible
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for this reason I am well pleased in weaknesses, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses—for Christ; for whenever I may be weak, then I am powerful;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and difficulties for Christ; for when I might be weak, then I am strong.

Young's Literal Translation
wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses -- for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful;

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore am I contented in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities in expulsions, in extremities for Christ: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Because of this, I am pleased in my infirmity: in reproaches, in difficulties, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.

New American Bible
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because of this, I am pleased with suffering, with disgrace, with distress, with persecution, with imprisonment, which is for the person of The Messiah, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this reason, I take pleasure in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore I delight in infirmities, in insults, in difficulties, in persecutions, and in tight places, for Christ's sake: for when I am without strength, then I am dynamite.

Haweis New Testament
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Mace New Testament
I take pleasure then in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am afflicted, then it is I have fortitude.

Weymouth New Testament
In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Worrell New Testament
Wherefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I powerful.

Worsley New Testament
And therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, and in straits for the sake of Christ: for when I am thus weak, then am I made strong.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Thorn and God's Grace
9But 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. 10That 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. 11I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.…

Cross References
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 4:13-14
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:34
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, / yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! / GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I take.

2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10,17
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; …

2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

in infirmities.

2 Corinthians 11:23-30
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft…

for Christ's.

2 Corinthians 4:5,11
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake…

2 Corinthians 10:18
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

for when.

2 Corinthians 12:9
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.

2 Corinthians 13:4,9
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you…

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

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Account Attacks Bearing Calamities Christ Christ's Content Cruel Damages Delight Difficulties Distress Distresses Fact Feeble Grievous Hardships Infirmities Insults Necessities Needs Persecutions Pleased Pleasure Powerful Reproaches Sake Straits Strong Troubles Unkind Weak Weaknesses Words
2 Corinthians 12
1. For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,
9. yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;
11. blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.
14. He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;
20. although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.














That is why
This phrase serves as a conclusion to the preceding verses where Paul discusses his "thorn in the flesh" and the sufficiency of God's grace. The Greek word "διό" (dio) indicates a reasoned conclusion, emphasizing that Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses is a deliberate and thoughtful response to his understanding of Christ's power being perfected in weakness.

for the sake of Christ
Paul's motivation is centered on Christ. The Greek phrase "ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ" (hyper Christou) suggests acting on behalf of or for the benefit of Christ. This reflects a deep commitment to living a life that honors and glorifies Jesus, even if it means enduring suffering. Historically, this aligns with the early Christian understanding of sharing in Christ's sufferings as a form of fellowship with Him.

I delight
The Greek word "εὐδοκῶ" (eudokō) conveys a sense of taking pleasure or finding satisfaction. This is counterintuitive, as it suggests finding joy in circumstances that are typically undesirable. Paul's use of this word indicates a profound transformation in perspective, where suffering is not merely tolerated but embraced as a means of experiencing Christ's power.

in weaknesses
The term "ἀσθενείαις" (astheneiais) refers to physical, emotional, or spiritual frailties. In the context of Paul's ministry, these weaknesses highlight human limitations and the need for divine strength. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that God's power is most evident when human ability is insufficient.

in insults
The Greek word "ὕβρεσιν" (hybresin) refers to verbal abuse or slander. Paul faced significant opposition and ridicule for his faith. This phrase underscores the reality that following Christ often involves enduring scorn from the world, yet it is in these moments that believers can most closely identify with Christ's own sufferings.

in hardships
"ἀνάγκαις" (anankais) denotes necessities or distresses. These are the unavoidable challenges that come with life and ministry. Paul's inclusion of this term suggests that even the most pressing difficulties are opportunities for God's grace to be displayed.

in persecutions
The word "διωγμοῖς" (diōgmois) refers to systematic harassment or oppression. Paul experienced persecution firsthand, and his willingness to endure it for the sake of the Gospel is a testament to his faith and commitment. This reflects the early church's experience and the understanding that persecution is a mark of true discipleship.

in difficulties
The Greek "στενοχωρίαις" (stenochōriais) implies being in dire straits or extreme affliction. This term captures the essence of being pressed on all sides, yet Paul finds reason to rejoice, knowing that such trials are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

For when I am weak, then I am strong
This paradoxical statement encapsulates the heart of Paul's message. The Greek "ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι" (hotan gar asthenō, tote dynatos eimi) highlights the divine principle that true strength is found in reliance on God rather than self. Historically, this has been a cornerstone of Christian teaching, emphasizing that human weakness is the canvas on which God's power is most vividly displayed. This truth is both humbling and empowering, encouraging believers to embrace their limitations as opportunities for God's strength to be revealed.

(10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities.--The thoughts of the Apostle go back to the sufferings of which he had spoken fully in 2 Corinthians 11 and elsewhere. One new word is added, "reproaches" (better, insults), which elsewhere in the New Testament meets us only in Acts 27:10; Acts 27:21, in the sense of material damage. Here the reference is probably to the taunts and sneers to which we have traced allusions in 2Corinthians 1:17; 2Corinthians 3:1; 2Corinthians 7:8; 2Corinthians 8:2; 2Corinthians 10:10; 2Corinthians 11:6; 2Corinthians 11:8; 2Corinthians 11:16. He was able to bear even these with satisfaction when he felt that he was bearing them for the sake of Christ. He had learnt to add another paradox to those of 2Corinthians 6:9-10, and to feel that the greatest weakness was not only compatible with the highest strength, but might be the very condition of its energy. . . . Verse 10. - I take pleasure in; I am content to bear them cheerfully (2 Corinthians 7:4; Romans 5:3). Strong; rather, powerful, mighty. The resemblance to Philo ('Vit. Mos.,' Opp., 1:613, "Your weakness is might") is probably accidental (see 1 Corinthians 15:54; Colossians 3:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
That is why,
διὸ (dio)
Conjunction
Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.

for the sake
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

of Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

I delight
εὐδοκῶ (eudokō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2106: To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

weaknesses,
ἀσθενείαις (astheneiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

insults,
ὕβρεσιν (hybresin)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5196: (a) insult, injury, outrage, (b) damage, loss. From huper; insolence, i.e. Insult, injury.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

hardships,
ἀνάγκαις (anankais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 318: From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

persecutions,
διωγμοῖς (diōgmois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1375: Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution.

[in]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

difficulties.
στενοχωρίαις (stenochōriais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4730: A narrow space, great distress, anguish. From a compound of stenos and chora; narrowness of room, i.e. calamity.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

when
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

I am weak,
ἀσθενῶ (asthenō)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

then
τότε (tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

I am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

strong.
δυνατός (dynatos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 12:9
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