Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:29

What does 2 Corinthians 11:29 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:29 means

Paul identifies with the weak and the stumbling. When a believer is weak, he is weak with them; when someone is caused to stumble, he “burns” with indignation and concern. This empathy shows the heart of a true shepherd. He does not tower above the flock; he shares their sufferings and fights for their holiness. His reaction is not cold analysis but passionate care. This ties his ministry to Christ’s compassion, who bears with the weak. Such solidarity is as much a mark of apostleship as dramatic trials. It displays love that enters others’ struggles and seeks their restoration and strength.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is caused to stumble, and I burn not?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is caused to stumble, and I burn not?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Who is feeble and I am not feeble? who is in danger of falling, and I am not angry?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Who is infirm, and I am not infirm? who is stumbled, and I am not fired;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is stumbled, and I burn not?

Context

Following the mention of daily anxiety (v.28), Paul deepens the picture by describing empathetic participation in others’ weaknesses and temptations (v.29). This completes his testimony of both external and internal sufferings. Now he can state the principle guiding his boasting (v.30): he will glory in weaknesses. He then invokes God as witness to his truthfulness (v.31) and closes with an illustrative episode from Damascus (vv.32–33), a humiliating escape that perfectly matches his theme of power shown through lowliness.

v.28Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

v.29This passage

v.30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Nehemiah 13:23

    In those days also saw I the Jews that had married women of Ashdod, of Ammon, andof Moab:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

  • Nehemiah 13:15

    In those days saw I in Judah some men treading winepresses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses therewith; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:26

    And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

  • Galatians 3:1

    O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?

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