Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. New Living Translation Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. English Standard Version But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And He said to me, "My grace suffices you, for the power is perfected in weakness." Therefore will I boast rather most gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. New American Standard Bible And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. NASB 1995 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. NASB 1977 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Legacy Standard Bible And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Amplified Bible but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. Christian Standard Bible But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. Holman Christian Standard Bible But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. American Standard Version And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Contemporary English Version But he replied, "My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. English Revised Version And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. GOD'S WORD® Translation But he told me: "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ's power will live in me. Good News Translation But his answer was: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. International Standard Version but he has told me, "My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah's power may rest on me. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. New Heart English Bible He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Webster's Bible Translation And he said to 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. Weymouth New Testament but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them--in order that Christ's power may overshadow me. World English Bible He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness”; most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may rest on me: Berean Literal Bible And He said to me, "My grace suffices you, for the power is perfected in weakness." Therefore will I boast rather most gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Young's Literal Translation and He said to me, 'Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me: Smith's Literal Translation And he said to me, My grace suffices thee: for my power is perfected in weakness. Therefore very willingly will I boast rather in my weaknesses, that Christ's power may lodge upon me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee; for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you. For virtue is perfected in weakness.” And so, willingly shall I glory in my weaknesses, so that the virtue of Christ may live within me. New American Bible but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. New Revised Standard Version but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” I shall therefore joyfully boast in my sufferings, that the power of The Messiah may rest upon me. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may abide upon me. Godbey New Testament And he said to me, Haweis New Testament 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 fix its residence in me. Mace New Testament but he said to me, "my favour is sufficient for thee: for my strength is shown to be perfect by thy weakness." with pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may be seen to dwell in me. Weymouth New Testament but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them--in order that Christ's power may overshadow me. Worrell New Testament And He hath said to me, Worsley New Testament And He said unto me, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Thorn and God's Grace…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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.… Cross References Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 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. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 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. Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. 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, Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 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. 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. 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. 1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 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. 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. Colossians 1:11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully Treasury of Scripture And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: 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 on me. My grace. 2 Corinthians 12:10 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. 2 Corinthians 3:5,6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; … Exodus 3:11,12 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? … for. Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Isaiah 35:3,4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees… Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength… Most. 2 Corinthians 12:10,15 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… Matthew 5:11,12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake… glory. 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. the power. 2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. Isaiah 4:5,6 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence… Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Jump to Previous Boast Body Christ Christ's Complain Complete Dwell Enough Feeble Gladly Glory Grace Infirmities Infirmity Order Overshadow Perfect Perfected Power Pride Rather Rest Strength Suffices Sufficient Weakness WeaknessesJump to Next Boast Body Christ Christ's Complain Complete Dwell Enough Feeble Gladly Glory Grace Infirmities Infirmity Order Overshadow Perfect Perfected Power Pride Rather Rest Strength Suffices Sufficient Weakness Weaknesses2 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. But He said to me This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Paul. In the context of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul is recounting a personal revelation where God responds to his plea regarding a "thorn in the flesh." This highlights the personal relationship between God and His followers, emphasizing that God speaks to His people, often in response to their prayers and struggles. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, who is sharing his personal experience of receiving a revelation from God about the sufficiency of His grace. 2. Corinth The city where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and immorality. 3. Thorn in the Flesh A metaphorical expression used by Paul earlier in the chapter to describe a persistent problem or affliction he faced, which he asked God to remove. 4. Christ Central to this passage, as Paul emphasizes the power of Christ being made perfect in his weakness. 5. God's Grace The unmerited favor and strength provided by God, which Paul highlights as sufficient for overcoming his weaknesses. Teaching Points Understanding God's GraceRecognize that God's grace is not just a one-time gift but a continual source of strength and support in our lives. Embracing Weakness Instead of hiding or being ashamed of our weaknesses, we should embrace them as opportunities for God's power to be displayed. Boasting in Christ Our focus should be on boasting in what Christ has done and is doing in our lives, rather than our own achievements. Dependence on God This passage teaches us to rely on God's strength rather than our own, especially in times of difficulty. Power in Humility True strength comes from acknowledging our limitations and allowing Christ's power to work through us.(9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee.--The words fit in, more or less, with each of the two views that have been discussed above. From one point of view, however, it seems infinitely more in harmony with our thoughts of God, that the prayer to be relieved from pain should be refused, because it was working out a higher perfection than was attainable without it, than that a deaf ear should have been turned to a prayer to be relieved from the temptation to impurity. Such a prayer seems to us to carry with it something like an assurance of its own prevailing power. Some of the better MSS. omit the possessive "My," and with that reading the words take the form of a general axiom affirming that, in the highest sense, "might is perfected in weakness." The last word is the same as that translated "infirmity" in the next clause. The variation, as concealing this, is so far unfortunate. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities.--The word, as has just been said, is the same as the "weakness" in the answer to his prayer. He finds not comfort only, but actual delight, in his consciousness of weakness, because it is balanced by the sense that the might of Christ dwells in him and around him. The word for "rest" is literally, as a like word in John 1:14, to dwell as in a tent, and suggests the thought that the might of Christ was to him as the Shechinah cloud of glory encompassing him and protecting him. Verse 9. - And he said unto me. The original is much more forcible: "And he has said to me." Is sufficient for thee. A similar phrase, though in a very different context, occurs in Deuteronomy 3:26. My strength is made perfect in weakness (comp. 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 2:3-5). The verse contains a paradox, which yet describes the best history of the world. The paradox becomes more suggestive if, with א, A, B, D, F, G, we omit "my." May rest upon me; literally, may tabernacle over me. The compound verb occurs here alone, but the simple verb and the substantive occur in similar meanings in John 1:14; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 21:3 (comp. 2 Corinthians 5:1).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. He said εἴρηκέν (eirēken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. to me, μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. “My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. grace χάρις (charis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. is sufficient Ἀρκεῖ (Arkei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 714: To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail. for you, σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. [My] ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. power δύναμις (dynamis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. is perfected τελεῖται (teleitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5055: (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge. 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. weakness.” ἀσθενείᾳ (astheneia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. Therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. I will boast καυχήσομαι (kauchēsomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt. all the more μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. gladly Ἥδιστα (Hēdista) Adverb - Superlative Strong's 2236: Most gladly, most pleasantly. Neuter plural of the superlative of the same as hedeos; with great pleasure. 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. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. weaknesses, ἀσθενείαις (astheneiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. power δύναμις (dynamis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. 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. may rest ἐπισκηνώσῃ (episkēnōsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1981: To raise a tent (over), dwell, spread a tabernacle over. From epi and skenoo; to tent upon, i.e. abide with. on ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. me. ἐμὲ (eme) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Links 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 2 Corinthians 12:9 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 12:9 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 12:9 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 12:9 French Bible 2 Corinthians 12:9 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:9 He has said to me My grace (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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