2 Corinthians 12:10
What does 2 Corinthians 12:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:10 means
Because Christ’s power is perfected in weakness, Paul can “take pleasure” in a catalogue of hardships—weaknesses, injuries, necessities, persecutions, and distresses—provided they are “for Christ’s sake.” This is not masochism. It is a settled joy that knows trials are the arena where the Lord shows Himself strong. The paradox “when I am weak, then am I strong” names the Christian secret: dependence is strength, because it draws on Christ. Paul thus reframes suffering as participation in Christ’s mission, not a detour from it. His contentment in adversity is a testimony that grace truly suffices, turning liabilities into platforms for the Savior’s power and the church’s encouragement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore 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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ: for when I am weak, then I am powerful.
Context
Verse 10 concludes the doctrinal heart formed by verses 7–9. With the Lord’s word received, Paul announces his new valuation of hardship. The narrative now returns to the contested field of apostleship (verse 11), where Paul will insist he is in no way behind the “very chiefest apostles,” even as he calls himself “nothing.” That humility fits with the lesson of weakness. From there, he will point to signs, wonders, and patient endurance among the Corinthians (verse 12) and to his consistent refusal to burden them financially (verses 13–18), before closing with fears about their spiritual condition (verses 19–21).
v.9And 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.
v.10This passage
v.11I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 13:9
For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
- Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
- 2 Corinthians 5:15
and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4
who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
- Philippians 2:17
Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:
- Romans 5:3
And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;
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